The Apple MacBook, released in 2016, completely changed the laptop interface. At the time, laptops tended to be thin and have as many interfaces as possible, but Apple MacBook only applied Thunderbolt 3 ports to make it thinner. It was very inconvenient for consumers, but as USB-C type hubs came out steadily, the way to use them was opened.
Electronic products currently being released in 2023 are equipped with a C-type terminal as standard, and are used in various ways, such as charging products, connecting USB hubs, displays, and storage devices. If you are using the latest product, it is basic to use a combination of USB-C type hubs. In line with this trend, Camelmount, a monitor arm manufacturer, has released ‘PMA2WDS’ that combines a monitor arm with a USB-C hub. PMA2WDS is a single monitor arm configuration, and features a hub function including USB-PD function on the axis of the cradle. I tried PMA2WDS to organize my desk more neatly.
Docking station integrated monitor arm, PMA2WDS
A docking station is placed on the axis of the monitor arm. Source = IT Donga
PMA2WDS is a product that combines a docking station with the cradle of Camel’s PMA2 series that was previously released, and is divided into a single monitor arm PMA2DS and a dual PMA2DDS. Previously, there were products with built-in USB-A terminals, but the docking station of PMA2WDS supports display, network connection, and device charging as well as a USB hub. The review was conducted as a single product, and the weight of the product is 5.41kg. Mountable monitors are up to 35 inches and 15 kg.
The clamp requires simple assembly. Source = IT DongaThe monitor arm supports both the hole type that is fixed in the prepared hole of the desk as it is and the clamp type that is fixed in the form of tongs at the end of the desk. The clamp method can be fixed to a desk up to 8 cm thick. To assemble, screw the top bracket to the bottom of the docking station, then attach the included anti-scratch pad. Next, connect the bottom bracket, insert a square iron piece at the end of the long fixing screw to fix it, and then turn the screw to fix it firmly to the desk. All screwdrivers and hex wrenches required for assembly are provided as standard.
After mounting the monitor arm, you need to turn the fixing screw on the back. Source = IT DongaThen take the monitor arm out of the package and fix it. The shorter part is the side that is fixed to the docking station, and the longer part is placed on top. When both arms are connected, the basic assembly is finished, and a screwdriver is used to secure the screws on the back of the joint so that the arms do not come off. In a fixed state, the cancer does not fall out.
Vesa mounts support 75×75 and 100×100. Source = IT DongaWhen the basic arm shape is completed, take out the VESA mount included in the box and attach it to the back of the monitor. VESA mount is a monitor and stand fixing standard established by the Video Electronics Standards Committee. The VESA standard that can be fixed is a 75×75 VESA mount with a width and length of 75mm and a 100×100 VESA mount with a length of 100mm. Before purchasing the product, you should check if it has a square vesa mount on the back of the monitor. If there is a VESA mount, place it with the ‘TOP’ of the mount facing upwards, and then secure it firmly using the set of screws included with the product.
After connecting the monitor arm, adjust the center of gravity by turning the tension adjusting screw. Source = IT DongaAfter fixing, lift the monitor and insert it into the end of the finished arm. If you hear a ‘click’ sound when inserting it, fixation is complete. At this time, if the weight of the monitor is heavy, the arm may sag and be damaged, so it must be fixed while supporting the weight.
If the arm sags while the monitor is fixed, turn the tension adjusting screw on the shaft to +, and if the arm rises, turn it to the – direction since the monitor is light. If the monitor’s eye level or tilt angle is bent, turn the hex screw on the side with a wrench to set it firmly. Finally, unscrew the fixing screw of the wire arrangement hole at the bottom of the arm and connect the monitor and the cable to complete the installation.
Connect everything from charging your laptop to your display
The docking station is equipped with HDMI, USB-C, A, and LAN ports. Source = IT DongaThe heart of the PMA2WDS is its central docking station. The specifications of the single docking station PMADS consist of a USB-PD port that supports 100W USB charging, an HDMI 2.0 port that supports 4K60p resolution, a 1Gbps Ethernet port, a USB-C port that supports display ALT, and two USB 3.1 ports. The dual model PMADDS has one more HDM and one USB-A type port. Existing PMA2 users can purchase and install a docking station separately.
USB-PD is a power transmission standard in the form of USB-C, and can provide a charging function of up to 100W. If you insert a laptop charger that charges via USB-C into the USB-PD port on the left, the device connected to the USB-C port on the front will be charged. In this state, if you connect the C-type terminal and a device, the docking station is activated. Even if the charger is not connected to the PD terminal, the hub function works, and the monitor must be connected to the docking station with an HDMI cable.
If you connect the monitor to the docking station, you can use the monitor by connecting it to the docking station. Source = IT DongaUsers can use all of the device charging, monitor connection, USB terminal, and LAN port with only USB-C connection. If you connect the docking station and HDMI and connect the Samsung Galaxy smartphone through the C-type terminal in this state, you can use all other terminals while using the ‘DeX’ function, the desktop solution of the Samsung smartphone. With just the initial setup, you can use both the monitor connection and the hub function with one terminal.
Note that the device must support both USB-PD and DP-ALT. DP-ALT is a technology that connects a monitor through a USB connection. Without this function, a monitor cannot be connected even if a USB-C type terminal is connected. If there is a lightning logo next to the C-type port, it is a Thunderbolt 3/4 port, so both USB-PD and DP-ALT are smoothly supported. may not be supported, so be sure to check.
Perfect for connecting MacBooks or tablets that lack ports
It is suitable when you want to save space or want to use it conveniently. Source = IT DongaThe combination of docking station and monitor arm is beyond expectations. You can save space by using a monitor arm, where you can achieve functionality and additional space at the same time. Connecting to a monitor and activating a terminal are all supported by simply connecting a USB-C cable, so convenience is excellent. Basically, it is very effective when combined with a MacBook Air that lacks terminals, an old MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro, or a laptop with only Thunderbolt terminals.
The price is 149,000 won for a single monitor arm and 209,000 won for a dual monitor arm, which is more expensive than regular monitor arms. Of course, there is a reason why the PMA2 itself is originally a premium product. If you purchase a docking station separately, the single product costs 59,000 won and the dual product costs 75,000 won. Considering that a usable USB-C hub costs more than 30,000 won, the price is reasonable. It is an ideal product if you currently own the PMA2 series, or if you are a minimalist who needs a desk that is as simple as possible but functional.
Reporter Nam Si-hyeon (sh@itdonga.com), specializing in Donga.com IT
