A Handy Multi-Function Hub for Your Photo Editing Desk: Baseus Spacemate 11-in-1 Docking Station Review

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A Handy Multifunctional Hub for Your Photo Editing Desk: Baseus 11-in-1 Spacemate Docking Station Review

Everyone wants a clean and organized desk, and this is possible even if you use multiple tools for editing. This docking station could be a good choice if you want to keep things simple.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to doing any editing work is having to separately set up and plug in all your devices and tools each time. We photographers have different preferences when it comes to editing processes and the tools involved in them. The goal is always to find a set of tools that will increase your efficiency and enhance your overall work experience, especially when you have to process hundreds of photos from huge photography projects.

The tools we use focus on expanding and managing the amount of storage we have on our computer, providing multiple monitors for better multitasking, and connecting physical tools to help editing and post-production processes are more efficient. Above all, the feeling of having a neat and tidy desk can have a huge impact on our mood while working.

Baseus Spacemate docking station

The Baseus 11-in-1 Spacemate Docking Station is a coffee cup-sized device (4.75×2.57 in) made of gray aluminum. This sits on a magnetically attached (and removable) base that has a nano-adhesive bottom that firmly adheres to the surface of your desk to prevent any unwanted movement.

On the front is a digital LED backlit display that serves as an indicator of which port is currently in use and indirectly which device is connected. Below this display is a 10 Gbps USB-C port right next to a 10 Gbps USB-A port, both of which serve as high-speed inputs best for connecting external digital storage.

At the back is a series of more expansive ports. It includes a 100 W PD charging USB-C port (charger and input cable not included), another 10 Gbps USB-A port, a slower 480 Mbps USB-A port for wired accessories or Less demanding wireless like keyboard and mouse, and 3.5mm auxiliary audio input/output port.

Next to this column are a set of two HDMI ports capable of up to 4K 60 Hz and a pair of DisplayPorts also capable of up to 4K 60 Hz. However, these ports can only be used with two HDMI ports and one DP port or two DP ports and one HDMI port at the same time. Below all the ports is a built-in non-detachable USB-C host cable for connecting to a laptop or even a mobile device.

At the top of the dock is a single backlit button that acts as a quick shortcut to put the device and all connected displays to sleep. When using your device in public, this can be a way to quickly hide any personal information. At the same time, when used in a private space, this button is a quick tool to bring devices to a resting state without having to completely turn off the computer.

User experience

Docking stations were created to virtually expand the connectivity of our computers, especially laptops, for use with more devices at the same time. The Baseus Spacemate docking station certainly does the job in a way that conveniently converges all input and output devices onto a single USB-C cable to the host computer. This allows the laptop to be quickly connected to a relatively permanent desktop setup that can include up to three additional displays.

Speed is always an important consideration when using such tools, especially if any accessories plugged in are for external storage. This docking station offers three 10 Gbps ports; However, with the growing popularity of USB-C as a more common connectivity option, in my opinion, it would be better to have more high-speed USB-C ports than USB-A. Currently, Spacemate offers three gateways; however, only one of them is USB-C and the other two are USB-A. It looks like the Baseus Spacemate (as the name suggests) is designed to be compact and portable for more options to take anywhere; however, it might have been better to have more ports or alternatively a more expansive version, especially for users with more demanding needs.

Regarding the use of multiple displays, it’s great that this can allow up to three 4K 60 Hz displays simultaneously. This is great for multitasking or even expanding the workspace across multiple monitors. Perhaps if a higher variant exists, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, it could/should support a higher resolution display and possibly even a faster refresh rate. What’s also great is that the dock already has its own 3.5mm audio port, which is great for users who prefer to listen through external speakers or headphones.

Perhaps as a casual user, maybe someone who uses their workstation for work, documenting or even gaming, this dock will be enough for regular use. However, as a photographer (and considering this is a photography publication), I have to say that the fact that this dock doesn’t have an SD card slot or even a micro SD card reader is a factor. very big. This adds to the impact of the fact that the number of high-speed slots is limited. I personally use a USB-C card reader ( Pgytech Createmate memory card reader and holder) when I have to, especially if the laptop I’m using is not equipped with a card reader and I’m not using other docks with card readers (such as when I was testing this) . This means that if I have a portable SSD connected, it will have a high-speed slot, and to be able to use another USB-C device like a card reader, I will have to use an adapter there’s a USB-A slot, which I think defeats the purpose of having a docking station.

General Baseus is a space buddy is a great tool to consider if you want to keep your desk organized and easily connected even with multiple devices. The indicator screen is also useful for keeping track of what’s plugged in at the back and adds to the aesthetics. Depending on the devices and tools you use, this docking station can help streamline things and expand your computer connectivity.