Hands on: LandingZone dock for MacBook Air
updated 10:45 pm EST, Fri January 27, 2012
First look at Kickstarter project
Several successful Kickstarter projects are currently on hand at the Macworld iWorld expo for potential customers to try out, including LandingZone's docking station for the MacBook Air. Electronista initially wrote about the device before it had gathered enough funding to pass through the Kickstarter program, so we were excited to get a chance to see it in person.
As the MacBook Air becomes more powerful, many owners may find that it is capable of serving as a desktop machine when connected to an external display. The scant number of ports on the small notebook make such configurations difficult, however the LandingZone dock attempts to overcome the limitation.
The dock clamps onto the few ports that the Air does provide, expanding the USB connections into four ports alongside Ethernet and Mini DisplayPort connections. The build quality seems solid, while the slight lift at the notebook hinge is perfect for typing on the Air itself.
We like the LandingZone dock, though the lack of Thunderbolt compatibility may be a deal breaker for some buyers. Customers will be able to purchase separate models for the 11- or 13-inch Airs, each priced at $199.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2011
Handy. But...
You lost me at the $199.00.