I submitted the reviews because there are technical insights there and its a unique offering now. My own is (unpublished yet):
I am a relatively happy owner of the CalDigit TS4, which I use exclusively with an Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max. Considering that the M1 Max is the only MacBook Pro that supports three external monitors simultaneously, I’ve found this dock to be a good fit for my setup. I also own other Thunderbolt docks (e.g., Dell TB16) with Thunderbolt 3 support. My three external monitors are connected as follows: one via the HDMI port on the MacBook, another through the DisplayPort slot on the dock, and the third using a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter. This setup works flawlessly.
However, problems arise when I connect more power-demanding devices. Even something as simple as charging my mobile phone or tablet via one of the ports causes issues, leading to other devices or connections failing. I believe this is a design flaw in how the CalDigit TS4 handles power distribution.
I have the Dell TB dock because I was able to get two of them in an auction for a fraction of usual price. But I haven't tested it yet.
I purchased the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock when I got my M1 MacBook (not pro), and it seems to work ok.
But my desk setup is janky: two Dell 27" 4K monitors: one via TB4 → DisplayPort and the other with HDMI. The monitors are fond of switching inputs when they don't have a signal, and that might bring insanity to someone who needs to get work done.
It's an added wrinkle, possibly out of the control of the Thunderbolt hub. But should definitely be a consideration for those who plan to use external displays with their dock: getting monitors that just work.
I was happy with the TB16 and an "old" XPS 13 from 2017 which is lighter than the MacBook Air but... battery trumps Apple. In 2017 (and before?) I could connect three external monitors (haven't tried more than that) in that old XPS 13 with an old TB16 using Thunderbolt 3.
I think my issue is related to power management because it happens when a device drains more energy (e.g. charging a mobile phone). I don't think a firmware update would do the trick, do you? Except if power management is written in upgradeable firmware.
If I use fewer devices I don't see the problems but the TS4 has 18 ports!
I am a relatively happy owner of the CalDigit TS4, which I use exclusively with an Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max. Considering that the M1 Max is the only MacBook Pro that supports three external monitors simultaneously, I’ve found this dock to be a good fit for my setup. I also own other Thunderbolt docks (e.g., Dell TB16) with Thunderbolt 3 support. My three external monitors are connected as follows: one via the HDMI port on the MacBook, another through the DisplayPort slot on the dock, and the third using a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter. This setup works flawlessly.
However, problems arise when I connect more power-demanding devices. Even something as simple as charging my mobile phone or tablet via one of the ports causes issues, leading to other devices or connections failing. I believe this is a design flaw in how the CalDigit TS4 handles power distribution.