I modified my PC setup with a 15-in-1 docking station, and the benefits go beyond more ports


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Out of all the docking stations I’ve tested, the Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro is one of the most unique, sporting features not commonly seen on other docks. 

Also: I tested the best laptop docking stations – here’s what I recommend for your office setup

It immediately distinguishes itself with an adjustable wireless charging pad on top and a small, high-resolution display on the front. What’s great is that these additions don’t feel like gimmicks; they deliver genuinely useful information for busy work setups, in addition to all the benefits of a high-end docking station.

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All the ports 

The Spacemate RD1 Pro is a fairly large docking station with an extensive array of ports and controls:

Front:

  • 2 × USB-C (up to 100W PD)
  • 2 × USB-A (5 Gbps)
  • 240 x 240 display with control button (resolution TBD)

Back:

  • 2 × USB-C (10 Gbps)
  • SD/TF card slot (V3.0)
  • 2 × USB-A (480 Mbps)
  • HDMI (up to 4K@60Hz)
  • HDMI (up to 4K@120Hz)
  • 1 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Full-featured USB-C host port
  • DC input (up to 100W PD)

Also: MacBook Neo vs. Acer Swift Air 14: I’ve used both budget laptops – this model clearly wins

It’s a fully-loaded docking station with fast USB ports for near-instant file transfers and a full-gigabit Ethernet connection for low-latency networking. For the average user, this is overkill, but for power users, I think it’s nearly perfect.

baseus-spacemate-rd1-pro-image-4

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Something you may not notice at first glance is the heat vents, which are part of its cooling system. Spacemate RD1 uses a graphene-enhanced thermal structure along with vents to efficiently dissipate heat. In my experience, the cooling system does a fine job of keeping it cool. It got a little warm during testing, but never uncomfortably hot, and there were no signs of instability due to overheating.

Also: The best laptop cooling pads of 2026: Expert tested

What’s interesting about the dock is that it ships with two interchangeable power plugs: one for the US standard, the other for the European standard. Both attach by sliding over the adapter’s pegs on the front. I found the US plugs easy to remove: just press the button on top, and it slides off. 

The European plug, however, was surprisingly more difficult to detach. It uses the same release mechanism, but in my experience, it got stuck on the progs. I had to use a bit of elbow grease to remove.

baseus-spacemate-rd1-pro-image-5

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

For all its strengths, my biggest complaint about the Spacemate RD1 Pro is its power adapter. It’s huge; nearly half the size of the dock, and you can’t leave it behind. The device cannot operate off just power siphoned from a host laptop, it needs the adapter. Good luck finding a space for it. I actually had to unplug my desktop PC from a power strip during testing just to make room for both the adapter and my monitor’s power cable.

You don’t see this everyday 

By far the most eye-catching feature is the Qi 2.2 wireless magnetic charging pad on top. It delivers up to 25W of wireless charging power and can be positioned in one of three positions: completely flat, at roughly 45 degrees, or nearly upright. To get the most out of this pad, be sure your mobile device supports the Qi standard; otherwise, you’ll be waiting for a long time. I placed a 2026 Motorola Razr Ultra on top, which doesn’t support Qi2.2, and it took roughly four hours to reach 50% charge from a fully depleted battery.

After that, I placed an old iPhone 13 Mini (which supports Qi) on top, and the recharge time to 50% was nearly cut in half: 2 hours and 14 minutes, to be exact. It is possible to achieve higher speeds, provided your mobile device supports Qi 2.2.

baseus-spacemate-rd1-pro-image-6

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

These numbers were obtained while the Spacemate was in Charging Mode. In Charging Mode, nearly all of the device’s features are disabled except for charging. You can’t transfer files or output a video signal. If you press and hold the button above the display for two seconds, it switches over to Hybrid Mode.

Operational modes

Hybrid Mode is the default setting and enables all of the dock’s functionality. You can connect external displays, transfer files between devices, and charge connected hardware. However, charging performance is limited compared to Charging Mode since power is being distributed across multiple devices.

Also: The 10 coolest laptops we saw at Computex 2026 – Video

I wanted to see how the Spacemate RD1 Pro handled real-life workloads, specifically multi-monitor setups and file transfers. Unsurprisingly, the dock did great. It had no trouble driving high-resolution video signals. Text looked crisp on my HP Omen gaming monitor, colors looked accurate, and I didn’t encounter any strange flickering or weird visual artifacts. It even adjusted the aspect ratio of the laptop’s video signal to match the monitor’s.

File transfer performance was equally impressive. Moving a 22GB movie from a WD_Black SN770M SSD to my laptop took roughly 43 seconds, while a separate 85GB transfer finished in approximately two minutes and 30 seconds. 

baseus-spacemate-rd1-pro-image-7

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

One neat feature is the small 240 x 240 pixel RGB display on the front. It generates a visual map of your setup, detailing what is plugged in and how power is being distributed. You’ll see things like the setup’s host device, connected peripherals, active displays, and real-time power delivery.

Also: I trusted Malwarebytes to secure my PC for a month – here’s how it performed

Multi-monitor support varies depending on whether you’re using a Windows or Mac device. Windows users get the most flexibility, since they can mirror a laptop’s screen, extend the video signal across multiple monitors, or have each screen run an independent video signal. 

On macOS, you can only mirror content or extend the signal across the monitors, but you can’t have all three be independent from each other.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro is available from Amazon and Baseus for $300. To help soften the sticker shock, Baseus is currently offering a promotional discount on Amazon with the code BASEUSPR at checkout for $100 off. 

Overall, the Spacemate RD1 Pro is one of the better docking stations I’ve used, and certainly the most unique. It is a great combination of a generous port selection, thoughtful thermal management, and useful extras like its Qi2 wireless charging pad. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, consider the Baseus Nomos Air 12-in-1, with similar features, like the charging pad. 





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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