Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4, 180W, Thunderbolt 4 [Stecker]

With the release of the WD22TB4, I really don’t know what Dell’s docking station department is doing. No new docking station body, only a new TB4 module and firmware update plus a delayed release until 2022. (editors note: competing Thunderbolt 4 docks were launched in 2020) From a functional view, it is true that few manufacturers include multi-function USB-C ports, but the remaining functions of the WD22TB4 have no advantage over third-party docks from 2020/2021. And JHL8440 itself can provide multiple downstream TB4 interfaces, which make the MFDP USB-C port redundant for most users. Obviously, the modular dock structure offers a major advantage for rapid iteration of two parts. However, since the release of the basic DP Alt Mode module, DC enhanced module, and Thunderbolt module in 2019, there has been no major update. In 2021, audio components were removed and renamed as the WD19S series. The only change was the label, and two 3.5mm jacks. Where is HDMI 2.1? VMM5331 has been used for almost 4 years and it is time for it to be upgraded. PCIe is still unused, although that’s the same on most other docks. (editors note: its a x1 interface and not that helpful but could be used for M.2 SSD) In short, for a product with only the host module update, it is hard to discuss anything meaningful. This new name WD22TB4 is really misleading. It also means no possibility of a new Dell dock body for the WD series in 2022. (If one is planned, how should it be named? Abandon the WD prefix?) I can only say that the WD22TB4 is disappointing.