Wokyis in short
The Wokyis Retro Docking Station combines multiple functions in one nostalgic housing. The device is a docking station, external SSD enclosure, card reader, audio hub and small external screen at the same time. The 10Gbps version supports an M.2 NVMe SSD with a capacity of up to 8 TB, depending on the storage medium used.
The design is tailored to the Mac mini. You slide the Mac mini under the docking station, so to speak, making it look like a modern version of the original Macintosh. If you don’t have a Mac mini, you can also use the Wokyis separately. When purchased, a seal is included with which you can close the bottom when the docking station is not used in combination with a Mac mini.
While most docks are boring and simple in design, the housing of the Wokyis is mainly intended as an eye-catcher, but remains practical. The dimensions are approximately 145 × 131 × 154 millimeters and the weight is around 510 grams.
Kickstarter project
The Wokyis Retro Docking Station originated as a Kickstarter project. The concept combines a retro design with the need for more connections and storage for the modern Mac mini. The campaign presented the device as a 14-in-1 docking station with a 5-inch HD display, NVMe storage and support for Thunderbolt connections.
That Kickstarter history is reflected in the design. Wokyis isn’t trying to create an inconspicuous hub that you hide behind your desk. The device may be seen properly. The classic Macintosh shape is clearly the most important distinction compared to regular docking stations.
14-in-1 docking station
Wokyis positions the Retro Docking Station as a 14-in-1 Multiport. This means that you get access to a wide selection of connections and functions in one device. The exact port distribution may differ per version, but the 10Gbps version we tested has multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, an SD and microSD card reader, an HDMI input, an audio connection and the SSD housing.
The most important connections are:
- Four USB-A ports with speeds up to 10Gbps
- USB-C connections with support for data transfers up to 10Gbps
- A USB-C host port for connecting to the Mac
- A USB-C connection for power
- SD and microSD card readers
- A 3.5mm jack for audio
- An HDMI input
- A built-in M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure
- A connection for the 5-inch screen
For photographers, video makers and users with many peripherals, the combination of USB ports and card readers is especially useful. This means you don’t have to reach for separate adapters or an extra hub as quickly. Keep in mind that the 10Gbps version does not offer the same bandwidth as the more expensive Thunderbolt or 80Gbps variants.
Extra storage with NVMe
On the inside there is an M.2 NVMe SSD slot. You can install a suitable NVMe SSD in this yourself, so that your Mac quickly gets extra storage. The enclosure supports various M.2 formats, including 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280, with a maximum capacity of up to 8 TB.
The 10Gbps connection makes the Wokyis especially suitable for general storage, media files, photo libraries and backups. The speeds are more than sufficient for daily use, but if you want to get maximum performance from a modern PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0 SSD, you will reach the limit of the 10Gbps interface. The SSD is also not included as standard, so you have to provide a compatible storage medium yourself.
A plus is that the SSD housing is passively cooled. So no noisy fan is needed. The metal construction and thermal pad help dissipate heat from the SSD.
The 5-inch screen
The most striking part is without a doubt the built-in 5-inch IPS screen. The screen has a resolution of up to 1280 × 720 pixels, making it small, but sharp enough for simple information and media applications.
You can connect the screen via Thunderbolt or HDMI, depending on the Mac and version used. It is not intended as a full-fledged replacement for a large external screen. The screen size is simply too limited for that. You can, for example, show a video, music visualization or other additional image on it.
The screen also works well as a digital photo frame. You can display personal photos on it when you are at work. Another fun application is a flip clock, where the Wokyis turns into a digital clock that constantly shows the time on your desk. The retro housing makes such an application extra suitable.
The screen does have a clear limitation: when you are not using the Mac, you cannot use the screen completely independently. The Wokyis does not have a built-in widget function or its own operating system with which you can, for example, automatically show a clock, agenda, weather report or photo slideshow. To do this, he must remain connected to an active computer.
Wokyis in practice
I don’t have a Mac mini myself, but that turned out not to be a problem during use. In combination with an iMac and MacBook, the Wokyis worked well as a separate docking station. The included seal for the bottom is useful because you can place the device neatly even without a Mac mini. The Wokyis therefore does not feel like an accessory that you can only use if you have the right Mac.
The quick access to additional ports is especially practical. With one docking station you have USB connections, card readers, audio and extra storage at hand. This is useful when you regularly connect accessories, import photos or copy files to an external SSD. In combination with a MacBook, the Wokyis also provides a permanent place on the desk, so you do not have to connect different adapters every time.
The biggest appeal, however, remains the appearance. The Wokyis is a real eye-catcher and immediately evokes nostalgic feelings among lovers of classic Apple computers. It is a pity that the screen cannot be used separately when the Mac is turned off or not connected. A built-in widgets function would have added a lot. Then you could also have used the retro Macintosh dock independently as a clock, photo frame, music display or compact dashboard.
Conclusion: Wokyis Retro Docking Station
REVIEW SCORE
The Wokyis Retro Docking Station is more than a regular USB hub. It’s a striking accessory that combines extra connections, expandable storage and a small screen with a design clearly inspired by the classic Macintosh. The NVMe housing and 14-in-1 functionality make it practical, while the 5-inch screen mainly provides its distinctive character.
As a docking station for a MacBook or iMac, the Wokyis works surprisingly well, even if you don’t own a Mac mini. The biggest missed opportunity is that the screen cannot function independently. With built-in widgets, the Wokyis would have been even more versatile. Still, this is an attractive product for Apple enthusiasts who want to expand their desk with extra ports and a good dose of nostalgia.
- Unique retro design that is immediately reminiscent of the classic Macintosh
- Can be used with a Mac mini, but also as a separate docking station for other Macs
- Many connections thanks to the 14-in-1 concept
- M.2 NVMe slot for additional storage up to 8 TB
- 5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels
- USB connections with data transfer up to 10Gbps
- SD and microSD card readers are useful for photo and video files
- The screen does not work completely independently
- NVMe SSD is not included
Buy Wokyis Retro Docking Station
The Wokyis Retro Docking Station for this review was made available by SBSupply, the distributor in the Netherlands for this unique dock. The Wokyis 10Gbps has a suggested retail price of €159.99 and the 80Gbps model €339.99.