The Matrox DS1 is the first Thunderbolt docking station.

If you haven’t noticed, MacBook Pro computers have become valuable production tools and you’ll often see them on set or in your post production facility. With the inclusion of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, your MacBook Pro can handle a lot of professional post needs, previously only performed by bulky Mac Pros. But with the thin MacBook Pros, and especially the Macbook Airs, you will be giving up  some functionality, especially in terms of peripheral ports.

Canadian-based digital video solutions company, Matrox, just announced the Matrox DS1 series of Thunderbolt docking stations that will help transform your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air into a more functional workstation. With one Thunderbolt connection, a user can add several new peripherals, including a large DVI or HDMI display, a full-size keyboard, and a mouse. A gigabit Ethernet port provides connectivity to a wired corporate network, enabling data transfers 18 time faster than WiFi.

The DS1 also contains one USB 3.0 port on the front of the unit and two USB 2.0 ports, a microphone input, and a speaker/headphone output in the back. Made of solid aluminum in a compact form factor, the DS1 is the ideal solution for a limited workspace. Two version are available – one for DVI monitors and another for connecting HDMI displays.

The DS1 will be available in 2013 and is priced at $249. For more information, please visit www.matrox.com.