The Doqo SmartDock is yet another iPad Pro accessory that aims to merge Apple's top-of-the-line tablet

with a MacBook. It combines not only a keyboard and trackpad, but a case, battery pack, and USB-C hub
into a single encompassing device.Doqo SmartDock for iPad Pro combines a battery, case, keyboard,
trackpad, and USB-C hub

Power users have often been pushing for productivity inducing accessories such as this and since the
launch of iPadOS, we've seen countless accessories launch, each with their own takes. That includes the
Mokibo keyboard or the headline-grabbing Brydge Pro+, both of which have integrated trackpads.

Doqo pushes things forward significantly, but it does so with middling results. In some ways, Doqo excels
and yet in others, it falls short.

Design

As is the trend in Apple accessory design, the SmartDock is made out of aluminum and anodized to
match the iPad's aesthetic.

Unlike Brydge, Doqo has chosen to create an entire iPad enclosure with the SmartDock. Your iPad Pro
nestles into the back of the case and is connected via a USB-C cable on the right-hand side. The cable
feels solid and is braided nylon so it should better withstand the wear of putting the iPad in and out of
the case.

That USB-C cable is used to connect the keyboard, the trackpad, battery, as well as the hub which are all
housed in the lower portion of the case.

Typing on the Doqo keyboard

As this also doubles as a case, you see the usual case offerings. Easily depressable volume buttons, as
well as a sleep/wake button, reside on the top-left corner. There is also a camera cut out, too.
Compared to Brydge or even Apple's own Smart Keyboard Folio, this has much more protection for the
entirety of the iPad.

At the same time, this increases the bezels on the iPad Pro dramatically. Roughly half an inch is added to
either side of the iPad's display on top of the quarter-inch bezel that already existed.

A useful USB-C hub

There are several ports on the Doqo, starting with a USB-C PD port, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port on
the left side of the keyboard.

The left-hand ports on the Doqo SmartDock

The USB-C PD port can charge the internal battery as well as charge the iPad Pro. Unfortunately, it is
limited to only 12W of power. The HDMI port can handle a display at 4K 30Hz when mirroring or
outputting video. The last type-C port supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 for data, but no video.

The right-hand ports on the Doqo SmartDock

Around the other side of the keyboard, we have a TF card reader, an SD card reader, and two USB 3.0
ports for connecting additional peripherals such as portable hard drives or microphones. The TF card
reader is an odd option over a standard micro SD card reader, but it should work with many micro SD
cards but isn't a guarantee.

The port selection is otherwise solid, and allows quite an array of accessories to be connected. Video
editors can connect an external SSD, a microphone, import footage from an SD card, edit with the aid of
an external monitor, and publish all on an iPad Pro.

The keyboard and trackpad

Crucial to the Doqo Smartdock is the keyboard and trackpad implementation.

The keyboard is near full size and should be quick to adjust to from other comparable chiclet-style
keyboards. Our biggest qualm is that the keyboard itself feels squishy or bouncy. It doesn't have a solid
foundation and gives a bit too much as we type. It also doesn't have a distinct solid click or feel of a
higher quality offering.

It does have a solid row of function keys and a decent backlight, but if we were judging based solely on
the keyboard alone, we prefer Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio or the Brydge.

The cursor is quite responsive with the Doqo SmartDock

The trackpad is a decent size but is hampered by its diving board design. What that means is that the
back of the trackpad is stagnant while the front 2/3 can be depressed. This takes away a large amount of
real estate from being able to be clicked.

Instead of clicking the trackpad itself, you can still tap the surface which will work over the entire area.

You can use the trackpad like most other trackpads with a variety of multi-touch gestures. Two fingers
will allow you to scroll. A tap with four fingers can lock the iPad. And a tap and hold can invoke iPadOS's
contextual menus.

The trackpad on the Doqo SmartDock

This trackpad was very responsive, much more responsive than the Brydge Pro's was. This is because the
Doqo trackpad is relying on a wired connection rather than Bluetooth. This once more is a tradeoff
because the wired connection is more responsive, but adds so much more bulk.

A step too far?

One question we heard a lot with the Brydge Pro is whether this mashup is a good thing or a bad thing.
If it is worth taking a small and light tablet and burdening it with a massive keyboard. That rings
especially true for the Doqo SmartDock that has an even more sizable footprint.

The question doesn't have an easy answer and entirely is based on your own work preferences.

MacBook Air versus Doqo and iPad Pro

When compared next to a MacBook Air that has a similarly-sized display to our 12.9-inch iPad Pro,
MacBook Air is far more portable. The Mac is smaller in all dimensions and has all the benefits of macOS.
At the same time, while the iPad Pro inside the Doqo Smartdock is larger and heavier, it comes with the
additional battery, the USB-C hub with more ports, and the iPad can always be removed and used
standalone.

Brydge Pro Doqo SmartDockPortsUSB-C for charging USB-C PD, USB-C, HDMI, TF reader, SD reader, 2x
USB-AKeyboardFull keyboard, dedicated function keysFull keyboard, backlit, dedicated function
keysTrackpadMulti-touch gestures, large tracking surface, glassMulti-touch gesturesBattery12-month
battery for keyboard4300mAh battery for keyboard, iPad, or accessories to useProtectionScreen
protected, optional back panelScreen, sides, and back protectedCost$229$199 ($139 preorder)Should
you buy it?

Everyone has their own workflows and need tools that are tailored to that experience. What we love
about the Doqo is the ability to combine so many individual accessories into one. If you are already
using a portable battery, an iPad Pro case, a USB-C hub, and need a keyboard then the Doqo SmartDock
is well suited to replace all of those and add a trackpad.

USB-C storage connected to the Doqo

However, if you don't need some of those accessories, Doqo adds some unnecessary bulk. The good
news is the iPad Pro can always be removed and used as a tablet.

As it stands, the Doqo Smart Dock falls short in some areas of implementation —Brydge is undoubtedly
the more polished product. But, we evaluated a prototype and in all likelihood, at least some of these
issues will be fixed by the time the device eventually ships to backers.

Pros

Full keyboard with dedicated function keys and backlight

Large, MacBook-style trackpad with multi-touch

Many ports on either side

Built-in backup battery

Respondive keyboard and trackpad thanks to wired connection

Full protection of iPad Pro

Cons

Lots of bulk and weight

TF reader rather than Micro SD

Only 12W of passthrough power

Only one USB-C port

Keyboard feels squishy

Trackpad can't fully be pressedRating: 2.5 out of 5Where to buy

The Doqo SmartDock can be found currently on Kickstarter where it has already surpassed its initial goal
and has raised over a hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Backers who choose to fund the project can nab the Doqo SmartDock for $139 which will raise to $199
after the campaign.

As a reminder, this is a crowdfunding campaign and not the same as a preorder. There is no guarantee
that the product will ship, though we have tested the product to ensure they have at least
manufactured a working prototype.