mac.iLounge

When Apple’s Thunderbolt Display launched, it instantly became a viable docking station for MacBooks, and particularly useful for the MacBook Air. The price is definitely a downer though, especially for users who already have standalone monitors and are just looking for an easy way to connect them to laptops at their desks. Thankfully, a solid-looking option has been designed, and is seeking funding on Kickstarter right now—the infiniWings LandingZone Docking Station for MacBook Air ($200*). It’s obviously not identical in functionality to a Thunderbolt Display, but seems to be a great concept with a clean execution.

LandingZone will be available in versions for both 11” and 13” sizes of the late-2010/mid-2011 MacBook Air. The shape is a simple beam that runs jut a bit longer than the Air itself, with a lever that expands and contracts the end caps. Once in place, you end up with four USB ports, an Ethernet port, a Mini DisplayPort—that’s right, you do lose Thunderbolt capabilities—and a Kensington-style lock slot. While the units are expected to cost $200 retail, pledging $159 or more now will get you one with an expected delivery time of March 2012. If you use your Air with a monitor at your desk, this strikes us as a good deal.