Which is the best docking station laptop in 2022?
We have already talked about how much the docking station laptop is becoming a fundamental device for our work from home or remotely, we have already talked about it.
Most often, laptops experience the need to expand switching capabilities. It is due to severe size restrictions, the number and composition of ports in laptops are often extremely limited. But even for desktop PCs, buying a docking station can be worthwhile.
What problems a docking station laptop solves?
Similarly, it solves the problem of hard-to-reach interfaces on the rear panel. The models below are suitable for both desktop PCs and laptops with a compatible connection interface.
Let’s start with compact docking station laptop. Hereinafter, such miniature, almost pocket-sized solutions are also called mini-docks. The device is officially positioned as compatible with a fixed list of HP laptops and tablets, but in fact it can fully work with almost any gadget equipped with a USB Type C interface.
The main advantage of this mini-dock is that it can, in parallel with the main function of the switching center, recharge the main gadget through a pass-through connection. The package includes a USB Type C power adapter.
Main function of docking station laptop
The main function of the docking station is switching peripheral devices, including external monitors. Due to its miniature size, there are few interfaces in this model, but they are important: one USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 jack each, two video outputs – HDMI and VGA, RJ-45 jack for wired LAN.
VGA allows you to connect an external monitor via a classic interface with its natural limitations (resolution – maximum FullHD), and HDMI is suitable for displays with high resolution (up to 4K). The network interface has gigabit bandwidth.
Docking station laptop supports booting and managing the main device over a local network through the PXE function. It is understood that a laptop or tablet does not load the operating system and software from its own built-in media, but via a local network.
It also supports turning on and waking up the main device from sleep mode by a signal from the local network.
The Portable docking station laptop
In an original and even elegant way, the developers solved the issue of portability. In this model, the connection cable with a USB Type C plug has a strong and at the same time flexible braid. Due to this, it can be common to hold it when carrying. The housing of the docking station laptop has a special recess that repeats the shape of the plug and cable.
By fixing the plug in this recess, we get a loop-handle outside the case, for which the device is convenient to hold and carry with you.
But how have hardware standards evolved over time? With which connectors are supported speeds, video characteristics, and power? Is USB-C or Szlangpai better?
LET’S TAKE A STEP BACK
We know that over the past 20 years the priorities of notebooks have completely changed, as have those of connectors and docking stations.
DOCKING STATION: WHAT ARE THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES?
Today, all of our notebooks and laptops have a USB-C port, but not all types of USB-C are created equal. Some notebooks, for example, use USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB-A / USB-C) technology with 5 Gbps bandwidth.
This connector, which can be common with a USB-A adapter, is particularly suitable for single use 4K 60 Hz or double 2K 60 Hz. Moreover, it transmits video audio data and power through Gigabit Ethernet and supports Windows / macOS / Chrome on Intel and AMD systems ( 2017+).
Other notebooks, on the other hand, adopt USB 3.2 Gen2 (USB-C) technology with 10 Gbps bandwidth. These are suitable for dual 4K 60Hz or dual 2K use and support multiple USB accessories.
Thunderbolt technology is USB-C that does it all. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 offer 40 Gbps bandwidth , are suitable for single use 5K 60Hz or dual 4K 60Hz, and support Windows / macOS on Intel systems only.
USEFUL INFORMATION: SZLANGPAI TIPS
Ok to talk about the characteristics of the various USB-A, USB-C and Thunderbolt technologies, but in practice how do you choose the most suitable docking station for our notebooks?
We have compiled a series of FAQs that allow us to better understand, for example, if we can use USB-C docking station laptop and adapters with Thunderbolt 3 laptops. The answer yes, it is possible, but we must consider that USB docking stations and adapters- C do not allow Thunderbolt 3 typical data rates (40Gbps), only those supported by docking stations or adapters (5Gbps).
Choosing the right docking station, therefore, is not as simple as it seems. This is why we have designed the dock selector. Similarly, it is capable of giving you information on the best docking station for your needs and for a better desktop experience.
Functions of docking station laptop
There are only a few interfaces on the extra flat notebook, which makes it difficult to connect headphones, a monitor and other devices. The connections are easy to expand with a docking station. The overview of the recommended, modern stations will help you to find the right device.
This transforms the slim and minimalist notebook into a fully functional PC.
What types of docking stations are there?
Classic docking stations, which are often designed for special notebook series, are predominantly common at the workplace. In the meantime, the USB 3.0 docks have also become established. Similarly, this offers more flexibility and can be conveniently connected via a cable.
In addition to modern USB docks, there are Thunderbolt docking stations. These allow you to use multiple peripherals at the same time without sacrificing performance.
What is a DisplayLink on docking stations?
Display Link technology allows you to connect any computer with a USB port to a monitor. The graphics chip is therefore a good solution for your modern docking system. In addition to the display, you can also connect other USB-enabled devices such as tablets or Macs via the docking station laptop. How to build a universally usable, unified docking solution?
What can I connect to a docking station?
The docking station is a hardware component. By this, you can connect several peripheral devices at the same time. In this way you get a flexibly configurable system with an external monitor, keyboard, mouse and, if necessary, audio devices.
Additional displays or Ethernet connections are easy to couple via the docking station. Depending on the type of station, however, there may be restrictions on the connection options.
