Docking Stations - Generic Branded

fouhay on 09/01/2024 - 12:16

Hi

I think I know the answer to this question but want to confirm with OB before committing to the purchase - but also seek advice on what devices are good and which to steer clear of.

My wife and I work from home on different days. I have a late model Dell Inspiron and she has a late model HP. Both devices have USB-C.

Can we use any generic docking station to connect when working at home? One that will work for both, i.e. one device that can connect an HP or Dell laptop via the USB-C port. I think yes but as before - just want to confirm.

And if so - what are the brands to look at and what are the brands to avoid? Targus and Kingston seem to be the main-stream well-known brands, but from my layman's perspective that they don't do anything extra that the less expensive, lesser-known brands do.

Only requirement is support for 2 HDMI monitors, mouse/keyboard etc - anybody have a recommendation?

Thanks in advance.

Computing Docking Station

Comments

  • Gdsamp on 09/01/2024 - 12:25
    +1

    Dell USB-C docks seem to be quite compatible, used at work with variety of laptops
    I've a lenovo thinkpad usb c dock at home, works with thinkpad personal laptop and acer work laptop just fine. the firmware for this was easy to find and install on work laptop.

    which inspiron/hp laptops? having USB C does not guarantee it will support video out (having a thunderbolt port or a little icon to indicate displayport over USB c is a good indication it will though).

    im guessing you use them plugged in at work to a dock, maybe get the same ones?

    • fouhay on 09/01/2024 - 13:57
      +2

      Thanks - good info. Maybe a Dell dock seems to be the way to go - another response suggested this also. The idea is to get one dock that does both - we will WFH on alt days so there will never be two of us at the same time.

      My Dell has the C port with a little display port (?) icon on the side; waiting to hear back from my wife regards her USB-C

      • Gdsamp on 09/01/2024 - 13:59

        cool, sounds like your laptop will be fine. but yea checking what docks you guys use in the office would be a good way to go, more than likely it'll be a dell

  • LanceVance on 09/01/2024 - 12:38
    +1

    Go for the Dell Dual Charge Dock. It retails for $300 from Dell but can be had on ebay for about $130 and on Amazon for about $170.
    The whole device is smaller than most other docks and doubles as a Wireless charger, its the best bang for buck and functionality I've ever come across. I've used it with Dell, HP and Macbook and never had any issues. It has one HDMI and one Displayport, however you can get a HDMI to DP cable or adapter for probably less than $20.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/p/3056447372

    https://www.amazon.com.au/HD22Q-Monitor-Wireless-Charging-Di…

    • fouhay on 09/01/2024 - 14:10

      funnily enough I was looking at these yesterday on the Dell website - never occured to me to look at ebay or Amazon, you might have just saved me $150ish. I guess it wouldn't hurt to run one monitor via HDMI and another via DP. Cheers!

      • LanceVance on 09/01/2024 - 14:27
        +1

        Yeah running one with DP and the other with HDMI will result in no difference whatsoever.

  • SharedSugar on 09/01/2024 - 13:11
    +1

    I’ve used a $20 one from AliExpress with dual hdmi. It has worked with Microsoft Surfaces and HP work laptops without problems for a couple years. It has usb c and a, but I’ve only used a for the printer I have Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004852560731.html

  • fouhay on 09/01/2024 - 14:08

    Cheers - definitely the cheap and cheerful option. I guess the A -port would support a bluetooth dongle so we'd only need one set of kboard and mouse.

  • blldzd on 09/01/2024 - 15:57
    +1

    Not tech savvy so hopefully someone can jump in with the helpful part of this comment but be mindful of how much power the dock supplies. I (unknowingly) bought one that puts out exactly what my laptop needs (I think 65w), so it would freak out and stop working once I added peripherals. Bought a Belkin recently with 85w (mostly because I have a mac and pc) and haven't had any issues.

  • freefall101 on 09/01/2024 - 18:24
    +1

    I have a HP dock (old job) that I use with a Dell laptop (current job). Works fine. USB-c hubs are basically plug and play.

    Only problem with it is it gets hot (physically hot to the touch) doing power, two displays and multiple USB ports in use. USB ports cut out sometimes too (quite annoying when I'm in a call and the camera or headphones cut out). It's worth investing in a branded, well reviewed Dell one for that reason IMO.

  • vince088 on 09/01/2024 - 20:42
    +1

    at work we use Dell Dock D6000 pretty good, fits your needs

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