Dell DA300 USB-C Hub Reliability

JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 18:37

Hi all, recently my USB-C all-in-one dongle died to an unknown cause (maybe heat?) It worked one night and the next morning it didn't, oh well. Anyway, I've been searching for a new one and it seems almost all of these small dongles have some sort of reliability issue, I'm assuming due to their size and the heat they can put out.

Then I came across this Dell Dock, it's quite pricey but I'm willing to pay if it works and won't die on my randomly, does anyone have experience with it and its reliability?

Cheers

Computing Dell USB Hub

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Comments

  • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 18:39

    $100 isn't pricey for a decent dock at all.

    We tend to use this one out of convenience on the go and they work really well: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/alogic-ultra-usb-c-dock-p…

    • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 18:43

      Thanks for the reply, that one is probably out of my price range but how long have you been using those ones? Have you run into any issues with ports malfunctioning?

      • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 18:51

        Nope, they're rock solid. We have a dozen or so of them for work and not a single one has failed.

        We do have the larger Dell D6000 docks but they're 3x more expensive, take 3 weeks to deliver and not as compact for on the go, so supplement them with these from local JB Hifi.

        • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 19:54

          Okay thank you, if you've used them yourself have you ever felt them getting quite warm / hot during use? I feel in such a small form factor it could have been what killed my previous hub.

          • Hybroid on 23/07/2020 - 20:06

            @JuiceT: It does get warm if you connect USB-C power for the Power Delivery pass through but otherwise if it's just for dual screens then not really.

            If you're in Sydney CBD, welcome to borrow one. Have a few that aren't being used for a while till we go back to offices.

            • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 22:09

              @Hybroid: Thanks for the offer but I live in Melbourne, I've pulled the trigger on the DA300, it seems to be pretty reliable compared to those smaller hubs on Amazon around $50 but still cheaper than some of the other reliable docks around.

        • isthatallyougot on 05/08/2020 - 14:50

          Hybroid , Would you have any extras you would sell ?

          • Hybroid on 05/08/2020 - 14:56

            @isthatallyougot: They're bought and paid for by company so I wouldn't be able to morally sell them on unfortunately.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 23/07/2020 - 18:59

    Why it has to be Dells dock?

    Any other dock will work as well with Dell computer. Lenovo dock will work with Dell computer.

    Just buy a USBC hub for around $40.

    • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 19:24

      The one I used to have was $50, lots of the cheaper adapter's have some sort of reliability issues which is what I'm trying to avoid. I can consider a Lenovo alternative if it is reliable and offers similar value in terms of price / ports.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 23/07/2020 - 19:33

        If you need to buy brand name may be it is the best to go with Dell. I am using ugreen USB C hub, no issue for last 6 months. Or get a near new second hand from Gumtree?

        • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 19:52

          I need to get one by Monday next week, my old one was similar to the hubs Ugreen sell and it died after around 9 months, thankfully I could get a refund for it.

          I didn't notice what caused it but I noticed that it would get quite warm sometimes which maybe combined with Melbourne's cold weather fried some component, which I'm worried could happen again with hubs similar to that one which is why I'm looking at the DA300.

          • SnoozeAndLose on 23/07/2020 - 19:58

            @JuiceT: Usage of 9 months and got refund,not bad.

            In 9 months there are better item for cheaper price.

            • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 22:06

              @SnoozeAndLose: I don't think anything around the same price will last much longer anyway so I just got the DA300.

  • Gnostikos on 23/07/2020 - 20:19

    I've issued a lot of DA100/DA200 adapters to numerous users over the years and have yet to see any of them report any issues. Obviously they have a few less ports than your larger DA300, but they're more compact and they suffice for 80% of users. They work very well even with non-Dell laptops.

    • Randxyz123 on 23/07/2020 - 21:19

      I’ll +1 those adapters. Fantastic for portability but the USB C cable does fail after a while. I’m surprised no one has reported one failing. The folding cable is a great idea but usually they can’t withstand a lot of folding and unfolding. Unless they are all using them at their desk to plug everything in.

      OP, I have this one https://www.centrecom.com.au/lenovo-thinkpad-usb-c-dock-gen-…

      It’s expensive but it sits on my desk and is very clean. Has Ethernet, multiple usb, HDMI and a extra usb c port. I got it for $180 on gumtree

      • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 22:06

        Thanks for the suggestion but it's too expensive, I've pulled the trigger on the DA300.

    • JuiceT on 23/07/2020 - 22:05

      They're more expensive than the DA300, I've pulled the trigger on it, I'm just hoping for a long and prosperous life with it!

      • knighterrand on 12/09/2020 - 19:58

        I am considering to get one myself, mind sharing your user experience? e.g. does it get hot, speed, etc. I'm tossing between Dell and Ugreen Thanks!

        • JuiceT on 12/09/2020 - 20:35

          Hey, it has worked quite well for the last few months, there was an issue where my mouse plugged into the USB port was jittering around but simply unplugging and replugging the dock fixed it.

          In terms of thermals using 1 HDMI and both USB ports it gets a little hot but I don't think it's anything to worry about, it's very compact but has some height to help with cooling.

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