Docking Station Recommendation - Dell XPS 13 9360

Zenyth on 02/12/2020 - 09:14
Last edited 02/12/2020 - 10:19 by 1 other user

Hi everyone! I am looking for a docking station to use with my Dell XPS 13 9360 (8 GB Ram) and two monitors. The combinations I'm looking at are either two Dell S2721D 27" IPS Monitors (QHD 2560x1440 @ 75 Hz) or one Dell 27" QHD S2721DGF monitor and one Dell S2721D monitor. I want to be able to run at least 1440p on either of the monitor configurations that I've just discussed.

Unfortunately, pricing does not appear to be very competitive for docking stations. For example, Dell docking stations are regarded as corporate just like the U and P series monitors meaning that there are no plans to offer deals for them (based on my conversation with LiMaaa in the middle of October).

Additionally, I've heard that many of the Dell docking stations have problems such as the cable on the dock or type c port failing with the Dell D3100 for example (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/436227).

From my research, it seems like the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station is a solid option, but I would appreciate any input from the OzBargain community regarding their docking station recommendations and advice on getting discounts for docking stations. Thank you very much!

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  artemics on 02/12/2020 - 12:09

  +1

  I'm using the Dell D6000 at home and think it will meet your needs.
  When there is a problem, maybe once every week or couple, i find unplugging it for 10 seconds fixes the issue. And it's hard to tell if the dock or the laptop is at fault to be honest.

  We have 60+ of these units (or a slightly earlier version) at work for the last 3 years and not heard of any being returned or people swearing at them.

  • 

    Zenyth on 02/12/2020 - 12:33

    Hey mate, thank you very much for your reply, I really appreciate it!

    It's currently on sale for $230 on Amazon. Do you think this is a good price, or do you think I might be able to source it at a cheaper price? It seems to have been sold as low as $135.20 as of February last year (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/436227) but I haven't seen any similar deals since and I was wondering whether I should just go ahead and bite the bullet, despite the OzBargainer in me.

    • 

      artemics on 02/12/2020 - 23:01

      +1

      i paid a similar price. it hurt. but i am now nearly recovered 7 months later.

  • 

    tight-ass on 02/12/2020 - 15:39

    I also purchased a Dell D6000 to go with my XPS15 (9500), not realising it wasn't suitable as it doesn't provide enough power for this model laptop.

    I'm now using the Dell Thunderbolt WD19TB dock without any issues after coming across this page on Dells website - https://www.dell.com/learn/au/en/audhs1/campaigns/dell-docks…

    Just be sure to do your research properly before buying one (unlike me)

    • 

      Zenyth on 03/12/2020 - 17:48

      Thank you so much for your response mate! I ended up going with the WD19, that table ended up being extremely useful, I really appreciate you linking it through.

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  aukrohavelka on 02/12/2020 - 19:17

  +1

  Hi mate,
  I'm currently using Dell TB16 (with the same laptop XPS 13 9360, 8GB) which I bought on Ebay for roughly $140 shipping included. Have two external monitors plugged in (4k Dell s2721q + QHD Dell s2721sd) with no issues at all. It's working like a dream and really appreciate additional usb's on the docking station. The only con I can think of is that sometimes the docking fan can be a bit louder, but that doesn't bother me that much as I usually have headphones on. Let me know if you have any questions.

  • 

    Zenyth on 03/12/2020 - 17:53

    Thank you so much, mate! I ended up settling with the WD19 directly from the Dell website, especially as Dell does not seem to sell it directly anymore. Since docks seem to be a hit and miss experience, I want to deal with Dell directly. However, if the WD19 doesn't work out for some reason, it's reassuring knowing the Dell TB16 is an affordable option, especially since we have a fairly similar use case. Genuinely appreciate your time and insight :D

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  Zenyth on 03/12/2020 - 19:44

  +1

  Hi everyone, thank you all again for your assistance! I ended up purchasing the WD19 for $221.13. It's currently on sale for $281.14, down from the RRP of $432.53 (Cyber Monday sale of 35% off). I then stacked a $60 Dell Advantage Coupon I had handy to further bring down the price. Probably not the best price, but it's acceptable, especially considering it appears to be difficult scoring a deal on these docks compared to the 1440p monitor deals Dell has been dishing out.