Docking Station for WFH Set up + Gaming

Lanam on 20/03/2021 - 11:55
Last edited 20/03/2021 - 13:16

Hi all,

Coming here to get some wisdoms from techies
and pointers on where to start as well as setting a realistic budget.

I'm moving out soon and plan to have my workstation that'll be suitable for work from home during work days and gaming on weekends/after hours.

What i currently have:

  • work laptop (Lenovo)

What i plan to buy:

  • laptop with dedicated gaming graphics card(<$1500, gtx 1650 or better)
  • 2 additional monitors screen (< $800 for both, roughly >24")
  • mechanical keyboard, wired mouse, headset (<$300 total)
  • docking station* ($$ ??)

I have basic idea where to get all except for docking station*. Ideally I want the docking station to be connected to:

  • 2 monitors
  • internet (cable)
  • keyboard, mouse & headset

This is so that when I'm working from home, I'll plug work laptop to the docking and be able use the screen, keyboard, mouse & headset. Then off work, take out work laptop and plug gaming laptop for non work use.

Basically trying to make my home set up a bit like work with agile/hot desk where i can "plug and play" work and non work laptop to the docking station.

I think at work, the one they used is this, but unsure if it's easily set up at home by anyone lol.

https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/accessories-and-monitors/dockin…

Also already checked out another topic on docking station but i think the op on that already purchased some component, mine is pretty much at the start and wanting some advice on best set up for practicality for work and gaming.

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/582153

So if anyone has experience doing this recently or just know alot of docking system, please help me out. :D

Thanks!

Computing Docking Station

Comments

  • jinglebell001 on 20/03/2021 - 12:19

    I set up my wfh station with this - https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-usb…
    Compatible with both Lenovo & Dell laptops.

    • anam on 20/03/2021 - 12:26

      Heya. Im guessing you use one external monitor and wifi internet for your wfh set up?

      im after a good docking system for 2 monitor + all the essential connected to the it and only one cable from the docking station to the laptop.

      I'm being abit extra haha

      • Hybroid on 20/03/2021 - 13:01

        If the laptop has USB-C then it's very easy with the range of docks available nowadays. Even a basic Alogic from JB Hifi will do but you can get better ones with more connectivity.

        Also, I sincerely hope you're not planning to game on 19-21" monitors. That's got to be a typo. Get dual 27" minimum and ideally 32".

        • anam on 20/03/2021 - 13:16

          I see.

          Hmm yep the screen 19-21" is wrong haha. Just looked back at past purchase for desktop and it was 24" budget sceen with 144hz (2018~).

          Will aim for something 27" or higher given its been few years since last purchase haha. Ty

      • jinglebell001 on 20/03/2021 - 21:33

        Two monitors! One hdmi plugged directly to the laptop, another hdmi to the hub. But ya maybe a docking would work for you better :)

  • TheBird on 20/03/2021 - 12:55
    +1

    Assuming you're talking about games where framerates/monitor data thoroughput matters, the single cable setups kinda suck if you're planning on doing any gaming on the dual monitors. But then again, gaming on a 21" monitor would suck too.

    It sounds like you're looking for something like the Targus docking station. They're generic so they suit any laptop, but you'll need to install a driver on said machine. As I said, everything goes through a single connection, like a USB3 or 3.1. So instead of your graphics going through two displayport connections, you're pushing it all down a smaller connection. Think of it like a fire hose down garden hose. I've never tried gaming on one, the monitors would be fine for business applications, but anything where you need responsiveness, like gaming, they might let you down.

    Lenovo have dedicated docking stations (we have a few of these kinds of docking stations here), but they tend to be specific to smaller ranges of their laptops. They can't switch between brands and often you'll need to get another one even if you're switching to another Lenovo.

    • anam on 20/03/2021 - 13:26
      • 'framerates/monitor data thoroughput matters, the single cable setups kinda suck'

      Oh yep didn't think of this. More of casual gamer mmorpg + moba (wow/lol/ffv14/Ragnarok 😂) but i think it'll still matter somewhat.

      So what would be a better set up to maintain good graphics data flow through for the gaming laptop?

      -work: 2 monitor, + keyboard/mouse etc to docking system + single cable for work.
      -gaming: 1 monitor+ everything else to docking system + 1 monitor connect directly to laptop

      Cheers!

  • Seraphin7 on 20/03/2021 - 14:53
    +1

    I have a version of the actual Lenovo docking station you've linked to (not that specific one, but another Lenovo). It literally plug and play.

    Can't speak to the "gaming set up", but in terms of fundamental use, doesn't get any simpler.

    • anam on 20/03/2021 - 23:52

      Ah yup good to know.
      I wasn't 100% sure if set up at work has few additional items connected it.

  • trongy on 20/03/2021 - 21:10
    +1

    You can get USB-C monitors which have all the required elements of a docking station.
    For example: Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor: U2721DE.

    That's the only one I've ever seen with an ethernet port.If you are willing to forgo that there are many monitors that can daisy chain a second display port monitor and have USB and audio connectors.

    • anam on 20/03/2021 - 23:50

      Did not know there was something like this in the market, i think i found what I'm looking for lol. Thanks!

      24" under $500 not bad:
      https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/dell-ultrasharp-24-usb-c-hub…

    • anam on 23/03/2021 - 20:01

      Heya sorry another question. Have had experience using this monitor hub (or similar from other brand)?

      Just wondering if this would work with desktop pc aswell.

      Like:

      a) work: work laptop to USB C of dell hub monitor + another monitor (connected to dell hub monitor via hdmi)

      b) gaming/non work: desktop pc to USB C of dell hub monitor + another monitor (connected to dell hub monitor via hdmi)

      Cheers

      • trongy on 23/03/2021 - 22:51

        My personal experience is with a work supplied notebook and monitor. The monitor is a Lenovo. I can't remember the exact model, but it looks like this one.
        I use the USB-C connection and have a second monitor connected by display port. I've also connected USB mouse and keyboard. The audio device shows up in my mixer, I can't remember if I've ever used it. The Lenovo does not have a network interface which is not a problem for me as I can use wifi.

        Note that display port link to the second monitor is what the Dell monitor specifies as well. I believe this is because these USB-C monitors are using DisplayPort over USB Type-C.

        Gaming desktop: I'm not aware of any graphics cards that have USB-C output so I don't think it would work. You should still be able to daisy chain the monitors using DisplayPort for all the connections, but you would lose the hub functionality.

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