USB-C Monitors Vs Docking Station/Hub

Pbm33 on 19/07/2022 - 23:13

Hi guys, I’m re-doing my WFH set up and plan on going with 2 x 24” FHD monitors. I deliberated on ultrawide and also 2 x 27” but factoring in my use case, screen real estate needs, and costs - 2 x 24” hits the sweet spot.

So then the next decision for me is whether to go with USB-C monitors (which act as a hub) or a standalone docking station or hub.

I’m basically trying to replicate my wife’s set up (which I did) but achieve a cleaner look. The set up is 1 x Dell P2419HC (USB-C monitor) + 1 x Dell P2419H (non USB-C) daisy chained to each other. The P2419HC connects to the laptop using a single USB-C cable which also provides power to the laptop. Most of the peripherals are attached to the USB-C monitor and a couple into the laptop given not even ports on the USB-C monitor (need 6 USB ports for keyboard, mouse, webcam, 2 for wireless headset, 1 for mobile charger).

It works well as I can plug out USB-C cable from her work laptop and plug it to my personal XPS and I’m good to go.

How I see it..

DOCKING STATION / HUB PROS:
* all the peripherals can connect to this and I can hide docking station under desk giving me clean set up
* maybe cheaper than the cost of USB-C monitors

DOCKING STATION / HUB CONS:
* maybe introduces compatibility issues
* need to find one with USB-C for power delivery / 1 cable to laptop, 6 USB-A ports for my peripherals, and also appropriate HDMI/DP ports for the 2 monitors - won’t be easy
* introduces another device in the whole setup
* cost might be more expensive than USB-C monitors

USB-C MONITOR PROS:
* I know this works!
* No separate device and no compatibility issues
* Cost may be cheaper than docking station / hub

USB-C MONITOR CONS:
* Wires hanging from monitor is not a clean look
* Not sufficient USB-A ports anyway (I haven’t figured out how to make USB-A ports on the 2nd daisy-chained monitor work)
* Cost may be more expensive than docking station / hub

Would highly appreciate peoples views on this.

TIA.

Computing

Comments

  • OMGJL on 20/07/2022 - 02:15

    Not enough USB ports? Use Bluetooth Mouse/Keyboard/Headset. I don't think you going to game on a laptop with type C monitor right?

    I don't think TypeC dock have enough bandwidth to drive 2 monitor and 6 USB ports (I could be wrong though)? You probably would need thunderbolts for that.. and that is expensive.

    Also display cables like HDMI/DP/DVI are all quite thick, usually thicker than USB-C cable…

    I would go USB C Monitor all the way.

  • isthisreallife22 on 20/07/2022 - 02:19

    What connector type do you daisy chain with out of interest?

    • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 07:04

      DP to DP

      • isthisreallife22 on 20/07/2022 - 08:54
        +1

        I didn't even know that was possible embarrassingly. That could be a game changer for me

        • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 20:59

          Did you test it out?

  • boomramada on 20/07/2022 - 08:45

    I use this https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DXHTRCL with both of my XPS / Surface Pro. Works well no issues. This is a old model, there are better versions out there now.

    • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 21:03

      Good shout - but again this brings me to the pros and cons of dock vs USB-C monitors. I think realistically this dock will cost me $300+ in the current market. Don't think USB-C monitor will set me back that much extra..

  • hmac on 20/07/2022 - 08:51
    +1

    Just an FYI these monitors are not compatible to daisychain for a Macbook if you plan to use a Macbook now or in the future. I have the P2419HC.
    Works flawlessly for windows though.

    There are monitors that do daisychain with Mac but you will need to look into which ones work

  • hoey888 on 20/07/2022 - 09:01

    Lenovo docking station
    -USB-C 90w power delivery
    -3x USB3.1
    -2x USB2.0
    -1x USB-C

    So technically this has 5 USB ports. Not sure if its USB-A or USB-C ports you are after though. Wife is using similar unit for her WFM setup

    With docking stations, just be aware you need to size it correctly to the laptop. Some docking stations will not/unable to power some hardcore/power hungry laptops. Check that USB-C docking station power delivery meets or exceeds laptop consumption wattage.

    • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 21:04

      Thanks - but again this brings me to the pros and cons of dock vs USB-C monitors. I think realistically this dock will cost me $300+ in the current market. Don't think USB-C monitor will set me back that much extra..

      Was there a particular reason you went for the dock rather than a USB-C monitor?

      • hoey888 on 24/07/2022 - 22:17

        The biggest reason for using a docking station, would be it allows me to still connect my older gaming rigs onto monitors. Unfortunately mine doesn't have USB-C port, so I'm stuck with HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and DVI ports.

        If you are looking at purely using it for a laptop, and your laptop always has a USB-C port then why not.

  • yahms on 20/07/2022 - 11:26
    +1

    Easy to add a dock to your desk, difficult to add USB-C to a monitor.

    I think get the USB-C monitor first up

    you can always basic USB-C dock later for other peripherals if you need more ports because:
    a) your USB dock needs are more modest with the monitor handling most things, so it will be much cheaper
    b) you can put the dock where the usb ports are better for you ie hidden / more accessible etc
    c) you could then take the dock with you if you needed to
    d) you should be able to hang the dock off the monitor so you can still do single-cable

  • StonedWizard on 20/07/2022 - 21:14

    I have a Dell USB C monitor with 60w power delivery. It’s awesome as it charges my laptop and I also have the option to charge my other USB C devices when I disconnect my laptop.

    I like a clean desk setup, so being able to have less clutter appeals to me.

    • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 21:15

      Thanks! What does your set up look like?

      • StonedWizard on 20/07/2022 - 21:18

        Dell 34’ monitor, closed laptop under the monitor, external wireless keyboard/mouse and iPhone charger.

        Eventually, I might add a vertical USB C monitor as well and daisy chain them. So 1 cable to power everything.

        I only paid $700 - $800 for my Dell 34’

        • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 21:20

          Ok cool and assume you have all your peripherals connected to the USB ports on your monitor?

          • StonedWizard on 20/07/2022 - 21:25

            @Pbm33: If I’m using wired yes, if I’m using wireless the receiver is plugged into my laptop.

            I just hate wires all over the place and find it easier to only deal with 1 cable.

            Plus, I can then use the USB C cable to charge my Xbox, headphones etc whilst I’m using my laptop on my couch.

  • daft009 on 20/07/2022 - 21:56

    I've had both.
    Had 2x 27" 1440p with a dell d6000 dock
    Now a single 38" UWS dell with USBC. Monitor has ethernet port and USB as well… Very clean and minimal

    • Pbm33 on 20/07/2022 - 21:59

      If you had the choice now then of 2 x 24" with dock or 2 x 24" USB-C, which would you go for?

      • daft009 on 21/07/2022 - 01:51

        Ideally USBC as slightly less cable mess
        But whichever is cheaper

  • pat25d on 22/07/2022 - 19:45

    Add a USB-A to USB-B cable to daisy chain the 2 monitors together via USB as well as DP.

    You will lose 1 USB from the monitor, but then gain 4 on the H monitor for a net gain of 3 ports.

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