What Computer Dock Should I Get?

dezi on 22/06/2023 - 11:52
Last edited 23/06/2023 - 08:24

Hello

I have been conducting research to determine the most suitable docking station for my home setup. At my workplace, we have options like Dells, Targus, and HP, and I would like to create a similar setup at home that accommodates my Dell (or any other brand) and my Surface Pro-8. However, the more I delve into my research, the more overwhelmed I become.

My objective is to establish a seamless setup, akin to what I have at work, where I can simply connect a single Type C cable and have everything function smoothly, including charging. I have already arranged all the necessary peripherals such as Monitor, keyboards and mice; all I require is a reliable docking station that can accommodate them.

I am considering a budget of $200-300, and I am willing to stretch it to $350 if necessary.

Thank you for your assistance.

Update: I went ahead and placed a order for the Lenovo USB-C Dock (Windows Only), will let you know how it goes when I get it.

Computing Docking Station

Comments

  • sumyungguy on 22/06/2023 - 12:02

    Does your employer allow remote access? That's the best solution, no need to lug hardware back and forward.

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 12:05

      I fly in and out, so I bring my laptop with me regardless so that's not really an issue, but I am 90% sure they don't allow remote access.

  • CyberMurning on 22/06/2023 - 12:06
    +1

    just copy what your workplace has

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 12:09

      They utilize three distinct varieties, but if I'm going to invest money, why not opt for the best option available, even if it's not one of these? Throughout my search, I encountered numerous brands, which left me perplexed as none of them consistently appeared on the list of recommended docks across various websites.

      • freefall101 on 22/06/2023 - 14:02

        It's the kind of thing where it either works or it doesn't. Beyond that specific features appeal to different people, so "better" always comes down to the specific scenario.

        If the ones at work do the job, what do you expect will be improved?

        • dezi on 23/06/2023 - 06:19

          Yes, I understand, but at work I am only working with 1 device so i am not sure how well does it work with the surface pro-8.

          • freefall101 on 23/06/2023 - 10:30

            @dezi: ah gotcha, I thought you were using the surface at work too.

  • netjock on 22/06/2023 - 12:12
    +2

    You need to double check what setup you need.

    Dell WD15 dock can only do 2 monitors at FHD. 3x at lower resolution.

    TB16 can do 3 at mixture of resolutions.

    If you have say a Lenovo best to get a Lenovo dock than try to plug into Dell dock due to a number of factors.

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 12:13

      The setup is 1 Ultra Wide 1440P monitor, so that is all I really need it to do.

      • netjock on 22/06/2023 - 14:15
        +1

        Dell WD15 has 3 ports and can do 4K. Plenty of them on ebay for like $50.

        • dezi on 23/06/2023 - 06:17

          but can it do 1 ultra-wide 1440P at 100hz?

          • netjock on 23/06/2023 - 09:02

            @dezi: All my monitors don't go over 60hz. You'll have to look a the documentation.

            If all you need is 1 monitor why not just plug straight into HDMI port on the side? The check is whether your laptop can do 100Hz?

  • Sideswipe on 22/06/2023 - 12:18

    I picked this up on Amazon. I'm only connecting it to another monitor and mouse. Support charging as well.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 22/06/2023 - 12:22

    What screens are you running at home? If it's just one screen or two 1080p screens I would suggest a second-hand Surface Dock 1, should be able to get one off eBay for around $50.

    Just saw your comment above, think you'll need a Surface Dock 2. Should be able to grab a second-hand one off eBay for sub-$200

  • raisinberry777 on 22/06/2023 - 12:29
    +3

    Lenovo USB-C Dock - comes in $50 under budget:

    https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/accessories-and-software/docking/docking_usb-docks-(universal-cable-docks)/40b50090au

    I use a similar dock for a Lenovo laptop at work and home but it should work fine with other non-Lenovo devices (except for the mirrored power button - that's always brand specific).

    • theMoebius on 22/06/2023 - 13:30

      That looks like a good deal with the current discount - almost tempted myself to replace one of the cheap 'dongle style' hubs I have

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 14:02
      +1

      Yea that does look good but i believe i looked at this in one of the deals and it not having thunderbolt 4 or something? Is thunderbolt 4 needed?

    • dezi on 23/06/2023 - 08:23

      I ordered it

    • b-t on 23/06/2023 - 10:58

      Am I missing something? It's showing at $229 on my screen?

  • coxjon on 22/06/2023 - 12:37
    +1

    I just plugged a Logitech unifying receiver into a USBC monitor for my wife's WFH setup. One cable into her work laptop and mouse/keyboard and monitor good to go.

  • Ema000 on 22/06/2023 - 15:08

    Have you looked at this one from Dell? It is a bit pricey but it's very well rated - https://www.centrecom.com.au/dell-wd22tb4-thunderbolt-4-dock…

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 15:19

      I have looked at this as well because then i look at reviews and people like dell things are way over priced and so on and not worth it.

      • Ema000 on 22/06/2023 - 15:23

        That's fair enough, yes it is a pricey dock but it does have 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports among other ports for connectivity.

  • sghetti on 22/06/2023 - 15:21
    +1

    I have an ALogic USB-C Power Dock: https://bu.alogic.co/usb-c-power-dock-with-power-delivery-pr…

    100w PD charging via the USB-C cable to laptops. 4 USB-A ports for keyboard/mouse etc. and HDMI port to monitor. It's worked great for my MacBook and work HP laptop and my gaming PC. I've got a USB-C port on the back of my PC with a male-to-female USB-C cable running up under the monitor. Whatever device I want to access via the keyboard & mouse gets plugged into the dock cable.

  • ihfree on 22/06/2023 - 16:31
    +1

    Have you considered a monitor upgrade? There are some models with PD and a USB hub - for example, P2723DE. There are other models, so worth having a look at Ozbargain.

    You should also check the power requirements of your laptop. Some Dell laptops use a proprietary extension to USB-C PD to enable 130W. If your laptop is one of these, then a Dell dock such as the WD22TB4 or other Dell dock may be your best option.

    Personally, I am now using a Dynabook Thunderbolt 4 dock, previously using a Dell WD22TB4 (now for my partner's PC). Prior to that, I was using a USB-C hub without issue. I moved to a Thunderbolt dock to get multiple monitor support.

    • dezi on 22/06/2023 - 16:38

      The monitor is brand new, got it like last week. Ans mainly ita for my wife as she wanted ultra wide for dual monitor without getting 2 and cleaner look.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 22/06/2023 - 17:40
    +1

    Any dock that does not use DisplayLink.

  • AndyC1 on 22/06/2023 - 18:46
    -1

    Search for previous OZb dock threads as you have supplied no technical info on ports required.

    • dezi on 23/06/2023 - 06:16

      Regarding ports, I currently only require one display port, possibly two in the future. For optimal performance, I would prefer a dock that supports a refresh rate of at least 100Hz at 1440p, which matches the specifications of my ultrawide monitor. Additionally, I would appreciate having three to four Type-A ports and potentially one to two Type-C ports for connectivity purposes.

  • FrugalFranky on 23/06/2023 - 08:56

    I got the HP G5 from work
    https://www.amazon.com.au/HP-5TW10AA-ABB-USB-C-Dock/dp/B07RG…

    Does exactly what I need.
    1 powered USB-C into my laptop.

    Connects the external display, and wireless keyboard, mouse, and webcam

    • dezi on 23/06/2023 - 09:55

      Ordered the lenovo one, but if that one doesn't work then i will look into getting this.

  • jellykingdom on 23/06/2023 - 09:09

    Definitely empathise with this post. My wife uses Dell, i use HP, and the bloody dock i "borrowed" from work didn't work for both. Not sure if its a voltage thing

  • SimbaGirl on 23/06/2023 - 11:21

    When my job had to move to WFH during the pandemic, I bought this dock https://www.ple.com.au/Products/646990/volans-aluminium-12-i… which worked very well. I had Dell laptop and two monitors (different brands), all of which were secondhand from other departments - our office didn't rate getting any new equipment apparently, even for working on site LOL, but had no problems with the dock. Had the usual peripherals and ethernet cable connected also.

    I've also since used it for another job since where I was doing some days each week from home, again a mishmash of an oldish HP laptop, old monitor from work and new monitor I bought myself, and everything worked perfectly. Was very happy with it.

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