6 Laptop Docking Stations for Turning a Notebook Into a Desktop
A docking station is basically an interface device that allows laptops to attach to other devices to convert it into a computer. It provides you the portability of a laptop and flexibility of a desktop. If compared to PCs, a laptop has fewer ports, but using this system will allow you to connect your laptop with multiple devices, such as printers, speakers, etc. for better accessibility. This system will also eliminate the steps to connect each unit manually and will save you the time that it consumes while plugging and unplugging the adaptor every time you try to play computer games.
Also Read: 5 Best Docking Stations For Your MacBook Pro
Now, let’s jump to the best laptop docking stations that you can get your hand on:
Dell D6000 Universal Dock
To use this docking station, your laptop must have Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 32/64 bit, or higher. This device supports up to three 4K displays for a single 5K display via USB-C at a time. Your PC must be equipped with either USB 3.0 or USB C port. It is not compatible with troubleshooting.
Plugable USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station
The system provides you with three video outputs that includes 1x HDMI 1.4 output and 2x display port 1.2 DP++ output. You can use the video adaptor to convert the display port into a VGA single-link DVI or HDMI. This device is compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 laptop or Windows tablet. You can connect up to three monitors at a time. It includes multiple USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet Connection, 3.5 mm headphones, and microphone jacks.
UtechSmart Triple Display Docking Station
It is one of the best triple display USB-C hubs that has the capability to boost your efficiency up to 3 times. The three available display modes are: mirror, extended, and video wall. The USB-C hub will turn your laptop into a mobile workstation. This hub is equipped with next-generation intelligence microchip, over-voltage protection, voltage regulation, temperature protection, and overcurrent protection. Due to the power delivery 3.0 technology, this system can charge your device in a very short time. You get a 1000M Ethernet port for faster data transfer and for playing advanced games smoothly. This product is available in two colors: grey, and classic grey.
Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station
Firstly, it comes with two years of warranty that no other docking system provides. It provides flexibility in work because of its single USB 3.0 that will connect you from a host PC to the dock that gives you dual video output, wired Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, 3.5 mm headphone and a microphone jack. The built-in DVI and HDMI output support 1920×1200 resolution at a 60Hz rate. It also includes DVI to VGA and HDMI adaptors. You can use it with Windows 7 or later OS. However, it’s not suitable for gaming, but you can use it with productivity and web softwares.
QGeeM USB 3.0 Docking Station
It has a modern and compact design that supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, XP systems, and Mac OS 10.6 or later. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Linux or ARM-based Windows OS. It is compatible with USB-C, type-A, thunderbolt three laptops, and desktops. It will provide you six times better speed with its USB 3.0 port that can transfer data up to 5 Gbps. This system also comes with audio out and mic in enhancements along with two HDMI and two DP Dual Video outputs.
CalDigit TS3+
It is compatible with both Mac (2016+) and Windows (8 and 10 only) and has three thunderbolt ports. It is equipped with the latest UHS-II SD card slot that will support SD/SDXC/SDHC at up to 300Mbps. You can connect it with 4K extended displays at 60Hz. It provides about 15 ports of connections that includes 2x thunderbolt, DisplayPort 1.2, Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD 4.0 card slot, 3.5 mm stereo audio in & out, optical audio, and more. It will charge the laptop at lightning speed as it is equipped with an 87W charger along with USB peripherals.
The price range of devices may vary according to your location and zip code. Check for the compatibility of your device before making your purchase. You can get the best deals on Amazon. The laptop docking station will increase your productivity and will prove to be a good investment. Also, look out for the warranty as you don’t want to invest in any device that doesn’t last you long as compared to its price.