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On the upside, several USB-C hubs today support USB-C Power Delivery, which means you will have to connect one less cable to your laptop. If you have to connect a USB-A thumb drive, you’ll need to disconnect some of the connected peripherals to make room.
#Laptop dockstation made in taiwan upgrade#
Even if you upgrade to the expensive Anker USB-C hub, you get just a duo of USB-A ports and a single USB-C data port. For example, you can find a maximum of one USB-C port, an HDMI port, or an SD card reader. While it’s true that USB hubs, especially USB-C hubs, bundle several ports, they are severely limited when compared to docks. The associated power means that the dock runs without breaking a sweat, lags, or running hot. So if you have a couple of flash drives to connect, you do not have to unplug the ones already connected to make room for the new ones.Īnd it’s not the number of ports. Number of Ports and Power Deliveryĭocking stations come with a wide variety of ports, you can connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, SD cards, monitors, and still have room for more.
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So if you have a compatible USB-C laptop, you can connect the power cable directly to the hub to charge your laptop. The good thing is that some USB-C hubs also come with USB-C Power Delivery ports. Thankfully, the issue is not that prominent if you have FHD monitors or the like. If you have 4K monitors, most USB-C hubs will get you 30Hz (and not 60Hz). Sure, they let you connect to an external monitor (or two at max), but the power is not enough to run them at their maximum resolution. On the other hand, USB hubs are a mere extension of your laptop’s ports. All you need to do is manage the cable clutter, and you will have a clear work desk. The compact form factor also makes them great alternatives to desktops. This is especially important if you have a MacBook or a Thunderbolt 3 laptop like the Dell XPS 13. The massive speed lets you hook several peripherals at once and helps you get the most out of your Thunderbolt laptop. With Thunderbolt docks around, you can get around 40Gbps, making it ideal for you if you want high-speed connectivity. Wavlink USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking StationĪnother significant difference is the speed. So, if your work involves switching between multiple monitors, docks are what you should invest in. The latter can expand your display into three monitors. The associated power also means docks like the Wavlink USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station or the Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station can run 4K displays at 60Hz. Docks usually come with a heavy power adapter designed for a permanent setup.Īs long as it gets the power from the wall adapter, the laptop dock will do the job of expanding the functionality of your humble laptop. A connected dock drives multiple monitors and powers the connected laptop along with a slew of peripherals.
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One of the primary differences between laptop docks and USB hubs is the amount of power associated.
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And in a time where laptops come with just a couple of ports, the USB hubs laptop docking station save the day.
#Laptop dockstation made in taiwan windows#
If you wish to open a couple of windows parallel or connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, or monitors, these limitations pose a big obstruction. A laptop’s limited number of ports and the small screen can barely help you boost your productivity beyond a limit.
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