Working from home can be difficult if you need to connect your laptop to a monitor, keyboard, mouse or printer. A docking station is a perfect solution, allowing you to make all of these connections with just one cable.
The best laptop docking stations allow you to connect your computer with an external monitor, the latest peripherals, and even connect your laptop to a printer or other device. The latest models are lightweight, slim, and designed for use with laptops running Windows or Mac operating systems.
In this post, We will discuss some of the best docking stations that are available on the market, including details about their features and help you choose the best docking station for you.
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How to choose the Best Laptop Docking Stations
There are several important things to look for when you are shopping for the best laptop docking stations. These include:
Connection types: The best laptop docking stations offer a variety of connection types. Some models only allow you to connect your laptop to an external display and other devices through a single connector. The latest laptop comes with support for USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3, 4 allowing you to connect a range of devices to your laptop.
Video output: Some docking stations will offer an HDMI port, while others will offer multiple video outputs. If you want the best audio quality, you should look for a model that offers an HDMI output to connect your laptop to external speakers. if you need support for a 4K monitor, you should look for a docking station that offers an HDMI port for 4K resolutions.
OS Compatibility: Some laptop docking stations only work with Windows laptops, while others are compatible with Macs and even Linux machines. Some docking stations support both Windows and Macs which can be used if you need to support both operating systems.
Wired Ethernet: Some docking stations will offer an Ethernet port, making it easy to connect your laptop to a wired network. These are ideal for use at home or in the office.
Data Transfer Rate: The data transfer rate of a docking station refers to how fast your computer can send and receive data to an external device. If you are looking for the best laptop docking stations with the fastest data transfer rates, you should look for models that support USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectors.
Audio input/output: Some docking stations will offer a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to connect an additional audio source. Others come with a headset jack for connecting headphones or a microphone.
The Best Laptop Docking Stations NZ
1. StarTech Dual 4K Monitor Docking Station
Get the most out of your work and play with this 4K Monitor Docking Station from StarTech. This powerful docking station features two powerful 60Hz 4K monitors and one USB 3.0 port. It also has a USB-C and USB-A port with Mac and Windows compatibility, an Ethernet RJ45 port and multiple audio connections with separate 3.5 mm headphone and mic input audio jack ports. This dock comes in a compact size, which allows you to place it anywhere in your workspace.
2. Targus Universal Docking Station
The Targus USB-C Universal DV4K Docking Station provides a fast, effortless way to connect and use one of the latest USB-C devices with a display and computer. Utilizing DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0, this docking station supports single and dual 4K UHD @ 60 Hz video via two DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 ports. The USB-C port supports Power Delivery 3.0 up to 100W for USB-C hosts and includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps) port and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. The DV4K Docking Station also includes one Gigabit Ethernet port and a 3.5mm combo Audio In/Out port.
3. StarTech Laptop Docking Station
The StarTech USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station is a great solution for all your computing needs. With the ability to support many dual monitor configurations, this docking station is perfect for professionals who work with multiple monitors, who work on large amounts of data, or who need to share their work with others in the office. It has a variety of ports, including a 5× USB 3.0 port, including two Fast-Charge USB ports, so you can work with all your favourite devices. In addition, it has wired network connectivity and audio devices, so you can easily plug in your laptop and listen to music from the docking station.
4. Alogic Universal Docking Station
The Alogic Universal TWIN HD Pro Dock Station is the ultimate docking station for any PC, Mac, or Chromebook. This docking station features a Gigabit Ethernet port for a wired connection, 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports, and Power Delivery Technology of up to 85W. It comes with 2 HDMI ports, supporting 1920 x 1080p @ 60Hz. The Alogic Universal TWIN HD Pro Dock Station is the perfect solution for all your computing needs.
5. Dell D3100 Docking Station NZ
The Dell D3100 USB 3.0 Docking Station is a great solution for your high-end laptop. It’s a versatile docking station that provides power, displays, external ports, and high-speed data transfer, which is the perfect solution for your working needs. The Dell D3100 USB 3.0 Docking Station features an ultra HD 4K display, three additional monitors, three USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 connections, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The docking station also includes a headphone jack and an audio output to connect external speakers.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between a USB hub and a docking station?
A USB hub allows you to connect multiple USB devices to your computer. A docking station allows you to connect monitors via DisplayPort, HDMI, or Thunderbolt. A docking station is typically larger than a USB hub so it can also function as a stand for your computer.
Do docking stations work with all laptops?
Not every docking station on the market is compatible with every laptop. Mac users can use Apple Thunderbolt ports for their docking stations, but Windows users will likely need to purchase a model that’s compatible with their laptop. But some models are universal and will work with PCs or Macs.
Are there universal laptop docking stations?
Yes, there are many universal docking stations for laptops. There are also many different stations for different types of laptops and operating systems. The most common universal docking stations have the following characteristics: They provide the ability to connect your laptop to a monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer.