Qhick question about docking laptops.

[Joduko]

I wasn't sure whether to ask this in Peripherals or Laptops & Prebuilt Systems channel.

 

So I've seen some people who don't need a lot of processing horsepower be able to "dock" their laptops so that they can use their desktop setup whenever they're not on the go.

Why do I see people buying dedicated docking hardware for this? Couldn't it be as simple as plugging the laptop's display adapter (like I know mine has a port for VGA and mini-Displayport) plus a USB hub with all the other peripherals?

[minibois]

With a docking station you have to plug in:

- USB (to the docking station)
- Power to the laptop (if the docking station doesn't supply power)

 

Without a docking station you have to plug in:

- USB (to a hub, to your peripherals)

- The video cable(s) (HDMI/Displayport/VGA to the monitor(s))

- Power

- Ethernet optionally

- Other peripherals not mentioned above (i.e. speakers/headphones/headset)

Ultimately, it's a little bit of convenience you are granted with a docking station.

[ProjectBox153]

Some laptops these days don't have multiple ports for external devices, so docks make sense. My laptop only has 2 USB-C ports, and while that's perfectly fine for me it would be a bit difficult to connect everything needed for a desktop setup. 

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Peripherals

22 hours ago, Joduko said:

I wasn't sure whether to ask this in Peripherals or Laptops & Prebuilt Systems channel.

Either would have been better than General Discussion

***

 

Like said, its mainly to tidy up and make the process bit quicker. If you have or will ever work in office where laptops are main PCs, you will quickly understand the benefits. For example here the trend is to not have dedicated office space. Instead office may have several desk setups with docking station and all things connected to that. Mouse, keyboard and monitors. The power can also come from dock. So when you come to work, you just plug laptop to dock and start adjusting table, chair and monitors (which still takes 10-20mins). Or if you need to go to meeting or smaller room for phone call, you can just unplug single cable or press release button on dock. Instead of disconnecting 4+ cables and then connecting them when you come back.

 

The benefits are endless. Disadvantage would be that docks/hubs are rather pricey. Good USB3 dock is over €100. Another advantage is that its easier to teach new people what they need to do, more so with technically limited ones.