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    Any Docking Station Recommendations

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by OneOuts, Dec 22, 2019.

  1. OneOuts

    OneOuts Newbie

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    I have just bought a desktop replacement laptop, and I am looking for a docking station that allows for easy connection of external monitors, keyboard/mouse and Ethernet.

    Interested in what others are using, and if there are any recommendations.
     
  2. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    Really depends on what your laptop supports (DP 1.2 or DP1.4 alt modes for USB-C), what you want it to do (Are you expecting a "single cable" solution? Are you driving a 4k 120Hz display?), and what sort of performance you really want out of a dock (is 100Mbps ethernet good enough?).


    As for "single cable," it will depend on your laptop model.
     
  3. OneOuts

    OneOuts Newbie

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    I have an Area-51m. My display is 1440p 144hz. 100mbps is fine. I mainly just want a setup that I can put the laptop on the desk, connect the power adapter, plug in the dock and go.
     
  4. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    Ah, nice.

    I currently use this one with my 1440p144 monitor:

    https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Multiport-DisplayPort-Ethernet/dp/B06Y5N3YCD/
    It's a neat little dongle that only passes DP1.2 (afaik), but uses all 4 lanes. Most other docks of its type take two of the (high speed) lanes for an USB 3.0 link (uplink + downlink pair). This dongle transfers non-video data via DP/USB-C's integrated USB 2.0 "low speed" lines.

    The downside is everything (outside of the Displayport video link) is connected via that single, 480Mbps USB 2.0 link. For a mouse and KB, no big deal. For ethernet, it means the max supported is limited to a more realistic 100Mbps.
     
  5. OneOuts

    OneOuts Newbie

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    Looks great! Thanks so much!
     
  6. liviu2007

    liviu2007 Notebook Guru

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    i reccomend firecuda gaming dock if you can afford it.its awesome.check it out!
     
  7. Tech Junky

    Tech Junky Notebook Deity

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    USB3SDOCKD - startech

    This one's simple... usb3 into laptop / power from wall

    2 video ports / gig ethernet / etc.

    They're reliable and a bit more robust than some of the stuff on the market. Check their website for details / specs and then buy somewhere else for cheaper.