Laptop Docking Station Buying Guide

Are you working between home and the office? Fed up with plugging multiple devices into your laptop and messy cables on your desk? A docking station makes it so much easier to use the same laptop at home and work. Rather than having the hassle of reconnecting multiple USB, monitor and power cables, you can plug your laptop into the office docking station to convert it into a desktop.

Docking stations have become essential office equipment, and many options are available. So how do you choose the right one for your needs? With this guide, we'll look at the different types of docking station and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for you

Features to look for in a docking station

Number of ports - make sure it has enough ports for your needs. Think about how many peripherals you'll need to connect.
Type A or Type C port? It's helpful if a laptop docking station has both of these. Type C is a newer USB port type that is becoming more common in modern devices. It offers faster data transfer speeds and can deliver more power than older USB port types. Type A is also helpful to have as older laptops won't be Type C compatible.
Dual video function - Many docking stations only support one monitor, so if you use two, you must check that the docking station offers dual video function.
Thunderbolt - Some docking stations have a Thunderbolt port. These provide faster data transfer speeds and higher bandwidth compared to USB ports. Thunderbolt is more expensive but ideal for demanding applications such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming. However, a USB docking station will be fine for most workplace functions.

How much power do I need?

The wattage of power delivery required for a universal docking station depends on the devices you plan to connect and their power requirements.

Suppose you want to connect high-power devices, such as multiple external monitors and hard drives, and charge a laptop. In that case, you may need a docking station with a power delivery of 100W or more.

If you only connect low-power devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and USB drive, a USB-C docking station with a power delivery of 60W or less should be sufficient.

It's a good idea to check the power requirements of your devices before selecting a USB docking station. Additionally, some laptops have specific power delivery requirements, so ensuring that the docking station you choose is compatible with your laptop is essential.

Different types of docking station

Standalone docking station - most USB docking stations are standalone and stationery. This is the most widely available type of universal laptop docking station.

Integrated docking station - This integrates into the base of your monitor arm. The cables are routed through the arm to the rear of the dock, where the video cables are connected, with the power cables dropping behind the desk to outlets. An integrated docking station helps increase usable workspace and keeps your desktop tidier.

Portable docking stations - These are designed to be more lightweight and compact, so you can easily carry them around with your laptop.

Portable laptop docking stations usually have fewer ports since they need to be compact. They typically include the most commonly used ports, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet.

Portable docking stations often draw their power from the laptop. However, models are available that you can plug into a socket. These give you the best of both worlds, as you can charge them and use them on the go in places without a power socket.

The right USB C docking station helps you combine home and office working. By considering the number and type of ports, power requirements, and different types of docking stations available, you can select the right one that meets your needs. Whether you're looking for a stationary or portable option, a docking station is an excellent investment to help you work more efficiently and productively.

Here are some of the ways docking stations are helpful:

They allow employees to use the same computer at home and in the office
All devices are accessed through one USB port
Equipment can quickly be reconnected when moving between home and office
Improved productivity by easily connecting to external monitors at home.
Your laptop display can be utilised as a third screen.
Laptops are becoming slimmer with fewer USB ports, so an office docking station is essential
Saves money as there is no need to buy a secondary desktop computer
Connects laptops to external monitors, printers, the internet, and LAN, among others.
Minimises desk clutter by eliminating stray cables.
A home docking station can be used for hybrid working

If you're looking for a docking station for your business, check out the range we stock at Technology Desking.

For quantities of 5+ units, purchase your Zgo Dock and Monitor Arm combination from our online shop or contact us for a larger quantity quotation.

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