Articles about Dock

USB-C docking stations are very common these days. Hell, websites like Amazon are littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor do they offer the same things. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs. I recommend sticking with reputable brands such as Kensington, StarTech.com, and Plugable to name a few.

Speaking of Plugable, today, that company launches two new USB-C docking stations. Called "UD-3900PDH" and "UD-768PDZ," both offer 100W power delivery and feature triple monitor support. While they both have SD card readers, only the UD-3900PDH has a dedicated micro SD reader as well.

Continue reading →

Apple's iPad is a tablet, obviously, but when you add a keyboard case, it magically becomes a laptop too. But did you know M1 or M2-powered iPad tablets (running iPadOS 16.1 and higher) can also serve as a desktop PC with full-screen monitor support? It's true! By plugging in a USB-C dock, you can connect a keyboard, mouse, monitor, external storage, and more.

Today, Plugable launches a new USB-C Stand Dock (model number UDS-7IN1). While this product is primarily designed for M1/M2 iPad devices (such as iPad Pro and iPad Air 5), it can work with USB-C Android devices and Windows tablets (such as Surface Pro) as well. While this dock should technically work with laptops and desktops, the "stand" aspect (which props up the phone or tablet like a monitor), would be wasted.

Continue reading →

There are so many docks and docking stations nowadays, that it can be hard to get excited about them. Look, I get it, they all pretty much do the same thing -- turn your laptop into a desktop while also charging it. The thing is, not all of them are created equally. In fact, some are much better than others.

With all of that said, today, trusted manufacturer Plugable launches an all-new USB-C docking station. Called "USBC-6950PDZ," the dock comes with all the ports that you'd expect, but in a conveniently small body. It can easily fit inside your bag when traveling.

Continue reading →

Does the perfect laptop docking station exist? Maybe for some consumers, but ultimately, no it does not. The reality is, consumers have differing needs and wants, so no single dock can truly please everyone. With that said, a new docking station from Plugable should prove to be a great option for most consumers.

Called "UD-ULTCDL," it technically is an update to an existing Plugable dock that carries the same name, but really, it is significantly different, meaning it should be considered an entirely new product. This second generation version features three HDMI ports as opposed to outdated DVI and VGA options. Not to mention, it now offers 100W charging (96W certified).

Continue reading →

USB-C docking stations are very common these days. Hell, websites like Amazon are littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor do they offer the same things. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs. I recommend sticking with reputable brands such as Kensington, StarTech.com, and Plugable to name a few.

Speaking of Plugable, today, that company launches a USB-C docking station that can push two 4K displays at 60Hz at once. Called "UD-6950PDH," the dock also offers 100W of charging and provides an impressive 13 useful ports, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, and both SD and micro SD card readers.

Continue reading →

According to Plugable, its UD-ULTC4K USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station has been wildly popular. While the company has not shared sales numbers, it has apparently sold many of these docks since it launched back in 2017. This doesn't surprise me, as Plugable products are consistently great.

Since it has been five years since the UD-ULTC4K launched, Plugable though it was time to refresh it, so it has done exactly that -- while confusingly keeping the exact same product name. The biggest change is the inclusion of six video outputs -- three HDMI and three DisplayPort -- of which three can be used simultaneously. You also get 100W Power Delivery, meaning this dock can quickly charge up any laptop with USB-C PD. My favorite addition, however, is the SD card reader.

Continue reading →

USB-C docking stations are pretty common these days. In fact, websites like Amazon are littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor are they all the same. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs.

Speaking of video output, most USB-C docks have either one or two such ports. Today, however, Plugable launches a docking station with four HDMI ports, and yes, they can all be used simultaneously for a quad-monitor configuration. But despite having so many video outputs, it doesn't skimp on other useful ports, including an SD card reader!

Continue reading →

I'm a desktop guy. I like using a proper keyboard, mouse, and large monitor. Not to mention, desktop computers are usually easier to upgrade compared to a laptop. With that said, desktops are very inconvenient, as they cannot be easily taken from place to place. Sure, you can technically lug your desktop and monitor to the local Starbucks, but you'll look like a total nutcase. Obviously, a laptop is more versatile thanks to its easy portability.

If you want the portability of a laptop but want to use a large monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a docking station can be an elegant solution. A dock can transform your notebook into a makeshift desktop -- all while charging the computer at the same time. Today, Belkin launches its latest such product -- the CONNECT Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Windows 11, macOS, and iPadOS. It is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. However, using over USB-C instead of TB can limit the video-out to two monitors rather than three.

Continue reading →

Thunderbolt 4 is no longer the future -- it is the present. What does this mean? Well, more and more manufacturers have been releasing TB4 docking stations lately! Make no mistake, Thunderbolt 4-enabled computers should work fine with existing Thunderbolt 3 hardware, including docks. With that said, if you get yourself a TB4 computer, and you don't already have a TB3 dock, you should absolutely try and buy a TB4 dock.

Today, StarTech.com releases an all-news Thunderbolt 4 docking station for Windows and Mac. Called "TB4CDOCK," it is loaded with useful ports that can turn your laptop into a makeshift desktop. As you can imagine, it offers an Ethernet jack and several USB-A ports -- one USB Type-A 2.0 on the front and three USB 3.2 gen 2 ports on the back. It even offers 96W power delivery to keep your laptop charged up when connected.

Continue reading →

USB-C docking stations are a dime a dozen these days. There are so many on the market, it can be hard to get excited about new models. For one to stand out in the crowd, it has to be exceptional or offer functionality to make it special.

Well, folks, it seems Plugable has managed to announce a USB-C docking station that is legitimately exciting. Called "UD-6950PDZ," it supports up to three monitors running at 4K. While that is cool, it is not what makes it so special. Actually, the truly cool aspect is that it has six video outputs -- three HDMI and three DisplayPort. Only three of the six can be used at once, but by offering six ports, you can connect to three monitors using HDMI or DisplayPort without ever needing a dongle.

Continue reading →

Windows 11's centered taskbar isn’t for everyone, and it lacks many of the customization options we’re used to (although Microsoft promises these missing features are on their way).

Thankfully there are some third-party tools which can change the look and behavior of the taskbar.

Continue reading →

So, you need a docking station for your laptop, eh? OK, cool. If it has Thunderbolt 3/4, you should buy a Thunderbolt dock. If not, you should cop a USB dock instead. It's not complicated, folks. With that said, it can be a bit confusing when trying to pick a make and model. After all, Amazon is littered with so many USB docks and docking stations. My advice is to stick with a known company.

Well, VisionTek (a very reputable brand), has a new such product that looks rather impressive. Called "VT4510," it is a Dual Display 4K USB-C Docking Station with 100W Power Delivery. This means a single cable can connect the dock to your laptop while charging it (up to 100 watts) at the same time. It can even simultaneously push two 4K monitors at 60Hz. If you use just one DisplayPort connector, a single 5K display can be used at 60Hz. And yes, both a USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cable are included in the box.

Continue reading →

When a device or accessory is certified as "Works With Chromebook," it means that it will, well... work with Chromebooks. In other words, it is a promise or guarantee that the product is compatible with a computer running Google's Linux-based Chrome OS. With that said, many devices that aren't officially certified will work fine with Chromebooks as well. In fact, you may pay a premium for the "Works With Chromebook" certification when you really don't need to -- it is often nothing more than marketing nonsense.

Today, Acer unveils a Works-With-Chromebook-certified USB-C Dock, and the certification might actually be more than marketing-speak. Called "D501," it looks like your typical USB-C dock, and that is because it pretty much is. What makes it interesting -- other than its compatibility guarantee -- is upgradeable firmware. Yes, you can update the dock itself from within Chrome OS, and that is pretty darn cool. The dock can actually improve over time as Acer puts out updates for it.

Continue reading →

I'm a huge proponent of using laptops with docking stations. Most people want the portability of a notebook, meaning a traditional desktop just won't do. At the same time, people also like using a large monitor, keyboard, and mouse to maximize productivity at home or in the office. A dock or docking station transforms a laptop into a makeshift desktop, delivering some of the best of both worlds. This is a particularly great solution for remote users that are newly working from home.

Most docking stations are very cold and industrial in their designs. That isn't necessarily a bad thing -- these dock are just tools, after all. Of course, it doesn't have be that way. You see, today, Logitech launches a new such product that isn't just a useful tool, but a friendly piece of decor as well. Called "Logi Dock," it combines a docking station and a speakerphone into a warm and inviting package that will look nice in any setting.

Continue reading →

There are so many docks and docking stations nowadays, that it can be hard to get excited about them. Look, I get it, they all pretty much do the same thing -- turn your laptop into a desktop while also charging it. The thing is, not all of them are created equally. In fact, some are much better than others.

With all of that said, today, trusted manufacturer Silicon Power launches an all-new USB-C multiport dock. Called "Boost SU20," it includes card readers, video output, and USB-A ports. The aluminum-bodied dock even features USB-C passthrough charging.

Continue reading →