If the laptop has too few ports, a docking station can help. atechbook presents models that convince both in use and design.
There is nothing more practical than a laptop. It accompanies you everywhere, is small and handy and always ready for use. But sometimes you just don’t have the right connections, the necessary memory or the right screen size. That’s when they make their grand entrance: docking stations. They make it child’s play to connect external devices such as monitors, mice, USB sticks & Co. to the laptop – or to expand the storage space. atechbook has tracked them down: the best docking stations for Windows laptops and MacBooks.
Overview
- What do I need a docking station for?
- What hardware can I connect?
- Für Designverliebte: HP USB-C Docking Station G5
- For gamers: Western Digital Game Dock D50
- For the versatile: Verbatim USB-C multiport hub
- For the tasteful: Dell Mobile Adapter DA300
- For Apple fans: Minix Neo Storage
- For practical people: Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station
- For essentialists: Goobay USB-C multiport adapter 62105
- Conclusion
What do I need a docking station for?
If you are the proud owner of a notebook, you usually appreciate one feature in particular: flexibility. However, a laptop or MacBook is usually not quite as flexible as it seems at first glance. At the latest when sitting at the desk in the office, it becomes apparent that the laptop often doesn’t have the right or enough ports to connect an external monitor, mouse, keyboard and other devices. Docking stations were developed for just such cases. Once set up, you can simply plug your notebook or MacBook into the docking station when you get to the office in the morning – and instantly the device is connected to all the important hardware components. And work? Can begin immediately.
Did you already know? The term “docking station” comes from English. “To dock” translates to “to dock” or “to couple.”
What hardware can I connect?
It all depends on the docking station, since every model and manufacturer has different ports integrated. Basically, all peripherals that can usually be used with desktop PCs can be connected to the laptop: Monitors, mice, keyboards, printers, beamers, smartphones, LAN ports, digital cameras, external hard drives and much more.
Therefore, for those who are still looking for the right match, atechbook presents the perfect docks for every use, every demand and every user.
Für Designverliebte: HP USB-C Docking Station G5
Vielseitig, elegant und platzsparend: Die formschöne und kompakte HP USB-C Docking Station G5 ist ein echter Allrounder. Sie begeistert nicht nur mit einer Vielzahl an Anschlüssen, sondern ist auch maximal flexibel, was ihre Kompatibilität angeht. Denn sie funktioniert mit allen USB-C- und Thunderbolt-fähigen Laptops. Eine weitere Besonderheit: Mit der praktischen Dockingstation lassen sich sogar zwei externe Monitore gleichzeitig anschließen.
Features of the HP USB-C Docking Station G5
| HP USB-C Docking Station G5 | |
|---|---|
| Product type | USB docking station |
| External interfaces | RJ45, USB 3.0, USB-C, audio port |
| Video output | DisplayPort, HDMI |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 1 |
| Compatible with | USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, Windows 7, Windows 10, macOS, Chrome OS. |
Vorteile und Nachteile der HP USB-C Docking Station G5
Pro
- + Space-saving and handy
- + Many ports
- + 1 year manufacturer warranty
- + Stylish design and high quality
Contra
- – Relatively high price
For gamers: Western Digital Game Dock D50
This model turns every laptop and MacBook into an integrated gaming station. The Western Digital Game Dock D50 not only immediately catches the eye with its LED light, but also impresses with its inner values. Thus, it helps to avoid cable clutter on the desk with a multitude of ports. In addition, the docking station ensures that the laptop never runs out of storage space: The integrated 1 TB SSD hard drive allows you to store up to 25 games or numerous photos and videos directly on the dock.
Features of the Western Digital Game Dock D50 / 1 TB
| Western Digital Game Docks D50 / 1 TB | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Thunderbolt docking station |
| External interfaces | LAN (RJ-45), Audio-in, Audio-out, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 |
| Video output | Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 2 |
| Compatible with | Thunderbolt™ 3 enabled computers, Windows 10 (64 bit), macOS 10.13+. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Western Digital Game Dock D50
Rating at idealo: Score 1.8 | 4 of 5 stars
Pro
- + Many ports
- + 5 years manufacturer warranty
- + With integrated 1 TB SSD storage.
- + With 13 LED pattern effects
Contra
- – Relatively high price
For the versatile: Verbatim USB-C multiport hub
The Verbatim USB-C multiport hub is a real all-rounder. That makes it ideal for those who need a lot of accessories: With three USB 3.0 ports, you’ll find plenty of room to plug in a mouse, USB stick, hard drive, or external DVD drive with this compact docking station. There is even a convenient USB-C fast charging port. The HDMI port promises a razor-sharp picture, which can be used to transfer the screen content to a TV or monitor – even in resolutions up to Ultra HD 4K. Last but not least, the hub also comes with convenient card slots for SD and microSD memory cards, making it ideal for (hobby) photographers.
Ausstattung des Verbatim USB-C Multiport Hub
| Verbatim USB-C Multiport Hub | |
|---|---|
| Product type | USB docking station |
| External interfaces | LAN (RJ-45), card reader, USB 3.0, USB-C |
| Video output | HDMI |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 1 |
| Compatible with | Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Verbatim USB-C multiport hub
idealo rating: score 1.7 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pro
- + Provides data and power
- + Robust case
- + Many ports
Contra
- – No LED or switches
- – Relatively short cable
For the tasteful: Dell Mobile Adapter DA300
Comprehensive, compact and stylish, Dell’s handy 6-in-1 USB-C adapter offers the widest variety of connectivity options – including HDMI, DP, VGA, Ethernet, USB-C and USB-A. The mobile multi-talent does not compromise and delivers, for example, a clear 4K resolution at 60 hertz as well as the fast data transfer rate SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbit/s. Despite maximum possibilities, the round adapter is at the same time maximally handy and also fits in every pocket. Particularly advantageous is the hidden cable, which can be pulled out and in by twisting.
Features of the Dell Mobile Adapter DA300
| Dell Mobile Adapters DA300 | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Laptop docking station |
| External interfaces | Ethernet, USB-C and USB-A |
| Video output | HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 1 |
| Compatible with | Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10, Apple macOS |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Dell Mobile Adapter DA300
Rating at idealo: 5 of 5 stars
Pro
- + Compact design
- + Easy plug & play
- + Very high quality
- + Hidden cable
Contra
- – Supports only one monitor output at a time
For Apple fans: Minix Neo Storage
Exclusively for Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro: The Minix Neo Storage is a mixture of external hard drive and docking station. Not only does it score with its elegant design, but its connectivity is also impressive. Besides an integrated SSD storage of 120 GB, the lightweight aluminum hub also offers a 4K-capable HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports for accessories, and a USB-C port for power supply. For those who need even more storage, the adapter is available with larger SSD storage.
Features of the Minix Neo Storage
| Minix Neo Storage | |
|---|---|
| Product type | USB docking station |
| External interfaces | USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB-C PD |
| Video output | HDMI |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 1 |
| Compatible with | Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air, Apple MacBook Pro. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Minix Neo Storage
Rating at idealo: Note 2,1 | 4 of 5 stars
Pro
- + With integrated 120 GB SSD storage
- + All important ports available
- + Handy
Contra
- – Only compatible with Apple devices
For practical people: Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station
Diese Dockingstation Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 bringt Vielfalt ins Büro: Sie bietet 11 Anschlüsse in einem Hub. So kann man sich über USB-2.0- und -3.0-Anschlüsse en masse freuen. Zudem sind ein DVI- und HDMI-Anschluss integriert sowie je eine Mikrofon- und Kopfhörerbuchse. Natürlich darf auch ein Gigabit-Ethernet-Port nicht fehlen. Die Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station ein echtes Multitaskingtalent. Denn neben einer Vielzahl an Zubehör können auch zwei Monitore parallel angeschlossen werden.
Features of the Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 Docking Station
| Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station | |
|---|---|
| Product type | USB docking station |
| External interfaces | LAN (RJ-45), USB 2.0, audio-out, audio-in, USB 3.0. |
| Video output | HDMI, DVI |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 2 |
| Compatible with | Universal |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station
idealo rating: 1.2 | 5 out of 5 stars
Pro
- + Huge variety of ports for maximum flexibility
- + Stability due to high-quality metal stand
Contra
- – Relatively large
For essentialists: Goobay USB-C multiport adapter 62105
Ideal for the small budget: the Goobay USB-C Multiport Adapter 62105 may not be the prettiest or the most flexible among the docking stations. But it offers the most important ports that you could wish for in a mini adapter: For example, the USB docking station has an HDMI port with a resolution of up to 4K as well as an Ethernet port for a super-fast network connection. Furthermore, there is a USB-C and a USB 3.0 port for accessories. You do not have the right ports? No problem: The inexpensive companion is available in seven other variants with different ports.
Ausstattung des Goobay USB-C multiport adapter 62105
| Goobay USB-C multiport adapter 62105 | |
|---|---|
| Product type | USB docking station |
| External interfaces | USB 3.0, LAN (RJ-45) |
| Video output | HDMI |
| Number of USB 3.0 ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.1 ports | 1 |
| Compatible with | Universal |
Vorteile und Nachteile des Goobay USB-C multiport adapter 62105
Pro
- + Reasonable price
- + Good workmanship
Contra
- – No high-quality appearance
Conclusion
Docks are a dime a dozen. Which docking station is the right one depends on individual requirements. Should it be a variant for the small purse? Should it be small and handy or have as many ports as possible? Is the design decisive? Which connections is the existing monitor compatible with? Once these questions are answered, you are guaranteed to find the right docking station to make working in different places even more flexible and convenient.
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All those who are not only looking for the right dock, but are also thinking about buying a new laptop or monitor, will find exciting articles, tips and buying guides worth knowing at atechbook. These will help you find the right device for you and avoid bad purchases.