Pros & Cons of Best USB Docking Station 2022
Introduction of the USB docking station
A laptop USB docking station allows the laptop to be connected to multiple devices. For example, monitors, microphones or, headphones can be connected. The docking station is there to bring everything under one roof and to avoid cable clutter. Furthermore, this creates an order on your desk. If you want to find out if it makes your job easier, you can try a laptop docking station to test it out.
Types of the USB docking station
- Several USB devices can be connected to a laptop docking station and supplied with power. This increases the flexibility of the laptop. Monitors, headphones, or microphones can also be used.
- Also, if you use a laptop docking station, you can avoid tangled cables on your desk. There is more order and a more pleasant working atmosphere.
- Furthermore, there are docking stations with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0. A USB 2.0 port scores with a high transfer rate and is suitable for most accessories. A USB 3.0 port is even faster and backward compatible with 2.0.
How to use a USB docking station?
If you alternately use your laptop mobile and stationary, you usually just plug in and unplug different cables. A laptop docking station is there to avoid tangled cables. Also, this allows you to connect your laptop to other devices. The laptop can be removed at any time, while the docking station and cables can remain on the desk.
In our guide on BILD.de, we explain the differences between the individual types of USB docking station for laptops and answer important questions on this topic.
1. What do the different types reveal at a glance?
For information on specific models, see Laptop Docking Station Tests. In our practical guide on BILD.de, we will now introduce you to the various types of laptop docking stations.
You can see them clearly in the following comparison table:
| Laptop docking station type | properties |
| Laptop docking station with USB 2.0 | · with USB 2.0 interface
· High-speed USB port · high transfer rate |
| Laptop docking station with USB 3.0 | · with USB 3.0 interface
· downward compatible · Super speed mode |
2. How do the different connection types of laptop docking stations convince?
Docking stations for laptops are mainly differentiated based on the type of their connections In the following overview on BILD.de, you can see the main advantages and disadvantages of both types. If your laptop's software and browser are not compatible with the docking station, a cheap purchase can turn out to be an expensive purchase.
2.1. Laptop docking station with USB 2.0
This is a docking station with a USB 2.0 port. Also, this is standard for peripheral devices for computers. Thanks to the high-speed USB port, the data transfer rate is very high. This docking station is suitable for an external hard drive, a WLAN stick, or a webcam, for example.
Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of a laptop USB docking with USB 2.0:
BENEFITS of the docking station
- High-speed port
- Also, high data transfer rate
- Furthermore, suitable for most computer accessories
DISADVANTAGE of the USB docking station
- slower than USB 3.0
2.2. Laptop docking stations with USB 3.0
This USB station has a USB 3.0 interface. But it is also backward compatible with USB 2.0. Thanks to the SuperSpeed USB connection, data transfer is faster than with docking stations with 2.0. Most peripheral products can be connected.
In the following overview you can see the advantages and disadvantages of a laptop docking station with USB 3.0:
Benefits of the USB rd docking station USB 3.0
- for USB 3.0
- Moreover, backward compatible for 2.0
- Furthermore, SuperSpeed port
- Moreover, faster than USB 2.0
DISADVANTAGE
- possibly more expensive
3. Purchase advice - which purchase criteria are decisive?
Operating system and maximum resolution in pixels
Make sure that the laptop USB is compatible with the operating system of your notebook. Furthermore, most stations are suitable for Windows. With a Mac, however, you should make sure that the docking station is suitable for it.
This is especially true if you are buying a cheap laptop docking station. Check out laptop docking station reviews for specific model compatibility. Also, consider what maximum resolution is available. This is usually given in pixels.
If you buy a USB station consider certain things
Whether a Dell laptop docking station, Lenovo laptop docking station, or Fujitsu laptop docking station: If you want to buy a brand-new notebook with a laptop docking station or a separate laptop docking station, you should consider certain things in advance. For example, make sure that your inch tablet matches it.
In our guide, we explain what is particularly important when buying a docking station:
3.1. Number of USB 3.0 / 2.0 and USB charging function
It is practical if the laptop docking station has many connections for adapters or a USB charging function.
Another criterion is whether it is a USB docking station, a USB C docking station, or a USB port replicator. Also, pay attention to how many USB ports for 3.0 and 2.0 the docking station has.
Think about how many devices you want to use the station for and whether the connections are enough.
3.2. Headphones/microphone as a practical accessory
Many laptop docking stations also have convenient connectors for headphones or a microphone. If you want to use these accessories, you should choose a model that is equipped with these connectors.
3.3. DVI / VGA and HDMI - analog and digital interfaces
A DVI port is responsible for the transmission of analog image signals. DVI can also transmit signals in high resolution. Moreover, the digital signals are transmitted directly to the digital monitor. This means there is no loss of quality.
A VGA port is a standard connector found on many devices. However, a long VGA cable can lead to a loss of quality.
Conclusion
An HDMI port is a digital interface. It is used, for example, to transfer high-resolution and copy-protected audio and video files. You can use an HDMI cable to connect laptops to a monitor or speaker, among other things.
