Laptop Dock

[Deleted User 298457]

Hi folks,

I have a Dell Latitude 12th Gen i7 1265u laptop. I have a Dell S2721DGFA.

I spent a while messing around with various docks with the aim of a single USB-C cable to drive everything, and ended up with a Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adaptor (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06ZY1ZJDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

In the early days of Teams coming out, I noticed major lag when I plugged my monitor via DP into the dock - as in my system performance collapsed. I now have a partial solution whereby I connect my mouse/keyboard/charger into the Multiport Adaptor and use the HDMI. I'm not totally convinced of this, but I still get lots of performance glitches when using apps like Teams, heavy duty PPTs etc. which do not seem to materialise when I connect to my Lenovo screen (native USB-C).

So browsing HUKD earlier I see the Dell D6000 dock for £30 at CEX. I missed the deal but I noticed they had a bunch of other seemingly quite high-end "docks". For example, this guy is £48 - https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail...D=3e42616bdbf4327ed4f4b49613d9fdcb&position=1

It says it is multiple DP monitors at high res and 60hz, it says it has USB 3 x3 and USB-C etc. I am now confused why I had so many issues finding a dock historically - I ended up with a USB2.0 dock so that display had enough bandwidth. Is my dock not actually a dock and the system is having to work hard to drive it?

Are these things labelled "docks" different to "multiport adaptors" and would the WD19TBS work well with my S2721DGFA and my Dell laptop? Could I go to a single cable with zero performance degradation?

Thanks for any myth crushing advice

 

[Deleted User 298457]

Thanks @Blackbadger that is super helpful.

My laptop is a Latitude 7330. I hadn't realised the RH USB-C has a bunch of symbols by it (SS, a number 5, a lightening bolt and a picture of an empty battery I think!). The other side just has a Plug Symbol and a lightening bolt.

Edit: seems both ports are the same - it is pointing to the old USB plug having powershare.

Glad I missed out on the D6000.

Edit: so this doesn't really add anything more over cheaper docks?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-Thunderbolt-Dock-WD22TB4-130W/dp/B09XN6BG19/ref=sr_1_4?crid=22QIDOQCCF83O&keywords=thunderbolt+4+dock&qid=1705528390&s=electronics&sprefix=thunderbolt+4+dock%2Celectronics%2C63&sr=1-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d7e5a2de-8759-4da3-993c-d11b6e3d217f

 

[Deleted User 298457]

Ah understood - I think that's where I was a bit confused. So basically the multiport adaptor I have is a USB-C thing; and the proper docks can be that, but some are proper Thunderbolt. The size difference is because the dock itself has various controllers in there for USB etc.

Thank you sir.

 

[Deleted User 298457]

Reporting back here.

Turns out the biggest issue I was having was BD PROCHOC. Because my Lenovo has PD, the Dell was throwing a wobble on incompatible charger (I imagine the last mile USB C cable may have been adding complexity there too).

I've complained to the firm and they are replacing for a HP.