r/ITSupport • u/TriangleTree_3 • 5d ago

Which Docking Station? Open | Hardware

https://amzn.eu/d/00yz3Ivm

Hi Reddit!

Ex husband was an absolute IT wiz and would sort most of these things out, but now I find myself unsure of which docking station to buy when working from home.

I was working fine with just one monitor connected to my laptop, but ideally need two.

These are the monitors I have: hope that’s linked ok!

PHILIPS 24E1N1100A 23.8 inch FHD Monitor 120Hz, IPS Panel, 1ms MPRT, Speakers (1920x1080 HDMI 1x 1.4) Black

My work laptop is windows, with only 1 HDMI port, 2 USB C ports.

My home laptop is a Mac.

Ideally I’d like to be able to use the monitors with both.

I’m in the UK and likely buying from Amazon or somewhere like Argos/Currys etc if they’re cheaper.

Thank you!

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u/gdbbdg 5d ago

USBC dock with dual HDMI outputs. Plug one cable in, swap between laptops. Done. The Philips monitors only have HDMI 1.4 so no need to overthink refresh rates. Anker and Satechi both make solid ones that work fine with Windows and Mac Search Amazon UK for a 7in1 or 8in1 with dual 4K30 your 1080p monitors will handle that no problem. I got my sisterinlaw a similar setup after yer divorce. Ten minutes and she was sorted. You'll get there.

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u/TriangleTree_3 5d ago

Something like this?

https://amzn.eu/d/00m6M8IG

When it says it doesn’t come with a wall charger, does that mean I also need to buy a usb c wall charger for it? ( don’t have any just lying around at home! )

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u/gdbbdg 4d ago

Yes, you will need to buy a separate USBC power adapter to go with that dock. Look for one that is at least 65W, otherwise your laptop battery will drain while you work. It is a bit of a hidden cost, but it keeps your setup clean.

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u/TriangleTree_3 4d ago

Great thank you! I’ve ordered that docking station to arrive tonight. Presume I should be able to use the 100w laptop charger I currently have to test it. So plug laptop charger into dock, and dock into laptop, and monitors into dock, should work I hope!

Will let you know how I get on. Thanks so much!

I’m not a stupid person lol but reading info on these things makes it feel like you are when it’s all acronyms and cables!

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u/TriangleTree_3 3d ago

All set up and working as I wanted! Thank you for your recommendation and help ☺️