Our laptops have limited port capacity, allowing us to connect only a few devices, such as a mouse, printer or keyboard.
That is why docking stations are our best friends. They allow us to connect multiple screens and other devices through our laptops.
The best part about plugging in a docking port is that your work efficiency does not get hampered. Every application, video or file runs as smoothly as it runs on your laptop.
However, choosing the best laptop docking station australia is much of a task. How do you know whether your docking station can sustain the load of multiple screens and devices?
To help you out, we prepared a list of five things that you must consider before buying a docking station so that you can choose the best one.
Let’s take a look:
- Compatibility
Not all docking stations will be compatible with your laptop. That is why you must spend time researching whether your laptop’s company manufactures their docking stations or not.
If your research concludes with a ‘NO’, you can opt for universal docking stations that work as effectively as company-specific docking stations.
The good news is that universal docking stations facilitate all cable and port types. Therefore, they are highly likely to be compatible with your laptop ports.
- Resolution
Docking stations come in all prices and types. Cheaper ones may support resolutions up to 1080p, while an expensive one may support 4K.
Since you will most likely connect a different monitor to your docking station, you must ensure that it supports 4K resolution for at least two monitors.
Screen resolution makes all the difference if you are an animator, gamer, or tech junkie. Thus, a docking station below 4K screen support is bad for you.
- Audio output and ports
Audio is as important to you as the video if you are a podcaster, broadcaster, musician or webinar host. That is why your docking station must support a 3.5 mm speaker jack so that you can connect speakers.
Apart from audio, the number of other ports makes a spark difference too. Ideally, most docking stations come with 2-6 USB ports containing USB-A, USB-C and HDMI ports.
Your docking station must have all these ports and Ethernet connectivity so that other smart devices can be connected, such as phones and tablets for an immersive experience.
- Ease of installation and size
Docking stations are also utilised by companies that want to equip entire offices with them. If the installation process is tedious and requires you to install a lot of firmware and missing drivers, you will be discouraged from using it further.
Therefore, you must choose a driverless docking station that is enabled with USB-C so that you don’t have to spend a working day setting up docking stations across all laptops in the office.
Docking stations come in both horizontal and vertical sizes. Where horizontal-size docking stations are widely used, they can eat up your table space. In comparison, a vertical station acquires a lot less space.
- Warranty period
Much like all digital devices, the durability of your docking station cannot be promised. That is why you must aim for a station with at least 2-3 years of warranty. This will assure you that you have bought a reliable device that will not break down in the middle of the work.
Final Thoughts
Given that the hybrid work environment is gaining a foothold across the globe, professionals must have docking stations that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their tasks.
So, if you want to increase your work experience by adding more devices and monitors, you must contact a docking station company today for a no-obligation quote.
