Looking for honest docking station recommendations
Posted by someguyfloatingaway@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 83 comments
As I once again find myself with tasks outside of my responsibilities (last week I was building desks for our new office) I have now been asked to find docking stations for our new office. When did my job become basic IT?
I've tried out a few now, and am just lost trying to find Thunderbolt 4 docks with power, separate display ports, and USB pass through that work with the M3 MacBook pros our CTO decided to roll out. I love my Dell dock, and it works with our Lenovos, our Dells, our M1 Macs, but not the M3.
Can someone please save me so I can go back to ~~browsing Reddit~~ doing my real job?
oldsongsong@reddit
I found this comprehensive, with lots of good docks listed with price and features and link.
https://www.hidock.com/blogs/productivity-hacks/1-cable-experience-and-docking-station-selection-guide-for-2024
Dubbayoo@reddit
We settled on Dell monitors with built in hub that also provide 90 watt power to the laptop via USBC
BloomerzUK@reddit
+1 - best solution.. can daisy chain another monitor via DP as well
Jumppr@reddit
Just so I'm clear, you're able to get a 2x or 3x screen capacity this way? I didn't even know monitors with hubs were an option so I'm looking into getting some now.
iB83gbRo@reddit
Yep. We have a handful of P2422HE > P2422HS's. Works well. No go on 3 with our laptops though. When I tried P2422HE > P2422HE > P2422HS the third only ran at like 640x480.
Jumppr@reddit
So I went and got one to try out and so far I like it, but the user that is testing it has a local desktop printer connected via USB and the monitor will not recognize the printer when it's plugged in. If I plug the printer directly into the laptop it immediately works great. I don't recall the monitor asking for any drivers to support it when I plugged it in, but maybe it needs some?
iB83gbRo@reddit
You plugged in the USB cable between the monitor and laptop? DisplayPort can't carry USB.
Jumppr@reddit
yes
I've done a little research and it seems like the wifi dongle for the keyboard/mouse may actually be interfering with it
BenignBludgeon@reddit
Have these been reliable for y'all? We had nothing but issues with the older version we got a handful of years back. Network disconnects, screens dropping, etc.
210Matt@reddit
There have been some firmware updates that have taken care of most of the issues with us for these 2022 models
WeaselWeaz@reddit
I have to power cycle mine a few times a month. I'll check this out, thanks.
NotYourOrac1e@reddit
Drop a model please
BloomerzUK@reddit
Dell P2423DE - has DP port you can daisy chain another monitor from also.
Fairchild110@reddit
great for users who are strictly in a windows environment, mac users be warned
Arudinne@reddit
As long as your laptop can run on 90W or less, these are great. My Dell laptop needs 130W to run without throttling.
tuxedo_jack@reddit
Let me guess - it's a higher-end Precision with a Xeon or i9?
Users don't get that kind of power often, fortunately, and if they do, they can always get an exception for their use case.
Arudinne@reddit
Precision 3581 with i7-13700H and 96GB RAM. I think it could technically get by with 100W (as that is the standard power adapter option for it IIRC), but I don't have a dock that does 100W to test that. I do know if I connect it to a dock that only does 90W it complains about it.
tuxedo_jack@reddit
This. Anything 38" or larger with built-in Ethernet, 90W power delivery, and DisplayPort chaining will beat the hell out of any dedicated dock that you've got.
It also means you don't have to worry about finding enough power outlets or users whining about the amount of cables that are visible on their desks.
Spiritual_Grand_9604@reddit
This, explaining setup to users is a bit confusing w/ the daisy-chained DP connection but work so well, I haven't noted any drops or issues with mouse/keyboard lag/jumping either since moving to these docks
Bigbesss@reddit
Absolutely love these, end user desks are so much more tidy
IcyMarc@reddit
i have used HP USB-C G5 docks with M3 Macbooks, and there was no problems with it
Batsenbv@reddit
+1 for the g5!
When I started at my new job they had older dockings which didn’t support the new monitors resolution. They started to replace them with a mix of g5 and g5 essential.
G5 works for everything but the essentials don’t
CraigAT@reddit
We have used these too and found them to be very reliable. They have the MAC pass-thru, and using separate monitors ports makes for a better experience than daisy chained DP connections (IMO). I just wish the USB-C was not fixed, it would be nice to be able to replace it for another or longer cable.
540i6@reddit
G5 docks have been solid for me.
WhatNoAccount@reddit
Another vote for this model
TRChrizz@reddit
Have the Caldigit TB4 and the Dell WD19 and had a Lenovo Thunderbolt Dock
Had 1 TB4 die, PSU part in the dock itself started smoking.
the 2nd TB4 has Displays going black and back for a gew seconds some times a day
Dell WD19 had many Firmware Bugs, main problem was Ethernet not working or dropping.
Had one WD19 replaced because fan died ( atleast the error told that, but the fan was still running at 100%)
Lenovo Docks just were a pain, stopped working randomly, need unplug and replug, audio jacks broken without heavy use.
for mac i still would buy the TB4+ and Dell the WD22TB5
bearwhiz@reddit
The gold standard for Mac-compatible Thunderbolt docks is CalDigit.
HP's docks tend to glitch out before they die young, in my experience. At least in the models I've used, their Ethernet port is a USB chip, not PCIe like in the CalDigit, and it's not a particularly stable USB Ethernet either.
OWC has some decent Thunderbolt docks too, a bit light on the USB-A ports but reasonably priced on-sale.
Dell and HP tend to be corporate favorites because of big purchase contracts and a lack of SD card slots (meaning easier to secure from data exfiltration). They're the "value series monitor" of docks...
Zenkin@reddit
Fucking sysadmins.
"Why did you buy this new equipment without consulting me? I have to support this shit!!"
"Oh no, why am I being asked to procure equipment? This isn't my job!!"
You don't want a basic bitch choosing your equipment. Be glad that you're involved in the decision making process and that your input is valued to at least some degree.
theHonkiforium@reddit
Choosing and procurement are two VERY different things.
Of course I the sysadmin want to be involved in choosing the right equipment, but I don't want to be the one ordering it and dealing with invoices or the Accounting dept, or their shite software. :)
tacotacotacorock@reddit
Clearly they just want to be lazy. Based on their Reddit comment.
Arudinne@reddit
Indeed. I'd rather have a seat at the table so I can try and guide the process vs being forced to implement something that I had no input on.
ExceptionEX@reddit
We seem to go through a lot of dell docks, charging ports and Ethernet seem to be real issues with them.
I'd hate to lose a dock as well as a monitor, but looking at these prices they seem to be throwing in the glass for damn near free.
Have any issues with the hubs failing?
fieroloki@reddit
Dell wd19's have been rock solid. Looking at the wd22's for newer laptops.
North-Steak7911@reddit
same never had problems with them
itishowitisanditbad@reddit
They're as reliable as the WD19 imo.
WD22TB4 is one of our go-to right now.
Its not great but you'll not be surprised if you already do WD19. Same BS different package.
Arudinne@reddit
Literally. All of the WD19/WD22 docks are largely the same. The only part that varies is the uplink interface on the left side. You can upgrade older models by swapping that part.
I have a WD19 that I upgraded to a WD22TB4 because I wanted to keep the audio jack (they started selling the S models that lack the audio jack).
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000127539/upgrading-the-wd19-dock-with-the-cable-module-customer-kit
itishowitisanditbad@reddit
Yeah those audio jacks went super short supply for the parts.
Didn't impact us tooooooo much but a few users got caught up and annoyed.
Arudinne@reddit
I had heard it was the chip, but yeah it didn't really affect us that much either.
TopCheddar27@reddit
I love the Caldigit docks that allow you to use the USB-C dongles you choose. That way you can have a consistent base, and stock the dongles you need.
Agent_Buckshot@reddit
I'm looking for recommendations to since I have an AMD laptop and can't take advantage of Thunderbolt docks.
Ideally something that can handle a dual monitor setup, ethernet, peripherals, external storage, etc.
hazsmix@reddit
Dell docks should work fine with the M3 Mac's. We have 2 and they work fine, just gotta follow this guide: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-au/000124312/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd19tb-and-apple-usb-c-hosts There's a couple of limitations on the Apple side though. We have had success for home users with the Mac's using Satechi docks otherwise (if it's only Mac's plugging in)
Arudinne@reddit
They're really only good if you need a dock right now and all you have laying around are Dells. Otherwise, you are better off spending the money on something that is properly supported.
YouveRoonedTheActGOB@reddit
Out of several hundred Dell docks we bought, we experienced something like a 30% failure rate.
Nightcinder@reddit
I just started moving to the Dell Monitors with the docking station, the P2423DE.
For my mac at work I use a Caldigit TS4
For docks we used Dell WD22TB4
MrCertainly@reddit
When you lacked a Union. Unions outline exactly what your job responsibilities are...and more importantly, what they aren't.
Adimentus@reddit
We've been using QGeeM docks and pretty much all of out users love them. Make sure you have the right drivers and they're golden.
UptimeNull@reddit
Dells D6000 was so good to us. I think they switched to modular docs now. Nonsense i tell ya!
bQMPAvTx26pF5iNZ@reddit
We use Lenovo C to C and Thunderbolt variations. Work will our Lenovo/HP laptops without issue for the most part. Had a few go bad but Lenovo replaced instantly.
wirehead456@reddit
Still using Targus docks.
arominus@reddit
Dell WD19TB would be my play, native thunderbolt and you can get larger PSU's to drive 130w laptops if need be.
Asleep-Scallion-4483@reddit
Dell UD22 docks work with Displaylink, so it's ideal for Macs.
tacotacotacorock@reddit
Sorry I only have dishonest suggestions. Maybe next time.
OtherMiniarts@reddit
If it's not your job then make it someone else's. Do you have a vendor for desktop/laptops? If so, is it one of the big three (Dell, HP, Lenovo)?
If yes to both, then pass the buck to them. If not, establish a vendor relationship with them so you can pass the buck in the future.
TKInstinct@reddit
I'd argue that Dell Monitors with a built in dock is the best bet. Does everything you need it to with minimal setup.
UbiquitousWookiee@reddit
Surface Thunderbolt Dock 4 works wonders for all our systems where it’s used. I don’t have experience with the M3 Macs though, so your mileage may vary. It’s all USB-C so you will need some USB-C to Display cords.
Avoid the Pluggable brand docs like they are the plague. Nothing but problems and firmware that’s 8 steps too complex to reliably update.
RadiantWhole2119@reddit
Never had issues with plugable docs. Just use the display link driver and zero issues.
UbiquitousWookiee@reddit
Our issues have been with NIC. We’ve seen a large number of issues with HP laptops behind the Plugable dock. Running a Teams meeting on a Plugable connected laptop with Ethernet connected is awful. We have tried every driver, thunderbolt cable etc possible. Best solution is simply not using the Ethernet on the dock. Specifically the metal “Plugable 14-in-1 USB-C and Thunderbolt Dock.”
Impossible_IT@reddit
Wouldn't happen to be the Realtek GbE drivers would it?
UbiquitousWookiee@reddit
I haven't asked the Team as to the specific driver lately (we have a cludgy workaround in place), but I think it might be. Are you going to make my Monday by telling me you may have a fix? 😅
Impossible_IT@reddit
Unfortunately this issue is with Dell docks.
UbiquitousWookiee@reddit
Our issues have been with NIC. We’ve seen a large number of issues with HP laptops behind the Plugable dock. Running a Teams meeting on a Plugable connected laptop with Ethernet connected is awful. We have tried every driver, thunderbolt cable etc possible. Best solution is simply not using the Ethernet on the dock. Specifically the metal “Plugable 14-in-1 USB-C and Thunderbolt Dock.”
RadiantWhole2119@reddit
Ahhhh okay. We’re running mostly Dell latitudes. Only times we had issues relying on wifi was when Spectrum went out in Texas how ever long ago.
UbiquitousWookiee@reddit
Our issues have been with NIC. We’ve seen a large number of issues with HP laptops behind the Plugable dock. Running a Teams meeting on a Plugable connected laptop with Ethernet connected is awful. We have tried every driver, thunderbolt cable etc possible. Best solution is simply not using the Ethernet on the dock. Specifically the metal “Plugable 14-in-1 USB-C and Thunderbolt Dock.”
margirtakk@reddit
We've had good luck with the old, stand-up, non-PD docks from pluggable, but their new PD docks have been trash. So many failed docks in the first 6 months...
Hopeful_Extreme4084@reddit
Dell docks suck - they consistently need to be sent back for OEM repair and their firmware sucks.
of 200 docks we have purchased from dell in the last year - 100 needed to be sent back and about 50 are still causing trouble.
The bad docks are the sole reason i want my org to change from DELL to HP (honestly anything else would be better).
Impossible_IT@reddit
I've narrowed the issue, at least for the ones I've had to troubleshoot, to the Realtek GbE driver.
Hopeful_Extreme4084@reddit
you can give me down votes all day - still wont change the fact they produce actual garbage regularly, and it isnt just the docks. Precision 7960s (desktops) as well as the Precision 3581s (laptops) both have multiple firmware issues Dell refuses to take responsibility for.
https://www.reddit.com/r/iiiiiiitttttttttttt/comments/1b2bmpe/fuck_these_stupid_docks_they_are_constantly/
Check it out.
itishowitisanditbad@reddit
Of the 1,820 Dell docks i've had over 5-6 years at my current place, we've had to send in like... 30.
Its you.
Nabeshein@reddit
Wow, we're under 2% failure rate on WD19TBS docks. The WD15s are trash, however.
Ragepower529@reddit
Lenevos better then hp
buidontwantausername@reddit
Can you use Dell HE series monitors? I've had less issues with these than any standalone dock i've ever deployed. The best standalone were the HP G5 docks but even then i've had enough issues to be wary.
BloomerzUK@reddit
P2423DE is the latest 24" model IIRC.
Ohmystory@reddit
Checkout star tech
https://www.startech.com/en-us/search?search_term=thunderbolt%204%20dock%20mac
pdp10@reddit
Caldigit and Plugable are usually good bets at the high end, and they both have TB4 products. However, you can get products for a tenth of the price that are also reputable and can do a good job, mostly if you don't need dual display outputs.
So, the M3 MBP uses 70W to 96W, so you need 100W PD pass-through as your first requirement. Some rather cheap units have 100W pass-through, so that's no problem so far.
Then you decide what display output you need, but due to price difference, it will pay you not to just get all high-end $400 TB4 docks. Look for USB-C docks and hubs, which are always cheaper than trademarked Intel Thunderbolt.
Next_Information_933@reddit
The only ones to consider are pluggable. They make the chipset for every quality dock anyways. Just review the monitor and charging specs and you'll be good to go.
I've exclusively used pluggable docs since back in the usb 3.0 dock era. I've had an extremely low failure rate and almost no software side issues that couldn't be fixed by a driver update on windows. Currently using a tbt3-udz at home for the last year with Mac os. These also work natively, but if you install the driver software they'll allow more displays than the chip allows.
eaglevision93@reddit
Anker
duane11583@reddit
my experience: generally no dell dock works with a mac
if you want to do this get the doc try it and return it
Root1Am@reddit
As an M3 user with a Dell dock, you have to use monitors that have USB-C/thunderbolt in display to get dual-screen setups to work.
andrewfdotexe@reddit
Check out the CalDigit TS4 dock. We buy them for Macs at my shop and they have been consistently reliable. I personally haven’t tried them for Windows, but they are supposed to be universal.
Ragepower529@reddit
Built on monitors with usb hubs
aGabrizzle@reddit
I LOVE the HP USB-C and Thunderbolt Docks.
Threxx@reddit
Thunderbolt docks have been the bane of my existence for the past several years. As far as I can tell they all suck to varying degrees. That goes for all of the dell and Lenovo tb3 and tb4 models I’ve tried. They like to just periodically do things like forget they have Ethernet and usb ports, or act like no monitors are connected. A reboot of the dock and/or laptop usually corrects it.. but regular usb hubs, while less powerful, cost far less and in my experience are far more stable.
My takeaway from reading this sub is that the ones built into monitors for some reason seem to be more stable. Though that’s not a great solution if you already have the monitors you need in place.
VeriATX00@reddit
We use CalDigit docks for Macs whenever the WD19TB Dell dock the users initially had stop working.