In case you use your laptop mostly stationary and you want to connect many peripheral devices such as printer, mouse, keyboard or external screens, a port replicator or a suitable docking station can be a very useful extension. As a result, the peripheral devices are no longer connected directly to the laptop and thus the common mess with all the cables can be avoided.
In the first place, the two differ in the way they are connected to the laptop. Port replicators are connected via USB, whereas docking stations have an internal interface. This means that the laptop can be connected quickly and easily with a docking stations. However, most docking stations are therefore not compatible with each other and are limited to a specific laptop series. On the other hand, a port replicator would be a better choice for a workplace with different laptops.
Port replicators, that are connected via USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 form a third category, that unifies the advantages of the other two. Both connections are standardized and present on more and more notebooks and they also both have a high bandwidth. Therefore, they can easily be used to connect a plethora of USB-devices, card readers, LAN and so on without any problem. Additionally, these connection can also carry a DisplayPort signal, which allows for the connection of multiple high-resolution displays. USB Power-Delivery also allows you to charge the Notebook using only one cable. Additionally, many USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port replicators have an on/off button and therefore also allow you to use the notebook with the lid closed.
Docking Stations | Port Replikatoren | USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Extension of ports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Direct charge of the laptop | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Compatible with different manufacturers | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Laptop closed operational | ✓ | X | ✓ |
In general, the port replicator from IPC Computer perfectly fulfills main tasks of a port replicator or docking station. The workplace organization is facilitated. Due to the simple, modern design and the better organization of the numerous cables, the desk looks tidier than ever. All wishes are fulfilled in terms of specifications as well. One standout feature is the ability to connect two 4K monitors simultaneously. Most competing products only allow you to run one 4K screen. Alternatively, you can also use a 5K screen with the IPC port replicator. Furthermore, the two USB-C and four USB3.0 ports allow connecting a wide range of accessories.
With its multiple ports, the Dell Thunderbolt 3 Port Replicator allows you to connect up to 4 displays simultaneously. It also has twice the data transfer rate of 40Gbps compared to its predecessor, the Thunderbolt 2. The scope of delivery includes installation instructions, a 180W power supply and a plug that fits the power supply.
Solve limited connectivity quickly and safely with this port replicator and easily connect a mouse, printer, other USB devices. Mirror or extend your desktop to multiple external monitors.
With a USB-C port, not only do you not need an additional power adapter to run your notebook, you can even charge your battery with the existing port replicator. However, please note that a maximum power consumption of 100 watts is possible via the USB-C port. If your notebook has a higher power consumption, you will still need the notebook's power supply for operation.
This HP docking station has an integrated anti-theft device and also offers two different locking mechanism for theft protection. Adding onto that it also has a USB 3.0 port with a constant power supply which can charge mobile devices. The docking station is suitable e.g. for the HP EliteBook 750 G-Series or the ProBook 640 G2. Included in the scope of supply are a user manual as well as a 65Watt power supply.
If you want to extend the display from a tablet to external screens, you are well served with this port replicator. The laptop you want to connect has to have an USB-C output. On top of that, with this port replicator you can also connect your smartphone or tablet. In order for that to work, the mobile device must have a USB-C port and must support the function to duplicate the display.
Yes, with the right settings, operation in the folded state is possible. In this video we show how it works.
Sollte es Ihnen nach dem letzten Windows-Update nicht mehr möglich sein mehrere Bildschirme über die PRIPC1-Docking-Station anzuschließen und Sie erhalten die Fehlermeldung "DisplayLink USB Graphics Device: Treiberfehler", ist Ihre Docking-Station nicht defekt. Es gibt hierbei zwei mögliche Lösungansätze:
1. Versuchen Sie bitte einmal die aktuellsten Displaytreiber herunterzuladen und zu installieren.
2. Sollte das Aktualisieren der Treiber das Problem nicht lösen, können Sie versuchen das zuletzt installierte Windows-Update manuell wieder zu deinstallieren:
Vorsicht: Nicht alle Windows-Updates lassen sich wieder deinstallieren.
Sollte die Deinstallation des Updates nicht möglich sein oder das Problem nicht lösen, sind Sie leider meist machtlos und auf ein weiteres Windows-Update angewiesen, welches dieses Problem beseitigt.
Technically speaking, a more powerful power supply can be used without any problems and does not pose any danger to your device, as it always draws as much energy as it currently needs. The only disadvantage is the usually higher price of the more powerful product.
In order to use your docking station or port replicator, you need the appropriate drivers. The easiest way to find these drivers is directly from the manufacturer of the docking station/port replicator. You will usually need the serial number or the exact model name.
The driver for our in-house port replicator can be found on our info page for the IPC port replicator.
Einschränkungen gibt es so an sich nicht. Leider wird Netflix nicht von Displaylink unterstützt, und kann somit nicht genutzt werden.
Yes, as general rule this is possible. Although you have to consider the power capacity and the type of the connection.
Ja, dies ist Problemlos möglich. Wenn Sie zwei externe Bildschirme nutzen möchten, achten sie bitte darauf das die gekennzeichneten Felder "Display 1" & Display 2" je einmal belegt sein müssen.
Windows: Hier ist dies Problemlos möglich. Oft müssen sie hier nur eine Änderung in den Anzeigeeinstellungen vornehmen.
MacOS: Da sie hier die Docking Station in Kombination mit der Software Displaylink nutzen ist dies leider nicht möglich. Da Displaylink die vertikale Nutzung leider nicht unterstützt.
Leider gab es hier in Vergangenheit immer wieder Kompatibilität Probleme. Daher empfohlen wir die Nutzung mit dem Mac mini nicht.
Basically yes, you can use them to charge your laptop, however you have to make sure, that it has enough power to do so. To find out, if it has it, please compare the specifications on the back of the original power supply with those of the one, that came with your docking station. The output voltage should not differ more than 1 volt and the output power should be greater or equal to that of the original power supply.
In our shop we also offer combinations of docking stations and power supplies.
See also:The most remarkeble advantages in comparison to USB3.0, are a faster data transmission rate and the possibility to charge the device via USB-C. Also is USB-C becoming the default option for more and more devices.
First and foremost, the difference lies in the connection type. Port replicators connect via a universal port such as USB, making them compatible with many devices. Docking stations are connected to the device via a proprietary interface and are therefore often compatible only with a laptop series. However, this allows more functionality, such as the laptop can be closed, or a power button on the dock itself. In addition, the docks are often like a cable, so the controller chip is in the laptop itself. This allows a higher bandwidth especially compared to USB. Often this is beneficial for connecting monitors and LAN.
If you work with many different devices or you do not need much functionality, e.g. only USB and audio, port replicator is suitable for you. Advanced functionality tailored to your device is more likely to be found in a docking station.
Port-Replicators which are connected via USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 often combine the benefits of normal Port- Replicators and Docking Stations. The standardized connection allows for compatibility with a multitude of devices, both connections have a high bandwidth. Therefore, you can not only connect USB-devices and card readers, but also LAN and multiple monitors. Additionally, they often allow for charging via the same cable used to connect them and even can turn the device on and off.
Whether you are looking for a replicator or a docking station, you will find the right device for your laptop in our shop.
On the one hand you have to consider the compatibility of your device. If your laptop has no USB-C connection, it can cause problems with newer models. On the other hand the port replicator has to produce enough power and can not convert less watts than your Notebook needs. At last you can choose how many and what type of connections for peripherals you need.