Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor for Windows (Dual Video: HDMI and DVI/VGA/HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports)

I had this one but switched to the USB-C version after I got a new laptop with fewer USB-A ports. Both are fairly plug and play (and quick driver download) with Linux if you're using Ubuntu. I can't speak for compatibility with other distros.

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI and DVI/VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HsGfFb45S30T9

I've been using this docking station for dual monitors. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZJokFb9J230KB

I need to buy laptops for my company with these specs:

Hey guys, i need to buy laptops for my company with the following specs:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=universal+docking+station&qid=1590858608&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExS1hTTk9IWVZZVUs4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDM3ODQxMjdLVTIxSzhWMzRLOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDA4OTE1M0Q4M09BUzhBWk9QWSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Can anyone make a recommendation for a similar priced computer? I need six to twn of them

This is really helpful! Any good docking stations that won’t get overloaded? I went with this one as the Amazon choice and really highly rated https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=docking+station&qid=1588375359&sprefix=dock&sr=8-6

It’s total junk. Disconnects like 5 times a day for a few seconds. Once a week it disconnects permanently and the USB device is not recognized. I’m forced to restart.

Dang that's what I thought. I was going to buy a USB-c to hdmi adapter but thanks for saving me some time. I have 1 monitor already so I'd like to just get another cheap one. And is the docking station as bad as you say? I wouldn't need it for gaming or anything fancy, just testing code. I'd like to have VScode open in one, and a live server preview in the other screen. This is the one I was looking at

I use a displaylink - these in particular: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=displaylink&qid=1595339134&sr=8-6 they work with a DVI to VGA adapter which generally (depends on the monitor resolution) works well. If it works, it just "works" and if it doesn't, then well, it doesn't. I'm using on ubuntu and driving two 32" monitors (over displayport and HDMI) but have another setup at home with the same displayport driving an HDMI and a VGA monitor (1080p ones). Display link does have a download for Ubuntu (.deb).

You need something like this:

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI and DVI/VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bjOuEbPVQKYHT

Although I was not able to get it to work even with the drivers installed from displaylink. Others say they got it working.

We provide laptops for staff that will work off-site at least one day per week. We used to issue random laptops based on the best deal Dell, Lenovo, Asus, or HP would provide. We've recently (last 3 years) switched to a single OEM and a choice between two models (13" or 15"). They're all 7th or 8th gen Intel i7s, 16GB RAM, and 256GB or 512GB SSD. I recommended i5s and 8GB RAM, but our sales rep got us i7s and 16GB RAM for nearly the same price. Each staff member who is assigned a laptop also gets a dock (Plugable USB 3.0 it's brand agnostic and works), choice of Logitech keyboard / mouse, and two 24" or a single 27" monitor. I work in a weird environment (Library), so some of our staff require two monitors for cataloging and ILS/DB work. To prevent in-fighting, we give everyone the option of a single 27" or two 24" monitors. Most everyone chooses a $25 or $30 wireless Logitech keyboard / mouse combo, and because they're making the decision, we've seen fewer complaints about keyboard envy.

For desktops, we use micro / SFF PCs (a little bigger than an Intel NUC). We typically mount them under the desk and we require a USB hub due to all the peripherals at most workstations. Again, because it's an atypical environment, each workstation has a barcode scanner, RFID pad, label printer, and keyboard / mouse. That typically eats up all the ports on the desktop, so we provide a USB hub attached to the desk with velcro or a command strip. The desktops are all 7th gen i5s, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. Each workstation gets two 24" monitors or a single 27" monitor.

Currently, we're using HP Elitebook laptops and HP Elitedesk PCs. Interestingly enough, all of our on-prem servers are Dell, not HPE.

here is one that uses usb3.0: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=zg_bs_778660_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8T288DREQR1FBGSH8PER

I ran into this exact same problem recently. I use the Lenovo ideapad 120s which has 1 HDMI port and 1 USB-C port. I usually use 1 VGA monitor with a VGA to HDMI adapter and it works well. I wanted to change to a dual monitor setup so I searched up USB-C to HDMI adapter and bought one on Amazon. Didn’t work. I don’t know if this was because I was using Linux or if it was because it just doesn’t work. Anyway I returned it and ended up buying one big monitor. You have a few options:

1. You get a docking station. The only docking stations I know of is DELL’s docking stations which are only compatible with a few types of DELL’s laptop models or this one which someone recommended to me. These docking stations are very expensive.

2. You sell both monitors and purchase an ultrawide monitor. This is what I am doing. It may be a bit expensive but it’s worth it.

3. You go down the road of experimenting with adapters and cables. This option didn’t work for me but might for you.

You could always get something like this USB 3.0 docking station. It more than likely comes with a DVI to VGA adapter which you would need for one of your monitors.

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Plugable Universal Docking Station

Why don't you set up a USB docking station and just plug that into whatever computer you are working on? Then you wouldn't have to mess with plugging a ton of shit into every computer. If they all support DisplayPort over USB-C then you can even hook up monitors. Hell, I think even USB3 supports display link, so you could get a dock with an HDMI out...

Edit: Something like this would be perfect as long as all the machines you work on support USB 3.

Fixing the port is quite a hassle - the screen needs to be popped off to do that and the parts are not broadly available. There may be some shops the work on ipads that can do the job but it is unlikely that any local ones will guarantee anything.

What I'd suggest is the following: - return the new dock - buy a cheap USBA based dock with DisplayLink and connect everything to that (the monitors will have a 50-100ms lag/latency compared to screens connected via the Microsoft dock so gaming will suck, but office apps will still work great. Here is a good one: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E - continue using the MS port for charging with your original charger assuming that still works

Docking station.

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI and DVI/VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PQzCEbWY499PF

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E

This one has an HDMi and DVI port for monitors. You'll have to see if that works for your monitors.

For the closing laptop thing... start menu > search for "power options" > change what closing the lid does > set it to do nothing

That's a great docking station if you're near a Micro Center (nevermind Micro Center is sold out with everyone working from home, and all the students staying home from school). There might be other good ones online. Any reputable branded universal USB 3 docking station should work. Otherwise I would just order from whoever you normally do business Amazon, etc who also accepts returns no problem. IOGear, Targus, Startech, Dell, Kensington, and any number of generic brands on Amazon are probably all coming from the same factory. Spend more to get a brand name or you might save money with the zany off brands.

https://amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=usb+3+docking+station&qid=1585425966&sr=8-1

This has a DVI to VGA adapter. What monitor cables do you have? I would hook both monitors to the dock.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E

Such hubs are a dime a dozen. All work with dual monitors.

...

If you don't use anything else, cheaper usb to dual hdmi https://www.amazon.com/J5-Create-jeifaibukurieito-jua365-MONITOR-ADAPTER/dp/B06XKWTXX9

USB Video Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TT6WZ7V/ They're basically really crappy GPUs that plug in via USB. They aren't very powerful, but they can run a basic display.

USB Dock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ has things like video, USB hub, ethernet controller, etc. Still not super powerful, but generally more capable than just an adapter. Typically used for laptops so you can plug/unplug from a whole desk setup with 1 cable, but work for desktops to expand IO as well.

If this were me though, I'd probably just buy a used GT710 off ebay for $20 and call it a day if all I needed was an HDMI output for a standard office type apps.

My laptop doesn't have USB-C, only one USB SS port.

I was planning on getting 2 of these monitors.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072M34RQC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

And one of these things.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECDM78E/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3HIHADV23VGU1

Should that work?

I'm thinking you're not going to get VGA to work, even with an adaptor, due to the high resolution and limitations with d-sub. Probably are looking at a dock of some sort to solve this.

Something like this might work: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=dual+monitor+dock&qid=1604201364&sr=8-6

Like mentioned in one of the other comments, I think it is DisplayLink technology that the Plugable docks have

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_5?crid=NLOARO4KLB0S&dchild=1&keywords=plugable+usb+3.0+docking+station&qid=1593007021&sprefix=plugable%2Caps%2C287&sr=8-5

I use this one which does require usb-c

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/j5create-usb-type-c-triple-display-docking-station/6357396.p?skuId=6357396

But I found this that might interact you.

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI and DVI/VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Tc-XEb3MQ2SB7

As mentioned by /u/smithy_dll, you can use a hub. I have one for my SB2 but loaned it to my brother so he can it on his MacBook Pro during the quarantine. Hubs are around mid $60.

If you want a more permanent solution (e.g., to be kept at a desk), you will probably want to opt for a docking station. I use the Surface Dock at home, but at work I use Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows. I like the Plugable docking station because I can connect any of my laptops to it (SB2, SP6, work laptop, etc.): I just plug in the USB 3 cable and the Surface Connector cable (for power). I then have whichever laptop I'm using extended to my 2 work monitors. I coupled it with the Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch so that I could toggle between my work's desktop PC and the laptop. You'd need to buy the USB cables and the display cables.

Just remember that when buying a hub or docking station, you'll want to keep in mind what types of ports your monitors have. You may need adapters to connect everything together. My work PC monitors only have DisplayPort and mini-DP connections, so I had to get adapters. Adapters and adapter cables are one-way, so you will need to get the right ones. For example, I needed to use a HDMI to DisplayPort adapter cable (HDMI out of the dock, and into a DisplayPort port of the monitor). If I used a DisplayPort to HDMI cable in reverse (a cable meant to connect the DisplayPort out port of a PC to the HDMI port of a monitor), it won't work.

This would work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECDM78E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If your laptop is of relatively recent vintage, you might have a USB-C port (or Thunderbolt). I am not using a dock anymore. I have a Thunderbolt/USB-C-->Displayport cable. Not sure that's an option for you.

For you, I would recommend a Plugable brand USB-A docking station. A word of warning that it will use up more CPU since it converts the signal from USB to HDMI and you will need to use the included VGA-to-HDMI adapter to connect the second monitor.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_UlZSEbBS03AEX

For your wife, since she has USB-C on the laptop, I'd recommend the TOTU USB-C hub as it has plenty of USB-A ports included for mouse/keyboard and can connect up to 3 monitors with 2x HDMI and 1x Displayport all using the power from the laptop and will not slow down the laptop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X8V3SLM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_omZSEb9TZEQB4

You just read my mind I am in the same situation, I'm looking for options to have all my peripherals connected to a hub or docking station. I've tried it before with a cheap usb hub and I had issues with my mouse and keyboard randomly disconnecting and my wireless headset losing audio quality.

I was looking at something like this :
https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2CZ6RXBLZAL1W&dchild=1&keywords=usb+docking+station&qid=1586894837&s=electronics&sprefix=usb+docking%2Celectronics%2C138&sr=1-3

I'm hoping that some one here have any suggestions on a good docking station option.

You can't connect 2 VGA into 1 VGA port. It's an analog connection, it will just send the same signal to both. You need to get something like this which will allow you to connect 2 different display types to your laptop: https://www.amazon.com/RayCue-Graphics-Converter-Compatible-Firestick/dp/B07F31XDJS/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=vga+duel+display+adapter&qid=1587766430&s=electronics&sr=1-5&swrs=219ECE24BDB7DA26C0120F455F4A1D1E

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Alternatively get a laptop docking station like this: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=laptop+dock&qid=1587766526&s=electronics&sr=1-4

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Or if you have a usb-c port something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Charging-Ethernet-Compatible-Thunderbolt/dp/B07TVSLDND/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=laptop+dock&qid=1587766557&s=electronics&sr=1-22

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These are items your job should be able to reimburse you for or purchase for you.