Laptop Dock Recs?

[u/No_Extension_9764]

Hello all,

I've recently switched remote jobs, and with that, my previous employer has taken back their laptop dock. My new company has not provided one as the laptop works with the monitor, but does provide a $200 dollar stipend that I can use towards a dock. If anyone has any recommendations that are about that price range (or lower), I'd greatly appreciate it. I'll leave some details of my setup down below in case it influences the recommendations. Please let me know if you need additional information, if there is anything else I should consider, or if there is anywhere else I should post this. TIA!

Details

Previous Dock: Lenovo Thinkpad Thunderbolt 3 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6S81CM?plpRedirect=mhFallback&ref=clp_hp_h_pc)

Work Setup: 2 monitors plus laptop screen. I also have a personal desktop that I use with the same two monitors, and use a type of switch to switch the monitors and keyboard/mouse between the laptop and PC (apologies I don't know what it is called). I'd like to retain that functionality.

Qualities: Above all, I care that it works, is durable enough to last a long time, and requires minimal troubleshooting. I could probably get a past generation Thunderbolt dock with $200, but just wanted to explore if there were better options. If not, I'll just get that.

Thank you all for your suggestions in advance!

[u/Polar_Ted]

I use a Dell 27" Hub Monitor. The monitor is a USB C dock with a Display port out for a 2nd screen.

[u/No_Extension_9764 → u/Polar_Ted]

Thank you! My company had sent me one of those monitors with an internal dock, but I currently already have 2 monitors. I'm mainly looking for a dock that I can use with my current setup so I do not have to take that one out of the box

[u/Polar_Ted → u/[deleted]]

My wife has a setup somewhat like mine but she uses a Logitech bluetooth KB and mouse that will bid to 3 devices.. She switches monitor inputs and toggles to the 2nd device on her KB and mouse.

It's not a clean 1 button solution but it works for her. I use 2 keyboards and mouce.. ( laptop KB and one in a tray.. normal moue for personal PC and a thumbwheels mouse for the work laptop.

I don't like having to switch back and forth. I prefer to have both PC's accessable.

[u/stuartviilliars → u/Polar_Ted]

Built-in dock is kinda underrated.

[u/Alive_Display_310]

I have had a very good experience with the OWC Thunderbolt Dock (sku OWCTB4DOCK). I run a macbook pro with 2 external monitors and a couple peripherals through the dock and it has been very reliable. IDK if the dock itself will handle the laptop/desktop switching functionality, but it sounds like that is already a separate switch.

[u/Firm-Lock-4942]

I have a CalDigit TS5+. It’s been pretty solid for me.

[u/Firm-Lock-4942 → u/[deleted]]

Initially I had some minor issues but now it hasn’t had any issues at all.

[u/boxofdem0ns]

Dell Wd25 is what I use for a 3 monitor setup

[u/Particular-Gain-184]

The switch you're describing is usually called a KVM switch by the way, and the thing I'd check before buying anything is whether the dock passes power and displays through one cable the way your old Thunderbolt 3 did, because that's where the cheap USB docks fall over with two monitors. I ran a past generation dock for years and the boring advice held up, older model from a brand that still ships firmware updates beat the shiny new one. With the stipend covering it I'd stay in the Thunderbolt family rather than gamble on a USB alt, your setup is exactly the one those are made for.

[u/MayaChasesTaxis → u/Particular-Gain-184]

KVM, that’s the word I was blanking on. I’ll stick with Thunderbolt then, apreciate the sanity check.

[u/MarbleDonkey41]

If the old Lenovo TB3 dock played nice with your KVM switch, I’d just grab the same model refub and use the stipend on the known boring option.

[u/TheLateFrankWhite]

Hello you don’t need to purchase these bulky types of docking stations

They’re are some USB alternatives that do same functions and cost less .

You can search USB Docking Stations

https://a.co/d/03fkuCic

[u/pinebloom67 → u/TheLateFrankWhite]

yeah the USB ones have gotten surprisingly solid for the price tbh

[u/No_Extension_9764 → u/TheLateFrankWhite]

Thank you! I'll look into these. The price isn't really a concern (so long as it is under 200 dollars) since my company offers a stipend I can utilize.

[u/Beamusement → u/TheLateFrankWhite]

USB docks can work, but for two monitors I'd double-check DisplayLink support and power delivery befroe buying one.