StarTech has launched three new USB based docking stations for the home-office or BYOD workforce. Being that they are based on USB 3.0, they will work with any Windows 7 and up PC, or Mac OS 10.8 and later. While a USB dock may not offer all of the same performance and connectivity of a business class docking station, the fact is that most laptops don’t offer any sort of docking solution.
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The new docks are the USB3VDOCK4DP (4K DisplayPort), USB3VDOCKD (DVI), and USB3VDOCKH (HDMI), which means that no matter what kind of connectivity you need, StarTech has a model to suit your equipment. It’s interesting too that the DisplayPort model will even support UHD resolutions, albeit at just 30 Hz. StarTech is using a DisplayLink DL series chipset to drive the displays, with a different model depending on which dock you get. The DisplayPort model uses the DL-5700, and the HDMI and DVI docks use the DL-3700, which offers a maximum resolution of 2048×1152.
StarTech Docking Stations |
Model |
USB3VDOCK4DP |
USB3VDOCKD |
USB3VDOCKH |
Display Output |
DisplayPort |
DVI |
HDMI |
Chipset |
DisplayLink DL-5700 |
DisplayLink DL-3700 |
DisplayLink DL-3700 |
Max Resolution |
3840×2160 (30Hz max)
2560×1600 (60Hz) |
2048×1152 |
2048×1152 |
USB Ports |
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 3.0 w/USB Battery Charge Spec 1.2 |
Networking |
Gigabit Ethernet with Wake-on LAN |
Audio |
3.5mm Headset Jack |
Size |
Height: 26 mm (1″)
Width: 79 mm (3.1″)
Length: 139 mm (5.5″) |
Included |
Docking Station
USB 3.0 Host Cable
Power Adapter |
Price |
$157.99 |
$134.99 |
$135.99 |
In addition to the display connection, you also get three USB 3.0 ports, with one of them being a fast-charge port with USB Battery Charging 1.2 spec, which offers up to 7.5 watts of power. Gigabit Ethernet is also on tap, with Wake-on LAN capabilities, and the docks include a 3.5mm headset jack as well.
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If you’ve wanted to connect your laptop to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, StarTech will be offering the Docks for $135 for the HDMI/DVI models, and $158 for the DisplayPort model. It should be available in the next couple of weeks.
Source: StarTech