USB-C Docking Station: These devices exist

Devices with USB-C can often be used much better via a docking station. This applies in particular to the current generation of Apple MacBooks, which apart from the headphone jack have no connections other than USB-C. You can find out which types of USB-C docks are available and which docking station is suitable for which user in our practical tip.

Classic USB-C docking station with additional connections

Docking stations are usually used to use a laptop more effectively at your desk.

• USB-C offers a great advantage here: Only a single cable has to be connected to the laptop, which simultaneously handles the power supply and all data traffic.
• If you come home with the laptop, you don't have to take the power adapter out of your pocket. You simply connect it to the USB-C cable of the docking station and you can continue working straight away.
• When you buy the dock, it is important to know which additional connections you need. Almost all docks have several USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port, which you can use to control an external monitor.
• If other interfaces such as LAN, DisplayPort or an SD card slot are also relevant for you, you must pay particular attention to this when buying.
• In addition, it is not certain that you can use all interfaces of the dock at the same time. For example, if you want to connect a monitor via the HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, cheap docks usually reach their limits. So before buying, find out what works and what doesn't.
• You can find cheap USB-C docking stations from around 40 euros on Amazon.

USB-C monitor with integrated docking station

Monitors with a USB-C connection have so far been a marginal phenomenon. On the one hand, this is due to the limited supply of the manufacturers and the high purchase costs.

• Nevertheless, it can be assumed that the future belongs to this technology. This makes the combination of mobile work on the laptop and the monitor at home even easier.
• USB-C monitors work like a docking station themselves and provide the laptop with the necessary charging current and additional connections. In contrast to classic docks, there is no longer an external device on the desk.
• LG was one of the first manufacturers to venture into the field of USB-C monitors. Top models cost over 1, 000 euros here, but really offer everything that is necessary for productive work.

No classic dock: USB-C adapter for notebooks

If you are less interested in using the laptop at home at your desk than you need more connections, an adapter might be the right choice.

• Especially for the current generation of Apple MacBooks, various manufacturers offer adapters that adapt to the design and shape of the devices. They are simply plugged into one of the USB-C ports on the device and then offer additional connections.
• Again, when buying, you should rethink which interfaces you also need. In many cases, this should be about USB 3.0, HDMI and an SD card slot.
• Suitable all-in-one adapters for MacBooks and other laptops can be found on Amazon from around 30 euros.

We have brought together even more advantages of USB Type C in another practical tip.