One advantage that gaming PCs have over gaming laptops is their abundance of extra ports that can be used to connect a variety of peripherals and devices for a variety of needs, including gaming and streaming. However, even the best gaming laptops fall short in this area. If your gaming laptop also doubles as a workstation, these extra ports are especially important as they can significantly increase productivity and make life easier.
In order to make up for the shortage of laptop ports, the docking station came into being. A docking station is a small device with a large number of extra ports. Simply plug your laptop into the dock, and anything connected to the dock becomes available to the laptop, just as if those peripherals were connected directly to the laptop itself. Here are eight reasons why you need a docking station for your laptop, and how a docking station can benefit your workstation:
1. Expand connectivity:
Modern laptops have to sacrifice some connectivity features in order to be thin and light. Portable laptops often have limited USB-C ports.
The docking station provides video outputs such as HDMI and DisplayPort, as well as additional ports such as Ethernet connectivity, an SD card reader, and an audio jack.
These ports are critical for the many accessories needed for gaming and streaming, such as microphones, webcams, and more.
2. Multi-monitor support:
Laptops may have limited or even no video output.
The docking station makes monitor connection more flexible, supports the connection of multiple monitors, and improves productivity.
3. Faster and more secure network:
Ethernet ports are usually omitted on thin and light laptops due to their large size.
Many docking stations are equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing faster and more stable network connections.
This will help improve network security, reduce latency, and be beneficial to games.
4. BYOD makes remote working more convenient:
BYOD systems allow remote workers to use their own devices to work in the office.
The docking station can stay in the office and stay connected to all devices, simplifying the device connection process for remote workers.
5. Fast charging of multiple devices:
Charging your laptop for other devices will sacrifice its battery life.
The docking station can be connected to the main power supply to provide charging services for laptops and other devices.
6. KVM switch:
A docking station with a built-in KVM switch allows multiple computers to share a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
This greatly improves workstation comfort and productivity.
7. Better ergonomics and cable management:
Connecting a large number of accessories via the docking station can reduce cable clutter and make your desk space cleaner and more ergonomic.
8. Better security and stability:
Some docking stations can lock the laptop to prevent unauthorized access.
By fixing the docking station and cables, hardware security and system stability can be further improved.
To sum up, the docking station not only makes up for the lack of ports on the laptop, but also significantly improves the productivity and user experience of the workstation by providing a variety of additional functions and advantages.
