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Docking Station vs USB Hub: Which Do I Buy?

Views : 102
Author : PURPLELEC
Update time : 2024-10-08 10:21:22
  Do I need a hub or a docking station?
  In today's technological landscape, the need to connect devices is growing, and hubs and docking stations are valuable tools to meet that need. Although they overlap in appearance and functionality, each has a unique purpose.
  First, the main purpose of a hub is to expand the number of ports on a device so that additional peripherals can be connected or charged. They work similarly to a computer's power strip, giving users more connectivity options. Hubs are becoming more important as laptops and 2-in-1s are being streamlined to Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity ports to keep devices thin, light, and portable. While these ports help keep devices thin, they often prevent users from connecting all the peripherals they need to their computers. Therefore, hubs are a key tool to solve this problem.
  On the other hand, docking stations (or docks) go a step further and not only expand the number of ports, but also transform portable devices into desktop replacements. When a dock is plugged into the wall, it's like adding a second engine to the computer, providing more power and performance. Now, with the continuous advancement of technology, there are more options than ever for connecting computers to monitors and other devices, and docking stations are key devices to make this possible.
  Although hubs and docking stations are similar in function and appearance, their respective application scenarios are different. Hubs are more suitable for users who need additional ports to connect peripherals, while docking stations are more suitable for users who want to transform portable devices into full-featured desktop replacements. In either case, both devices are valuable components of today's technology, providing users with more connection options and more flexible usage.
hubs docking Stations
  What is a Docking Station?
  Docking stations expand the functionality of your portable device, transforming it into a desktop replacement. A docking station connects via Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB-A and provides workstation power for your entire setup.
  Most docks offer four to eight USB-A and two to four USB-C ports with fast charging each independently powered by the dock itself, instead of your laptop.
  How does a Docking Station work?
  Unlike most hubs, docking stations are plugged into the wall, so they can provide power to both your laptop (up to 100W depending on the model) and peripheral devices.
  Video output on docking stations is standard, often supporting one or more monitors. The video ports supported from one docking station to the next can vary though between DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA with resolutions up to triple 4K @ 60Hz. Docks also support Gigabit Ethernet, a variety of audio connections, SD card readers, and more.
  What is a Hub?
  Hubs expand the number of ports on your device. Whether it’s USB-A or USB-C, these hubs work as splitters to let you plug more devices into a given port. These hubs typically pull power from the laptop, and their lightweight and small size make them easy to carry around.
  Purplelec H707 is a 7-port USB 3.0 hub that provides 4-amps of charging power and transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. It’s the perfect hub for travelers with a lot of USB-A accessories, like external hard drives and an external mouse. Meanwhile, the HB3028 is a 4-port USB-C hub with two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. This acts as a cable converter to use USB-A peripherals with a device that only has USB-C port(s) available.
hubs docking Stations
  Hubs are the perfect solution for expanding the power of your existing ports, whether on a laptop or desktop. They’re plug-and-play and ensure there’s always an available port for connecting and/or charging another peripheral.
  Hub vs. Docking Station: Which Do I Buy?
  The hubs vs. docking stations debate isn’t a debate at all as both are useful. However, what you need varies based on what you are trying to achieve.
  Docking stations turn your laptop into a desktop powerhouse, providing full connectivity to the office or smart home. This gives you power to use any screen in the building as your 4K extended monitor while hardwiring a reliable internet connection, printer, and more. A dock is like adding a second engine to your computer.
  We all have many USB devices to connect these days, from smart, app-based power banks to external hard drives, SD card readers, smart home hubs, printers (2D and 3D), tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. There simply aren’t enough ports on today’s computers to handle them all, and hubs work like power strips for your computer, expanding the number of devices you can connect.