[GTALUG] USB-C Dock Experience Sharing

[Scott Sullivan]

This came up in another conversation. Just want to share some of my 
thoughts on dealing with USB-C docks / dongles. I think since COVID a 
lot of folks are doing these docked laptop setups for work at home.

I've had three different devices I've worked with that have type-C. I've 
seen some very mixed results so far.

Devices:
GPD P2 MAX (9" Ultrabook)
One Netbook A1 (8" Netbook)
HP x360 15"

#1

Cable Matters Dual Monitor USB C Dock (USB C Docking Station) for 
MacBook Pro with Dual 4K HDMI and 80W Laptop Charging (USB-C and 
Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible)
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07MKPP1W4/

I currently own two of these, worked reliably under linux with the P2 
MAX. Which is why I got a second one for my partner Trent and his HP 
2-in-1 convertible laptop. The latter had all sort of driver issues 
under windows. Those stabilized after finding the drivers from the 
manufacturer, but the Ethernet only works for a while, then disappears.

It does not work with the One Netbook A1, going into a power negotiation 
loop. (*)


#2

UGREEN USB C Hub 8 in 1 Type C Dock Station Multiport Adapter to 4K 
HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD TF Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07BFWHPBG

This little guy has worked flawlessly on every machine I've thrown at 
it. Not built to handle really high current charging that the HP machine 
can demand, but great for out an about. Is currently serving desktop 
duty with the A1.


#3

J&D 5 in 1 USB C Hub, Portable 5 Ports Aluminum Type C Hub with Power 
Delivery PD Type C Charging Port, 4K HDMI Port, RJ45 1000Mbps Ethernet 
Port, USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Port Adapter Gray
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07V1M2JXQ

I filed a complaint against this listing, as it's only a 100Mbps 
Ethernet, not 1Gbps. It's never been corrected. Works mostly well enough 
and was used for desktop duty with the P2 Max before the Cablematters 
dock came into the picture. Would need to be power cycled ever once in a 
blue moon. Would not recommend.


#4

CalDigit USB-C Gen2 10Gb/s SOHO Dock - Up to 4K 60Hz, HDMI 2.0b, HDR, 
DisplayPort 1.4, 10Gb/s USB A & USB C, UHS-II microSD and SD Card 
Readers, Bus Power and Passthrough Charging Support
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08FF3BDW5

This one is on my buy-next List. It's built to support the higher 
bandwidth USB spec, so you not fighting with the 4K-30Hhz limitations of 
all the above for HDMI.

Based on this quick impressions video from LTT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2r10vOzxh4



---

*: My Spare Cable Matters Dock is for sale, on a try before you buy 
basis. Contact me off-list.

-- 
Scott Sullivan