Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Most photographers spend their time in the field taking photos. As they come home to edit their images, often they’ll need to connect more than one device to their laptops, interacting with docking stations in the process.
In this article, we’ll help you understand how photographers can get the most out of their docking station and also help you pick the best one
When To Buy A Docking Station
When you run out of ports on your laptop for your peripheral devices, that’s the most ideal time to purchase a docking station. Docking stations come with multiple ports of different slots ranging from USB and Thunderbolt to HDMI and DisplayPorts.
All these ports serve different purposes.
Here’s What To Look For When Buying A Docking Station
Before you purchase a docking station for your laptop, here are some considerations you must make:
Ports
Find out what the type of ports your docking station houses. Thereafter, identify which laptop ports you will connect to the docking station.
The ports on the docking station and those on your laptop should be identical. If not, get an adapter or extra cables to complete the connection.
Here are the ports your docking station must have to make the task easier:
- A USB Type-C port that helps you transfer your data to your laptop and connect to an external display.
- Thunderbolt ports to transfer data from your peripheral devices to your laptop and vice versa at blazing speeds.
- An ethernet port to help you access the internet when plugged in.
- A HDMI port that allows you to connect to an extra monitor in case you need a larger display.
Cable Types
You also need the right cables to connect your devices to the docking station. If your cable isn’t suited for the task, you’ll have a terrible time connecting devices and transferring data between them.
Also, ensure you have a sufficient cable length. Short cables can be woefully inconvenient for certain tasks. Choose a cable that can cover the distance between the dock and your laptop.
Power Delivery
Before purchasing a docking station ensure that it has enough power for your laptop. Since most docks use USB-C power delivery, ensure that your laptop is compatible and supports it.
Sometimes the amount of power the dock supplies may not keep your laptop powered. You’ll experience this problem often, especially if you use high-end CPUs and discrete GPUs on your laptop.
Compare the power consumption of your laptop against the power output of the docking station and ensure they match before purchasing it.
If you use Samsung, read docking stations for Samsung laptops.
Best Docking Stations for Photographers
Plugable Docking Station
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
This docking station fits those who want a one-stop upgrade for their USB 3.0 laptop. With it, you can connect your peripherals to your laptop, using a single cable. Also, your laptop can access 11 extra ports from the docking station.
This one is a suitable Docking Station For Dual Monitors.
Features
- It has one HDMI and DVI port, which allows you to connect up to two extra high-resolution monitors. You can get to savor finer details of your images and videos using larger external screens connected to the docking port.
- The two USB 3.0 ports help you to transfer data faster from your thumb drive, external SSD or hard drive to your laptop.
- Plugable also comes with four USB 2.0 ports, which allow you to plug in your external keyboard, your printer and other devices that support it.
- It has an Ethernet port that can connect to the internet, giving your blinding network speeds. Photographers with digital portfolios can post their work on the internet using this network capability.
- This dock also has a 3.5mm speaker jack that can connect to your earphones or speaker, allowing you to listen to music while performing other tasks.
Pros
- Plenty of ports
- Compatible with both Windows and Macs
- Power a Full HD monitor
- Horizontal design with option stand
Cons
- Does not charge host PC
Targus Universal
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Targus is a compact docking station with a sleek industrial metallic design. This dock is universal, which means you won’t need to replace it in case you replace your laptop.
Features.
- It has one DisplayPort that supports a single 4K monitor. With this capability you’ll view your pictures in crystal-clear resolution.
- Also, Targus has one DVI-I and one DVI-D port that connects to two full HD monitors. The quality of your experience will still be as stunning as using a 4K monitor.
- Targus has a 1-gigabit Ethernet port that allows you to access wired internet connectivity at ultra-fast speeds. Using this port allows you to upload your images to online portfolios and interact with communities of photographers like yourself.
- This dock comes with five USB 3.0 super-speed ports that connect your peripheral devices to your computer in a convenient way.
- This device also has one Audio In/Out port for mics, speakers and earphones where you can connect and listen to music.
Pros
- Plenty of ports
- Gigabit ethernet port
- Compatible with multiple operating system
cons
- No thunderbolt support.
Dell Docking Station
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
This portable docking station can connect your laptop to up to three extra monitors. Also, you’ll have connections to other peripheral devices and the internet using a single cable.
Features
- It has three USB 3.0 ports that support the connectivity of a 4K resolution monitor. Still, these same USB ports allow you to connect another two full HD displays. These screens can help you multitask, especially when editing images
- The Dell dock comes with two USB 2.0 ports that work with hundreds of other types of peripheral devices.
- Like the first two docking stations, The Dell dock also has one 3.5mm input and output port that lets you connect your speaker or earphone and listen to music during your editing sessions.
- The device also has a Gigabit Ethernet port that allows you to connect to the internet and enjoy fast browsing speeds even as you edit your images and grow your portfolios.
Pros
- Supports 4K display
- Easy to use
- Portable
Cons
- No thunderbolt ports
Final Thoughts and Best Pick
All the three Docking stations are excellent selections, depending on your unique needs. Plugable Docking station is our best selection. It comes with various ports of up to 11 that gives you the option of connectivity.
Also, it supports Windows and Mac operating systems. Both users can fully enjoy this device.
