Last update on 2024-04-11 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Are laptop docking stations universal?
Not all of them. There are plenty of docking stations for laptops out there. Some are made by specific manufacturers for their laptops and their laptops only. Other brands manufacture universal docking stations that should support most if not all laptops.
The best docking station for you is the one compatible with your laptop, whether it is a Windows-powered device, a Macbook, or a Chromebook.
There are docking stations out there to support any of these devices, but it is especially easier to find the ones compatible with Windows, considering that Windows is globally popular and generally more accessible.
Does Samsung have a docking station?
Only for smartphones. Samsung fabricates and sells docking stations for smartphones which should increase their professional usability, turning them into devices as powerful as laptops for people who work with sales or simply are on the go a lot.
If you are looking to buy a docking station for your Samsung laptop, you will need to get a station manufactured by another brand that is compatible with Samsung laptops.
Luckily for you, in this article, you can read and learn about three fantastic docking stations that are completely compatible with them.
What does a docking station do?
Docking stations are laptop accessories that can transform the laptop experience into something closer to a traditional desktop. They let you expand your computer’s connectivity by adding extra USB ports, memory card readers, or even an external video card.
“Docking station” is a very broad term that ends up encompassing a wide variety of different devices, all of which aim for a similar goal.
The simplest ones are called port replicator, which consists of dockings that add additional ports and interfaces, very popular among users of MacBooks or Dells XPS 13. Replicators do not interfere with computer performance, and they are compact and easy to transport.
Breakout type docks, on the other hand, can also be quite compact and are positioned as options for those who need access to an interface originally unavailable on your laptop, such as an Ethernet port or memory card reader on ultra-thin laptops without these features.
OEM/proprietary dock, in turn, are more specialized alternatives and, unlike previous options, act more directly on the system profile, allowing the addition of components such as dedicated graphics and hardware (Razer models can do that). That way, the accessory improves the performance of the laptop, but these are not so portable.
Why are docking stations great accessories?
With a docking station, it is possible to add more USB ports, memory card reader, and network cable connection in laptop models that do not have these options natively, or just in case you need more ports (it is common to need more USB ports).
The solution ensures greater versatility for the laptop and can make it closer to a conventional desktop, delivering an improvement in productivity while your device remains portable.
Furthermore, the use of these accessories has become more popular in recent years since new notebooks are shipped with fewer ports and interfaces.
Another attraction of using docking stations is the possibility of better organizing the workspace. As you can leave everything connected to the accessory, it is possible to attach cables and hide them.
In addition, it is possible to install external hard drives and other types of devices “permanently” on the table or workstation, since they are connected to the docking station all the time.
This feature can be even more important for those who intend to set up an office or workspace at home, with planned furniture that takes into account points for the installation of each peripheral.
Does a docking station charge a laptop?
Some docking stations do. It depends on the docking station you acquire and also the voltage of your laptop.
When you are buying a docking station, pay attention if the description of features mentions anything about charging your laptop. If it does, it should inform you which voltage and also the method, such as USB-C.
3 best docking stations for Samsung laptops
Now that you know what docking stations are good for, you might want to check which are the top docking stations in the market right now. So, let’s check three of them which are fully compatible with the most recent and best Samsung laptops.
StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station
Last update on 2024-04-11 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
StarTech advertises its Thunderbolt 3 docking station as the most premium advanced dock you can get for work.
You can find some docking stations with plenty of ports that are huge and don’t look very portable. StarTech, though, managed to deliver a great docking station with enough ports for people who have those ultra-thin laptops.
Its main attraction, as the name suggests, is the support of dual 4K monitors (both at 60Hz). As for bandwidth, this device counts with a whopping 40GB/s.
It is a monster of a docking station, while still portable. That way, if you like to connect your laptop to two monitors both at home and at your office (considering that you are no longer working from home), the Thunderbolt 3 is more than a perfect option.
This dock can also charge mobile devices (you can plug your smartphone just like you would on your computer).
It surely is an expensive accessory, but it is an investment in quality, comfort, and productivity.
Specs
- 85w
- 4K 60Hz
- USB: 5x USB-A, 1 USB-C; 2 x TB3
- Ethernet: 1Gbps, PXE, WoL
- Other ports: SD, 3.5mm Aux
Pros:
- Enough ports for anyone
- Thunderbolt 3
Cons
- Expensive
What do the reviews say?
Some customers got lucky with their orders and installed the dock on their 2-monitor system without trouble using the USB-C Thunderbolt connection.
Others complain that the dock didn’t work. It seems that the system is not compatible with all monitors, even though it is compatible with most laptops. So, before you buy, check if your monitors are supported by this dock.
Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station
Last update on 2024-04-11 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If what you need the most out of a docking station is a huge array of USB ports, then this Kensington dock is perfect for you. It can transform one USB port into six, four of which are 2.0 and two are 3.0.
Some would say the product’s name is misleading because of only featuring two 3.0 ports, but the fact is that this dock is still one of the best you can get.
Moreover, it has an ethernet port as well as HDMI and DVI. So if you for some reason prefer to connect via ethernet rather than wi-fi, one dock such as this one can help you when you are using an ultra-thin laptop such as Macbooks and Chromebooks.
Specs
- 1 x HDMI v1.2 & 1 x DVI-I + DVI-to-VGA & DVI-to-HDMI adapters included
- Single Monitor: 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz / Dual Monitors: 2048 x 1152 @ 60Hz
- Front: 2 x USB 3.0 ports supporting 5V/0.9A & Back: 4 x USB 2.0 ports up to 480Mbps (does not support fast charging)
Pros
- Easy to install on your workspace
- High-speed data transfer
Cons
- No USB-C
What do the reviews say?
With a whopping approval on Amazon, customers point out how convenient this dock is. Since it can stand, this helps organize the workspace, keeping it cleaner or allowing more space for other devices.
Some people, though, complain about compatibility. Sometimes laptops do not recognize the dock immediately. This seems to be a common thing with docking stations.
Wavlink Universal Docking Station
Last update on 2024-04-11 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you are just looking for the simplest docking station that will work with any Windows laptop (including your Samsung), the Wavlink dock might be what you have been looking for. It is inexpensive, uncomplicated, easy to carry around.
The Wavlink dock can even support Macbooks as long as they are Intel-based. Moreover, it supports HMDI and DVI/VGA.
Specs
- 4x USB 2.0
- 2x USB 3.0
- HDMI and DVI outputs each resolution up to 1920×1200 @ 60Hz, HDMI port supports resolutions up to 2560×1440@ 50Hz
Pros
- Supports HMDI and DVI/VGA
- 6 USB ports
- Budget pricing
Cons
- Seems fragile
What do the reviews say?
This Wavlink dock isn’t called “universal” for nothing. Customers are very happy with it because it is simple to install and recognize laptops immediately.
Final Thoughts
Docking stations are great for people who work on laptops and use monitors to get a better view of what they are doing. Moreover, they offer the solution for the lack of many USB ports in most recent laptops.
Picking one docking station can enhance the quality of your workspace, so choosing the right one is key. It is not that hard to choose, though. Looking at the models we recommended you probably can pick one that meets your demands.
If you want one with very high data transfer, then the TechStar model will fit nicely into your workspace.
