Boost and Simplify your Productive: A Review of the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 with HDMI Adapter

The HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W with HDMI Adapter is a versatile docking station that allows you to connect and power your workspace using a single USB-C Thunderbolt cable. It is compatible with both HP and non-HP laptops, as well as Mac OS X and Windows operating systems. 

With this dock, you can:

• Connect multiple accessories through its various ports.
• Charge your devices.
• Connect to a wired switch or router.
• Extend your laptop screen to dual 4K displays using the included USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter.

Laptops with Thunderbolt technology have special ports that offer several advantages over traditional USB ports such as; 

• Powerful Connection: Thunderbolt ports combine multiple technologies like DisplayPort and PCI Express (PCIe) into a single compact connector. This allows for significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to standard USB ports.
• Daisy Chaining:  Thunderbolt allows for daisy-chaining multiple devices. Using just one Thunderbolt cable on your laptop, you can connect several devices (like monitors, docks, and storage drives) in series.
• Compatibility:  Thunderbolt ports often use the same physical connector as USB-C. However, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt functionality. Look for the Thunderbolt logo next to the port on your laptop to confirm its compatibility.

In essence, "Thunderbolt-enabled laptops" signify laptops equipped with these advanced ports that unlock faster data transfer, multi-functionality, and a more streamlined workspace setup.

I bought my HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 in 2022 for use on my two Chromebooks, the Thinkpad 13 Chromebook and the HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl. I figured it would simplify things with my two Chromebooks by allowing me to connect them to peripherals devices, dual monitors with just a single Thunderbolt cable. This eliminates desk clutter and reduces wear and tear on my laptop's ports. The ability to connect multiple peripherals like keyboards, a mouse, an external hard drive, and an additional monitor significantly improves the way I use my Chromebook. Having a larger display and easy access to my peripherals makes everything easy and convenient.

This HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 with HDMI Adapter streamlines connectivity enhances display options, and provides a reliable solution for users seeking a laptop docking station that works.  With its robust features and reliable performance, the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W with HDMI Adapter is a worthy addition to any workspace

 If you need a high-performance docking station with all the bells and whistles, the HP Thunderbolt Dock is a solid choice. However, if you're looking for a more basic and affordable option, there are plenty of other docking stations available that may better suit your needs.

Ka Tato's Corner March 27, 2024

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HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl: A Sleek and Reliable Laptop for Chrome OS Lovers

 

Today I'm writing about my HP Chromebook  Model:15-de0021cl. This Chromebook was released by HP  in the summer of 2019, around  four years ago. It is a laptop with 15.6-inc touch screen, an Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and 128 GB of eMMC storage. 

Hardware Specification:

• Product number: 6MX43UA
• Product name : HP Chromebook - 15-de0021cl
• Microprocessor : Intel® Core™ i3-8130U (2.2 GHz base frequency, up to 4 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores)
• Chipset : Intel® Integrated SoC
• Memory, standard : 4 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM (onboard)
• Video graphics : Intel® UHD Graphics 620, Integrated
• Hard drive : 128 GB eMMC
• Optical drive: Optical drive not included
• Display : 15.6" diagonal FHD IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080)
• Wireless connectivity : Intel® Wireless-AC 7265 802.11ac (2x2) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 4.2 Combo
• Expansion slots: 1 microSD media card reader
• External ports : 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ (5 Gb/s signaling rate, Power Delivery 3.0, HP Sleep and Charge); 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (HP Sleep and Charge)
• Minimum dimensions (W x D x H) : 35.8 x 24.6 x 1.79 cm
• Weight : 1.81 kg
• Power supply type : 45 W USB Type-C™ adapter
• Battery type : 3-cell, 60 Wh Li-ion
• Webcam : HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone
• Audio features : B&O, dual speakers
• Operating System :  Chrome OS

The  HP Chromebook  15-de0021cl is a budget friendly laptop, that offers excellent performance. It is powered by a Intel Core i3-8130U (2.2 GHz base frequency, up to 4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 4 MB cache, 2 cores), 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is still a lot even in today's standard and a Full HD Display. 

What I Like:

• The build is nice. Feels sturdy and durable
• Full HD display
• Good Performance
• Long Battery Life
• Touchscreen Display
• 2 USB-C and
• Supports Power Delivery 3.o
• Supports Google Play
• Supports Built-in Linux Box
• Compatible with most USB-C Laptop Docking that Supports the PD protocol
• Micro SD Card Slot

What I don't like:

• I find it a little heavy

Overall, the HP Chromebook 15-de0021cl is a good choice for students, budget-minded users, or anyone who just needs a laptop on the go that can handle everyday tasks. It is a good value for the price and offers good performance for its specs.

I'm an Android Phone user, and having Google Play on my HP Chromebook allows me to install and use the same apps I have on my phone. I also have Linux Box enabled so I can install desktop apps like Mozilla Firefox, Brave, and Libre Office.  One upgrade I made was to get the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W with HDMI Adapter, Universal USB-C Docking Station, this lets me use my HP Chromebook with Dual Monitors, an external keyboard, and a mouse, I can hook it up to my switch via RJ45 ethernet wired connection.

Recommendation:

After having two Chromebooks, the Thinkpad 13 Chromebook and this one the HP Chromebook 15-de0021cl, I think, for now, I wouldn't be getting any Chromebooks, not for a long time. Unless Google removes the update limitation, Google makes Chrome OS Flex available to End of Life Chromebooks. My Thinkpad 13 Chromebook stopped getting updates last July, and this Chromebook will stop getting updates in the summer of 2025. I feel that Google must still support older hardware, just like in Windows. At least with Windows-based computers, I can install a Linux distro on older computers seamlessly. Also, the prices of Chromebooks are getting expensive, and none of the hardware is upgradable (cannot add ram and replace ssds). So for now I won't be buying any Chromebooks

Ka Tato's Corner November 23, 2023

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