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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Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 433715: The Perfect Docking Station for Your Aging ThinkPad

Working with my Thinkpad L520s 15-inch screen is fine when I'm out and about, but when I get to back to my home office, I want to use a dual monitor setup with two 24-inch HD displays. The  Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Sation with USB 3.0 - 90W, makes it easy. 

Let me tell you something about this Thinkpad Mini Dock Series 3. First of all this is not compatible with newer generations Thinkpad Laptops, this is for Thinkpads  L330, L412, L420, L430, L512, L520, L530, T400s, T410, T410s T410i, T420, T420s, T420Ssi, T430, T430s, T431s, T430si, T430u, T510, T510i, X220, X220t, X230, T520, T520i, and T530.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Station with USB 3.0 - 90W 433715 is a compact and lightweight docking station that provides instant connectivity to a variety of peripherals, including Ethernet, multiple USB devices, audio and video equipment, and a security key lock slot. It is ideal for notebook users who need a simple and easy-to-use solution for connecting their laptop to a variety of peripherals at their desk.,

Features and Specifications:

• Dimensions: 55 mm (2.2 in) x 345 mm (14.0 in) x 198 mm (7.8 in)
• Weight: 0.9 kg (2.0 lb) - Does not include the 90W AC power adapter.
• Power Supply: 90W AC adapter
• Ports: 
• 1x VGA, 
  
  
  
• 1x DVI-D, 
• 1x DisplayPort, 
• 1x USB 3.0, 
• 5x USB 2.0, 
• Gigabit Ethernet, 
• Security Key, 
• Lock Cable Lock Slot
• Maximum Supported Monitors: 2 (depending on system's graphics capabilities)
• Compatible Devices: Select 65W and 90W Lenovo laptops, NOT recommended for laptops with 170W AC adapters, Also supports recent models, such as the following series: T420, T430, T510, T520 (dual core), and T530 (dual core)

This Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Station will improve productivity by allowing you to connect your Thinkpad Laptop to a variety of peripherals by simply resting your laptop on the dock. This will simplify your workspace and workflow.

With the Thinkpad Mini Dock you can easily move your laptop between different places without having to sisconnect and reconnect your peripherals.

Thinkpad L520 with 2 External Display.

If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use, and secure way to connect your Lenovo ThinkPad laptop to a variety of peripherals, the Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Station with USB 3.0 - 90W 433715 is a great option.

By the way, there are two versions of this Mini Dock Series 3, the 433715, which is the one I reviewed here, and the other one is the 433710U. Mine or the Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Station with USB 3.0 - 90W 433715 has 1 USB 3 port the Lenovo Thinkpad Mini Dock Series 3 (433710U) doesn't have a USB 3 port.

You can still get both of this Thinkpad Docking stations from Amazon.

Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 Docking Station with USB 3.0 - 90W 433715 with USB 3

Lenovo Thinkpad Mini Dock Series 3 (433710U)

Ka Tato's Corner October 28, 2023

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USB C Laptop Docking Station with Dual Monitor

 This is the GISSMO USB C Laptop Docking Station with Dual Monitor. It quite small for  a docking station with this many features, 13 in 1 Triple Display, USB C Hub Multiple Adapter with 2 HDMI, VGA, RJ45, 10Gbps USB C/A 3.1, 100W PD, USB 3.0/2.0, SD/TF, for Dell/Surface/HP/Lenovo Laptops.

Specification:

• PD (100W) - Power Delivery over usb
• 10Gps USB-C 3.1 Gen 2
• 2 USB-A 2.0
• 2 USB-A 3.0
• 1 USB-A 3.1 Gen 2
• 2 HDMI 4K30hz
• SD/TF -104Mbps

Pros:

• Small and light perfect for travel
• Easy to carry, No power cord neeeded.
• Uses my computers USB-c Power Delivery

Cons:

• If laptop/computers does not support the PD Protocol, all HDMI and VGA port won't work. It will only serve as a USB hub.

This is a great mini docking station, plenty of ports to extend you needs.  I wasn't planning on buying this, but it was on sale for only $18 on Amazon, it was a really good deal compare to $69. I read some of the negative reviews before I bought this. I think most of the problem stem from their laptop not having a PD or Power Delivery over USB. This mini docking station connects to a laptop via USB-C, if the laptops usb-c does not support the PD protocol, external monitors would not work. In my case, I tried this on my HP Chromebook 15 which support USB-C power delivery, and it work flawlessly, I also use it on my older Thinkpad Chromebook 13 that also supports USB-C power delivery and it worked. It also works with my Thinkpad T490 that also has the Type C PD Charging Port for power delivery and thunderbolt 3 /4 / USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 / USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 to support multiple-display and it didn't have any problem. However it did not work on my son's ASuS laptop, ASUS VivoBook 14 Model # F1400EA-SB34. To be specific if the USB-C of  your laptop does not support the PD Protocol, external monitors won't work. This mini docking station will just serve as usb hub and card reader.

Recommendation:

I like this  GISSMO USB C Laptop Docking Station for it's size, lots of ports and functionality. If you have a compatible device this will serve as a great mini docking station for a home office setup with multiple monitors. I don't use this in my home office because I already have a dedicated Lenovo ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station for my thinkpad T490 and I also have the hp usb-c power dock for my HP Chromebook 15. I use this mainly on the go and I keep it in my bag. 

If you are in the market for a USB c mini docking station, I can highly recommend this, just make sure your device meets the requirement, read the entire description and make sure your device is supported.

Get the GISSMO USB C Laptop Docking Station with Dual Monitor here on Amazon.

Ka Tato's Corner October 04, 2023

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