I am looking for a USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station that actually works. I previously purchased a Targus ACP71 that I spent 2 days trying to make the external displays work. I downloaded the newest USB Drivers from Intel, newest drivers from DisplayLink and Targus. On the third day, I gave up and called Targus. They stated that their product is not compatible with laptops that have dual Video Display Adapters. I have an HP dv7 Quad Edition that has the Microsoft 4000 and an Nvidia GT650m with 2gb of DDR5. I called back again and got the same reply from another staff member. I also have seen this posted from others in the reviews of docking stations. I spent about 6 months researching laptops to get the biggest bang for my buck. All the laptops I looked at have Dual Video Display adapters.
I am now trying to choose between the Toshiba Dynadock and the Plugable. Have any of you had experience with both of these products? Which do you prefer and specifically why?
The product I am interested in is “Plugable UD-3000 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station for Windows.” It is not listed in the "Related Product/Service box for me to be able to check it.
Thanks for posting your question here, I’ll be happy to assist. All three of the docking stations that you mention use DisplayLink technology for the USB to Graphics solution. This means that you’ll get the same results because they’ll all be using the same graphics drivers.
You can connect your external monitor directly to the computer so that it will be using the internal graphics system and still use the rest of the devices on the dock with the convenience of one USB connection.
I hope this helps! Let us know if there’s anything else we can help with.
So are you saying that Targus is correct in that the DisplayLink Graphics Card/Chip can’t handle a pc that has two Video Display Adapters?
I don’t mean to sound insulting as that is not my intent. I am just trying to learn the functions and capabilities of the docking station. Wouldn’t a much cheaper USB hub perform the same functions if I am connecting my external monitor directly to the laptop?
That also would mean that I would only have the capability of adding one external monitor.
Thank you for your prompt reply and please let me know if I am on the right track or not.
I forgot to add that the Toshiba Dynadock advertises that you can connect up to 3 monitors with one of them being the laptop display. In reviews I have read, many people complain that the external monitors cause the laptop to freeze up and they have to unplug and replug in the external monitors to resolve the problem.
I do not know if DisplayLink has an updated driver/firmware to resolve this issue or not.
I just want to purchase something that is going to work when it is plugged in and not give me any trouble (Plug and Play and not Plug and Pray.)
Top of the Morning! While it is a bit complicated, we can usually get our DisplayLink docking stations to work so I wouldn’t say that it’s impossible. It does take a bit of work and often doesn’t work on the first try. If you’d like to give the Plugable UD-3000 a try, and are willing to work with us we’ll be happy to see if we can get it going. If it doesn’t work, we’ll make sure you get your money back.
The Ethernet and audio devices in the docking station along with the USB ports may make it work it for some people, but with out the graphics it’s definitely not as convenient. It’s a two cable connection then instead of one, and you’d be limited to one extra display.
Let us know if you are interested and if you do purchase a UD-3000 and need support, contact us at support@plugable.com