I have 4 monitors (ASUS VS247 version VS244H-P) which have HDMI, D-VI, and VGA ports. My current laptop is a HP Elitebook 840 G3 on a HP docking station with dual DisplayPort video outputs and a VGA video output. I would like to have a setup that would allow me to use the 4 external monitors only with not only this laptop but any future newer laptop that may or may not have a docking station. Currently I have (1) USB 3.1 Gen 1 charging
(1) USB 3.1 Gen 1
(1) USB Basic Type-C
However, I can not guarantee that I will have a Type-C on my next laptop.
1920X1080 resolution is what I am currently running on two of the monitors connected with a startech external video adapter (which is limited to just one dual adapter per system).
What do you recommend for me to have the non-video/gaming experience (work related) that is highly compatible with future systems?
While I have not used any of your products I am very impressed with the reviews, videos and technologies in play.
The key question that I need to understand from you to best provide a potential Plugable solution is what kind of future systems you will be considering. You mention that you can’t guarantee a USB-C port will be on your next computer, however USB-C is growing more prevalent along with Thunderbolt 3, so there is a bit of a conflict there. Compatible USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports come with huge benefits over the typical USB 3.0 Type-A port, which you might be interested in taking advantage of especially in a new system.
I’ll proceed assuming USB-C is out of the picture, but let me know if you might reconsider there.
We don’t offer any single quadruple display docking stations, but what we generally recommend to customers looking to achieve four displays is the use of one of our USB 3.0 docking stations in combination with two of our USB 3.0 graphics adapters.
I would recommend either versions of our USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Stations (UD-3900 or UD-3900H).
Both of these docking stations can drive up to two 1080p displays via one HDMI port and one DVI port (or VGA with the included DVI-to-VGA adapter). Additionally, they provide gigabit Ethernet connectivity as well as a total of six USB ports (two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports). The main difference between the two is their form factor (horizontal versus vertical) as well as the port placements. Please see their product pages for more information and feel free to choose the one you might prefer:
Next, you’ll want two of our USB 3.0 graphics adapters (UGA-3000). These simply connects the USB 3.0 ports on the dock, then to your monitor via HDMI, DVI or VGA. Please see its product page below:
I have been out of the new hardware arena for some time. If USB-C is the new norm for Window based system ls then that is the direction I want to be moving. I am not a MAC person if that matters. I will be using laptops, not desktops if that helps as well.
You won’t find modern systems by Dell, HP or Lenovo in the mid to high range that doesn’t have a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port. Certainly don’t take my word for it – feel free to peruse their catalogs if you’re interested!
In the case with a USB-C port, the difference will be the use of USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-ULTCDL) in combination with a single USB 3.0 Graphics Adapter. You can find more details our our UD-ULTCDL on its product page: https://plugable.com/products/ud-ultcdl
The one thing to be aware of in terms of USB-C is that not all USB-C ports are created equally. Some only support data transfer and not the required video data (Alt Mode) and Power Delivery for host charging. You’re certainly free to check in with us regarding host USB-C compatibility.