Docks, Thunderbolt and 19 volt power supplies

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Docks, Thunderbolt and 19 volt power supplies

elpenguino

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#318066 11-Dec-2024 22:55

I have got too many USB devices for my laptop to handle so I've been looking at docks.

HP says my laptop is compatible with a particular HP Thunderbolt 2 dock but I imagine my chances of getting hold of the exact one are small. In any case, that recommended dock only has 2x USB 2.0 and I would like more.

I see I can get a 2nd hand HP TB 3 dock for a reasonable price but what is the compatibility like? I dont need to run external monitors - I just want the dock to serve me some USB ports and maybe do power pass through as well.

Q. Is a laptop made for a TB2 dock likely to work with a TB3 dock?

Q. Some docks are sold without PSUs and it looks like many docks take 19 volts similar to a laptop. Are these likely to work with 'any old 19v laptop PSU I have lying around?

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Dynamic

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#3319431 12-Dec-2024 05:39

What model is the laptop? Pretty sure we do not have any of these old docks in our electronic junkyard, but I'll check.

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elpenguino

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#3319462 12-Dec-2024 09:24

It's a HP x360 1040 G8, compatible with HP Thunderbolt 120W Dock G2 6HP48AA - but that dock only has 2 USB ports.

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Dynamic

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#3319467 12-Dec-2024 09:40

Okie doke. The model was helpful.

Your charging is via USB-C and the laptop supports ThunderBolt 4. If you are only wanting passthrough charging and extra USB ports, basically any USB-C dock option that supports power passthrough will do the trick so you just use your existing USB-C power supply.

Examples:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/laptops/docking-stations/listing/5059459327
Buy the Vention TOJHB USB-C to HDMI/USB 3.0x3/SD/TF/PD Docking Station Gray 0... ( TOJHB ) online - PBTech.co.nz

Does this make sense and answer your question?

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elpenguino

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#3319478 12-Dec-2024 10:02

Thanks, thats very helpful.

And for my curiosity, what about docks which are not USB-C power in but rather 19V.

Like this one (TB3 and 4 x USB 2.0 ) - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/laptops/docking-stations/listing/5051331824

Assuming I had the right power supply for this, would this be compatible?

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Dynamic

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#3319485 12-Dec-2024 10:22

Yes, that dock should work fine. It looks to be on the supported list for that laptop. If I recall correctly we had some reliability issues with those 'candybar' shaped HP docks, so upgrading its firmware is encouraged.

Consider this option as well which includes the power supply: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/laptops/docking-stations/listing/5053516969

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nztim

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#3319494 12-Dec-2024 10:42

Dynamic:

Consider this option as well which includes the power supply: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/laptops/docking-stations/listing/5053516969

Probably not an issue for the OP but we ripped out over 100 of these and replaced with G4 for the following reasons

Entire top of the dock is a power button, everyone put shit on it and the laptop went to sleep when the button was "pushed"
Constant firmware updates however 1.0.71.1 appears to be stable now
laptop would not wake up from sleep when pressing power button, had to open lid and press power
lots of people now want three screens, the G4 has 2x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI which is more valuable than 2x DisplayPort and 1x VGA

Also, you are on a G8 so you are okay, but earlier g5/g6/g7 would require you to "Authorize" the dock which required admin rights, again BFD in a home environment

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elpenguino

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#3319498 12-Dec-2024 10:54

Thanks for the tips @nztim - but yes, I have discounted the linked G2 dock as it has too few USB ports. I've pulled the pin on one of the G3 'candy bar' types I linked to - found one with PSU and cable(s) for $50.

I don't plan on using external monitors but if the thing works out I'll try it on my work laptop for WFH peripherals.

Authorising laptops for the dock must be a PITA especially if it is for each and every dock in a hot desk environment.

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nztim

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#3319500 12-Dec-2024 10:56

elpenguino:

Authorising laptops for the dock must be a PITA especially if it is for each and every dock in a hot desk environment.

Huge PITA! this problem went away G8 onwards

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