Add Ports to Your Laptop in 2024: Our Favorite USB-C Docks

Recent trends in the tech world indicate that ports aren’t as attractive on base laptop models, and can add additional time in production. The result is that manufacturers are slimming down the available ports on new models of MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops in an effort to achieve more affordable pricing while still pushing the envelope of the technology within the machine itself. But what's the upshot? 

What are we missing? 

With ports being excised from modern laptop builds, connecting peripherals like webcams, microphones, and speakers has become increasing difficult. Also transferring important data from accessories such as external hard drives, SD cards, and flash drives is impossible without an adapter of some kind. Charging ports, and external display ports have also been largely removed alongside previously popular connections such as Ethernet. 

The Future of USB-C Laptops

One thing we are guaranteed to see continue is the installation of USB-C ports in these machines for the foreseeable future for power, visuals, and data transfer. This fact, coupled with the growing number of accessories readily available to the everyday tech consumer, leads to a clear problem — How can we connect and power our devices, transfer data between them, or connect to additional monitors in mobile work environments?

The solution? USB-C docking stations, adapters, and hubs. Below are a handful of our favorites for various common tech use cases:

Travel

In today’s professional world, staying connected is not just a convenience, it's a necessity. VisionTek's sleek USB-C travel docks are the ultimate companions for someone who is constantly on the road. These compact and lightweight docks are designed to slip into any carry-on or laptop bag effortlessly.

Despite their small size, they pack a punch with essential ports like HDMI for presentations on-the-go, USB-A for your must-have peripherals, and SD card slots for quick photo transfers from your camera to your laptop. With a travel dock from VisionTek, you're ready for anything your business trip throws at you.

VT400 Portable Docking Station

When you're traveling, the VT400 Portable USB-C Docking Station with Power Passthrough is a great choice for your carry-on. It's designed to be compact and powerful, allowing you to connect up to two external displays. It also offers a USB-C connection to your system, multiple USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, and supports 100W power delivery to keep your devices charged. Ready to take your work on the road?

Mobile Work

The modern mobile worker is not tethered to a desk. For those who set up shop in cafes, co-working spaces, or even the park, VisionTek's mobile work adapters are a godsend. Featuring a streamlined design that doesn't sacrifice port variety, these adapters are the bridge between your mobile office setup and seamless productivity. With options for USB-A and USB-C connectivity, Ethernet for stable internet connections, and power pass-through to keep your laptop charged, these adapters ensure that your workflow remains uninterrupted, no matter where you are.

VT200 Portable Docking Station

The VT200 Dual Display USB-C Docking Station with Power Passthrough is another great product for mobile workers. It allows you to connect up to two external displays and offers a USB-C connection to your system, supporting 100W power delivery. The VT200 is designed for those who need to create a mobile office quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your productivity never misses a beat. 

Laptop Expansion

Whether you're a creative professional needing multiple displays, or a data analyst looking for rapid file transfer capabilities, our larger display extension USB-C docks turn your laptop into a powerhouse. With 4K HDMI and DisplayPort options, your visual workspace is expanded with crisp, clear imagery. In addition, multiple USB ports, both USB-A and USB-C, allow for a number of devices to be connected simultaneously, and with high-speed data transfer ports, you'll move files in a flash. Ethernet and audio ports add the finishing touches to a truly comprehensive workstation.

VT7400 USB-C Docking Station

For a more stationary setup, the VT7400 Triple Display 4K USB-C Docking Station can transform your laptop into a command center. It supports up to three external 4K displays and provides an impressive array of ports, including USB-A and USB-C with 10Gbps transfer speeds, and Ethernet for stable connectivity. It also offers up to 100W USB-C power delivery, which can charge your laptop and mobile devices. The VT7400 is a robust solution for creating a full-fledged workstation that's future-proof and compatible with a wide range of devices.

VT4500 USB-C Docking Station

The VT4500 Dual 4K USB-C & USB 3.0 Docking Station is another excellent choice for expanding your laptop's capabilities. It allows you to connect multiple displays and various devices, offering versatility for any professional setup. With its mix of video output, data transfer, and charging functionalities, it's designed to cater to the needs of a comprehensive workstation.

Must-Have Cables

No setup is complete without the backbone of connectivity — cables. VisionTek's range of must-have cables is engineered for durability and performance. Our USB-C to USB-C cables handle power delivery and data transfer with ease, ensuring your devices are always charged and in sync. For those requiring legacy support, our USB-C to USB-A cables provide a bridge to your favorite devices of the past. And for the audio-visual professionals, our HDMI and DisplayPort cables offer the highest quality video and audio transfer available. With VisionTek's cables, you're always plugged in.

To tie all your devices together, VisionTek's range of cables ensures you maintain the highest quality connections. Their USB-C to USB-C cables are designed for high-speed data transfer and power delivery, perfect for keeping your devices in sync and fully charged. To ensure you're equipped with reliable connections, explore VisionTek's cables to complete your setup.