The history of Docking Station can be traced back to the late 1980s to the early 1990s and was an important accessory that was born with the gradual popularity of laptops. Its emerge mainly to solve the problems of insufficient interfaces and limited functions of laptop computers. The following is the general historical context of the development of docking stations:
1. Stage of Origin (1980s-1990s)
Background: Early laptops (such as IBM ThinkPad, Toshiba, etc.) were larger in size, fewer interfaces, and far less functional than desktop computers. The birth of the dock: The original dock was specially customized for a certain brand or model, and the connection method was mostly dedicated expansion ports.
Function: Provide serial port, parallel port, VGA interface, network port, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interface, etc. The purpose is to enable the notebook to connect more devices in the office and be close to the user experience of desktop computers.
Representative device: IBM Dock I (ThinkPad series)
2. Development stage (2000s)
Trend: Laptops are becoming thinner and thinner, and the number of interfaces is becoming smaller, and the demand for docks is increasing.
Type Differentiation:
Port docking station: provides multiple standard interfaces such as USB, video output, audio, etc.
Port Replicator: It has a similar function to a docking station, but has a simpler structure and a lower price.
Connection method: Most of them are manufacturers' dedicated interfaces, such as Dell E-Port, HP Docking Connector, etc.
3. Standardization Phase (2010s)
USB has become the mainstream connection method: USB 3.0/3.1 docking station has emerged, becoming universal and easy to use.
Start supporting video output: Some USB docks realize video output function through DisplayLink chips.
Thin and light laptops are popular: For example, MacBook Air and Ultrabook drive the market's demand for docking stations to increase
4. Rapid development stage (after 2015)
The rise of USB-C and Thunderbolt technologies:
USB-C docking station: supports power supply (PD), data, audio and video transmission, becoming the mainstream.
Thunderbolt 3/4 docking station: stronger performance, supports 4K multi-screen, 40Gbps transmission, external graphics cards, etc.
Docking stations tend to be miniaturized and portable, but "professional-grade docking stations" (including network cards, power supplies, independent graphics, etc.) have also appeared.
Apple, Dell, Lenovo, CalDigit, Anker and other manufacturers have launched a number of docks that support USB-C and Thunderbolt.
5. The stage of diversified integration (2020s)
Cross-platform use: Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, and Android.
Mobile phones and tablets also support docking stations: such as Samsung DeX and Huawei EMUI Desktop modes.
Exploration of wireless docking stations: Some brands have begun to try Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-based "wireless docking stations".
Docking Station can provide more interfaces and functions. There are many benefits to using a dock, mainly including the following points:
Interface extension
Rich port types: Docking stations usually provide HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio port, SD card slot and other interfaces.
Solve the problem of insufficient interface: It is especially suitable for thin and light notebooks with only a few USB-C interfaces, and can connect to monitors, mice, keyboards, hard disks and other devices at the same time.
Improve office efficiency
One-plug-play, multi-device connection: multiple peripherals can be connected through one USB-C or Thunderbolt interface, saving plug-in and unplug-and-unplug time.
Supports multi-screen output: Many docks support dual-screen or even triple-screen display, which helps improve multi-task processing efficiency.
Power supply function (PD charging): Some docks support high-power direct power supply, charging laptops or mobile phones, reducing the need to carry a charger.
Neat and portability of the desktop
The desktop is more refreshing: centrally connect cables through the dock to reduce the mess on the desktop.
Easily switch office environments from home/company: Just plug in the dock and connect to the company's peripherals immediately; unplug it and take away the laptop, which is perfect for remote and mobile office work.
Adapt to multiple devices
Strong compatibility: Many docks support MacBook, Windows laptop, iPad, Android phone and other platforms.
Some models come with independent graphics cards or hard drive expansion: suitable for professional users such as graphic designers, video editors, etc.
Other additional features (advanced docking station)
Stable high-speed network connection on the network port
Independent audio output supports Hi-Fi sound quality
Safety locking slots to enhance the anti-theft of the equipment
Adapt to multiple devices
Strong compatibility: Many docks support MacBook, Windows laptop, iPad, Android phone and other platforms.
Some models come with independent graphics cards or hard drive expansion: suitable for professional users such as graphic designers, video editors, etc.
Summarize:
Advantages Description Rich interfaces, USB, HDMI, network port and other multi-screen displays support dual-screen or three-screen office to improve efficiency, first-line connection, all devices beautify desktop, reduce cables, and power supply can be used to charge the device while compatible with multi-platform adaptation, more flexible office work