Targus Universal USB 3.0 Dual Video Docking Station with Power Review
Review of Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power (RM919) with two video output, six USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet port and more.
Laptop input/output ports have been sacrificed for a slimmer and lighter laptop design. Most laptops only have 2 USB ports and supports only one external display. It is okay for on-the-go usage, but you will feel limited when you try to use your slim laptop as a desktop station — your laptop does not have enough ports for computer accessories and cannot have dual-monitor setup.
A docking station will solve the problems by extending single port to many input/output ports via a single cable from your computer. Unplug the cable and you are ready to go with your slim laptop.
In this article, I reviewed the Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power (long name, I know) which retail at RM919 (inclusive of GST 6%) in Malaysia. The powered docking station provides two video output, six USB ports (two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0), a Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) port. It is ideal for workstation users, hot-desking, conference rooms, and connect monitors larger than 30-inch.
Sounds cool? Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
Unbox & Design
Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power package includes the docking station with power tips, a DVI-O to VGA converter, a HDMI to DVI-D converter, a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed cable, and two power adapter cable (docking station & laptop).
The package is complete at the first glance before you realize that a power plug cable for the docking station is not included. You will need to use your laptop’s power plug cable for the docking station. You can pre-order the power plug cable at RM25 each.
The docking station is a black colour wedge shape plastic case with blue colour inside. The dimensions are 16.75″ x 6.69″ x 3.15″ and weight 1.36KG. A rubber stripe on the top will hold your device in place and provides a comfortable typing angle.
At the back, you will find ports for power switch, power (in/out), a USB 3.0 uplink, a USB 3.0, three USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, a DVI video out and a HDMI video out. On the left side, you get microphone jack, speaker out jack, and a USB 2.0 port. Another USB 3.0 port and a security lock slot are at the right side.
Open up the cover, you will find 8 power tips for most laptop brands, such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and more. It can charge your laptop while docking.
Setup & Performance
Before you connect Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power to your computer, it is very important that you have visited http://www.targus.com/us/usb3/setup to update drivers for your computer. It supports most laptop brands in the market: ASUS, Dell, HP, Samsung, Toshiba, as well as Apple computers.
Your computer needs to have the latest drivers for USB 3.0 host controller, video card, DisplayLink and Ethernet driver. The docking station installation is easy after updating all the necessary drivers:
- Connect power plug cable to docking station’s power adapter.
- Connect power cable from the power adapter to the docking station’s power in port.
- Connect docking station’s power out to laptop using a compatible power tip.
- Connect all peripheral devices (dual monitors, mouse, keyboard, printer, speaker, etc) to the docking station.
- Connect your laptop to the docking station with the included USB 3.0 uplink cable.
Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power is the first USB 3.0 docking station to deliver laptop power. It provides 8 different power tips, but none is compatible with my laptops — Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro and ASUS Vivobook S400C. Without a compatible power tip, the docking station will still work but cannot charge your laptop.
If your power tip is not included, you can find all available power tips using Targus Tip Configurator. You can pre-order additional power tips from any Targus’ reseller or distributors listed here, each extra tip is RM19.
Windows will automatically install all the necessary drivers when you switch on the docking station for the first time. For an unknown reason, the DisplayLink did not work for my laptop running Windows 10. It only works after I manually download and install the latest DisplayLink driver and restart laptop.
DisplayLink USB graphics technology is designed to connect computers and displays using USB, Ethernet, and WiFi. It also allows multiple displays to be connected to a single computer.
Now, your laptop’s single USB 3.0 port becomes 6 ports USB hub, dual video out and a Gigabit Ethernet port on docking station! The DisplayLink icon in the system tray provides quick display settings, such as screen resolution, screen rotation, mirror and more. For business users, the Wi-Fi AutoSwitch Utility will auto switch computer Wi-Fi connection to wired LAN and reduces redundant network connections.
I connect a 42-inch Full HD TV to the docking station and it works flawlessly. Laptop’s desktop is extending to the TV smoothly and no lag when streaming full-screen video. Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power supports dual video output (DVI-I and HDMI 1.4 with 5.1 audio) with resolution up to 2048 x 1152 pixels each. With the converters, the docking station can output videos to any display that supports DVI-I, HDMI or VGA.
The docking station also supports Windows, Mac OS X and Android operating systems. Targus offers a three-year warranty. For more information, visit www.targus.com
Photo gallery
Conclusion
After setup correctly, Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power instantly turns your laptop into a complete workstation with dual-monitor, 6 ports USB hub and a Gigabit Ethernet port — all using only single USB 3.0 port on your laptop and performance is good. Want to go out? Simply unplug the USB cable and pack your laptop.
The docking station includes many cables but, for its price tag, it should include a power adapter cable, too. It can charge your laptop but make sure you check the power tip compatibility. You may need to pre-order an extra tip or, in my case, no power tip available for your laptop.
I would recommend Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power if your laptop is your main machine and you want to have a dual-monitor setup and connect to many peripheral devices at office/home.
[box type=”note”]I would like to thank Targus for the opportunity to review Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station with Power. This is a free product review with honest write-up. Contact me to review your products, too![/box]
