How to boost productivity working from home with a laptop docking station
Laptops are designed for portable use, and they’re great for when you’re not stuck at a desk. However, should you be working from home due to the current viral crisis, it’s possible you may have to rely on your laptop for work. A laptop docking station makes it possible to transform the notebook into a desktop environment. Here’s how.
Products used in this guide
How a laptop docking station could help you
This is where a laptop docking station comes into play. You use a single USB or Thunderbolt connection from the notebook to this hub device, and you are rewarded with a whole host of expansion ports. The excellent CalDigit TS3 Plus comes with 15 ports so you can hook up 4K displays, keyboard, mouses, SD cards, LAN cabling, and more.
If you need to buy a dock
Source: Windows Central
To expand the capabilities of your laptop, you’ll need to choose a laptop docking station. Luckily for you, we rounded up our favorite options into an easily digestible list, highlighting the key features of each dock to make it easier for you to select the best one for the job. Whether you need USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or to simply save as much money as possible, we got you covered.
The best part is that not only can you transform your laptop into a desktop environment, but docks like the TS3 from CalDigit can even provide charge to the notebook itself. This, of course, will require the availability of an outlet for power. A desktop PC is a great place to do your work as it creates a dedicated working environment. A laptop can be used anywhere.
By forcing yourself to a single location in the home where the dock and accessories are located, you can look to improve productivity, thanks to fewer distractions.
Editor’s Pick
CalDigit TS3 Plus
Solid ports and performance
For laptops with a Thunderbolt 3 port, the TS3 Plus should be at the top of your list. It has a ton of ports and offers charging.