Author Topic: Business laptop advice  (Read 1483 times)

Woofage

  • Tofu-eating Wokerati
  • Ain't no hooves on my bike.
Business laptop advice
« on: 07 November, 2018, 10:35:33 am »
Background: the current machine (Dell Latitude E5550) was chosen because a) it plugs into a nice handy docking station and b) has a proper full-size keyboard with numeric keypad. I (Mrs W actually but she's not a member here) need to replace it with something equivalent.

I see the current Dell Latitudes now have a USB-C "docking station" rather than the multi-pin underside connector of old. This means two things: 1) a new docking station is also needed and 2) the new machine needn't be a new Dell.

Therefore, before I just go and buy another Dell Latitude is there anything else I should be looking at? Budget is about a grand as that's what the last machine cost IIRC.
Pen Pusher

Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #1 on: 07 November, 2018, 10:42:28 am »
Woofage, I have an HP Spectre laptop which is USB-C  (plus one normal USB port)
USB-C is marvellous. Go for it.
You do nto need a cumbersome docking station. I carry around a Hyper hub, which is the size of a chewing gum packet.
It does power in via USB-C, output to normal USB and HDMI video.
50 quid.   https://www.amazon.co.uk/HyperDrive-Type-C-HDMI-Support-Silver/dp/B01M7O0WF4

My home setup is a USB-C monitor - a Philips B-line. You just bring the laptop up to sit beside the monitor, and plug in one USB-C cable.
The laptop gets charged throught he cable, it sends high definition video through that cable to the monitor.
I plug a full size keyboard and mouse into the monitor, and that goes through the USB-C also.
Fixed Ethernet networking too, if you need it.
https://www.philips.co.uk/c-p/258B6QUEB_00/brilliance-lcd-monitor-with-usb-c-dock

SO you cvan have either a little tiny docking adapter or a USB-C monitor.

What are your current monitor/keyboard/mouse plugged into the docking station?
Assuming an HDMI monitor input and standard USB mouse/keyboard all you need is the Hyper hub.




Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #2 on: 07 November, 2018, 10:45:43 am »
One slight word of caution about USB-C   The cables support lots of functions:   charging  USB-3 transport, 10GBps ethernet and high resolution video.
The cheapie cables are for charging and USB only.
Look for a cable which supports everything you need, such as
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06WP9H6SW

TO be clear, you do NOT need an additional calbe with the Hyperhub. IT just plugs intop the USB-C port and you get USB, Power in and HDMI out

Woofage

  • Tofu-eating Wokerati
  • Ain't no hooves on my bike.
Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #3 on: 07 November, 2018, 11:15:43 am »
Helpful advice, thanks. It seems I also need to upgrade my knowledge of peripherals!

Also: bugger, even more choice!

What are your current monitor/keyboard/mouse plugged into the docking station?
Assuming an HDMI monitor input and standard USB mouse/keyboard all you need is the Hyper hub.

Currently the laptop sits on its docking station into which are plugged monitor (DVI but it also has DisplayPort), KB, mouse and cable ethernet. This setup is duplicated in Mrs W's home office (but the monitor here is also due an upgrade).
Pen Pusher

Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #4 on: 07 November, 2018, 11:33:33 am »
You will need a USB-C hub with Display Port then.
Cheaply available as a cable https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thunderbolt-DisplayPort-Display-Adapter-Gold-Plated/dp/B06XFG1YKT

To have a true one-cable connection you need a USB-C hub with Power Delivery, a normal USB port or two and Display Port out.
Power Delivery means that you can leave your power brick plugged into the hub and the power is passed through to the laptop.

Morat

  • I tried to HTFU but something went ping :(
Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #5 on: 10 November, 2018, 03:17:13 pm »
If you can live with an HDMI to display port cable*, then this is pretty damn good.
https://www.hypershop.com/products/hyperdrive-7-5w-wireless-charger-stand-usb-c-hub
I got one from the kickstarter campaign and I love it. It's rather OTT if you don't have a wireless charging phone, I will admit.

The manufacturers mainly talk about Apple but I use it with a Dell XPS 15 and Samsung Note 8, with the laptop on mains powering the hub. It charges the phone at full rate (15W) and runs a 4K external panel very nicely for office use.

*Yes DP is better but unless you really need 4k @ 60Hz this is great.
Everyone's favourite windbreak

Re: Business laptop advice
« Reply #6 on: 13 November, 2018, 07:35:18 am »
'These look good too   https://www.hypershop.com/collections/usb-c-hubs-with-mini-displayport

You pays your money, you takes your choice etc.