Review on 💻 Black HP Thunderbolt Dock 230W G2 with Combo Cable - 3TR87UT#ABA by Tim Duncan

Finding the right docking station for my new HP laptop initially turned out to be a bad science project. There is NO description on HP's websites that specifically tells customers WHICH port replicator comes with WHICH laptop. In fact, the HP website is nothing more than a maze of obscure, useless instructions and endless execution loops that lead you to more and more useless pages without being able to figure out how to talk to a person. This is after paying over $300 for a docking station. The device often does not boot properly. When you connect the dock to the computer (with the computer lid down), the device allows downloading via Bitlocator, then the screen goes black because the computer is only projecting on the built-in monitor. As soon as you open the laptop you should be able to boot into Windows, but now the laptop does NOT recognize ANY of the connected displays. You must shut down your computer completely and restart with the laptop open and NOT docked. Turning off the computer also causes serious problems. I have 3 large monitors and when I either unplug or plug back in, it often takes a few minutes for this desperately slow unit to wake up. And that's if he wakes up at all. Installing all the necessary drivers was also a big hassle. No matter how much IT support I received from my organization, the IT team readily admits that this device is known to be bad. Computer latency after docking is EXTREME on all screens, including the laptop's built-in screen. The docking station is either completely discharged or the computer cannot handle it. In any case, the dock sometimes renders the entire installation almost unusable. This is perhaps the unbearably worst part of this whole disastrous design. Perhaps an HP rocket scientist decided to put a graphics card in the replicator itself, and it outweighs the laptop (I have a Zbook G4). After trying to run this thing for about 5-6 months, I've completely given up hope that this workstation will live up to even the most insignificant expectations. Even typing in MS Word or Outlook is often almost impossible simply because the screen refreshes phenomenally slowly. And when it's updated, 30% of the keystrokes are often missing. Really hp? Thank you for the journey to the Stone Age of computers. Cables that work great with a laptop won't work at all with a docking station. This includes Displayport to DP, HDMI to HDMI, HDMI to Displayport, VGA and, impossible, a NEW USB-C to HDMI cable specially ordered for this dock. There is also a power button on the top of the device. As others may have noticed, it often happens that you accidentally disconnect the device when trying to connect or check the connection. Aesthetics mean nothing if they cause such confusion and/or frustration. There is very little redeeming about this product and its quality. Especially considering the absurdly high price and the fact that for some laptops this is HP's only solution. This HP product is a disgrace to the brand. I think what frustrates me the most is that docking stations have always been one of the most mundane and harmless computer peripherals. You just install them once and they work. Historically, they were also relatively cheap. Indeed, HP took this design in all sorts of bad directions. Bad design, bad performance and a contemptibly bad price. Pros: Maybe a combo cable? But then again, most docking stations are relatively easy to connect, so it's not a big deal. suggestions for improvement. Based on all the issues I've had with this unit, the only thing I could think of to improve would be to add about 700 pounds to the weight. Perhaps then it can be used effectively as a boat anchor. I will never own an HP computer again unless my company requires it. Note. I'm a HUGE fan of every HP printer I've ever owned. About 10 years ago I used the Brother brand and after about 5 years I gave up and went back to HP. Maybe HP just needs to stick with printers...