Review on 💻 Dell WD19 180W Docking Station: Enhanced Power Delivery with USB-C, HDMI, Dual DisplayPort, in Sleek Black Design by Terry Kohl

Buying a Thunderbolt USB-C laptop hub is like a Goldilocks story: docks/hubs are too big, too expensive, and you end up finding the right balance. For me it's pretty easy. I need support for a non-4K monitor, multiple USB ports (including one for a wireless thumb drive/mouse with no interference), and Ethernet. For this configuration, $250+ dedicated Thunderbolt docks are overkill. I don't think it's worth the extra $80-$100 for 4K/60Hz support and connecting TB accessories. USB 3.0 doesn't work for me either. Years of working with DisplayLink drivers on these docks has taught me that it's not worth the time. So I tend to either go for good USB-C docking stations like the TB19, or go cheap by buying an 8-in-1 USB-C hub and separate power adapter. I bought the TB19 because it's from Dell, hopefully works well with my new 2019 XPS 13 2-in-1, beefy power adapter and dedicated power button (so I don't have to open the laptop and turn it on then close the lid, wake it up from sleep mode with KB/Mouse and then use it). Unfortunately, when I got the TB19, it just wasn't worth the cost compared to a USB-C hub. Whatever TB19 does, it does well. Yes, it looks good, delivers great USB-C PD performance, and has multiple monitor ports. But there are major downsides. First, the dedicated power button is completely useless in the real world. Yes, my XPS 13 turns on, but the dock doesn't provide a solid video connection at startup. What does that mean? That means I have to turn it on, wait for it to boot up, unplug the USB-C, plug it back in, hope the video is connected, and then log in. Or follow the whole process above. Second, it only has 3 USB-A ports, which is identical to most X-in-1 USB-C hubs. Third, it's too much for my use. The power supply is almost as big as the dock, and the dock is so powerful that the dock itself has a fan. So if you need multi-monitor support or USB-C PD in the 100W+ range, this dock is for you. really good. But for my use it's overkill. I was able to get a 61W USB-C PD power adapter, a good cable, a USB-A 3.0 hub (for my KB/mouse), and a very good USB-C hub for less than half the price of the TB19 buy. and also takes up a lot less space on my desktop.