Good Dock for both my Windows and Mac Laptops

[i4k20c]

Hi all,

I am trying to find a dock that will work with both my work computer (running windows 10) and mac computer (mid 2014 13inch MBP i7/16gb ram/512 ssd) running 10.14.6.

The windows computer has USB type C and is connected to a universal dell docking station. I am trying to figure out how to make my mac compatible with it as my mac only has thunderbolt ports/usb 2.0/hdmi ports.

Is this possible at all?

 

[coolajami]

Hi
it's not very clear what you're trying to achieve (expand the number of your USB-A ports? supporting external monitor?) and without knowing the model of your dell dock, it would be difficult to give you any meaningful advice.

The rule of thumb here is that it is not possible to interchange the dock between a modern windows laptop and a TB2 MB Pro with the possible exception of the pretty basic usb-powered hubs that could add a couple usb-ports and/or an SD reader.

If you're desperate for a dock for the MB that could support more functions than adding a few extra usb ports, I would suggest looking for TB2 dock like the Caldigit TS2 on eBay as all TB2 docks have been discontinued.

A TB2 dock would not be supported by your Dell laptop/Dock though, except if you're crazy lucky and any of them has a TB2 port.

 

[retta283]

Hi, your MacBook Pro has USB 3, not USB 2. This does open up a bit more potential for solutions here, but it depends on the specs of the Dell hardware.

You will either need an adapter for the Thunderbolt 2/USB 3.0 spec that connects to the spec of USB-C that is present on the windows computer, if one exists for that spec, or a new Dock that supports USB-A and can be adapted to C if your Windows laptop only has C.

I'd be greatly surprised if Dell is making docks that are USB-C only now, I'm curious what the model of yours is.

 

[IowaLynn]

A dock in my case, Surface laptop and Mac, was mostly to connect to a 27" 4k monitor, not simultaneously, but it does have dual inputs and toggle.

 

[i4k20c]

Hi, your MacBook Pro has USB 3, not USB 2. This does open up a bit more potential for solutions here, but it depends on the specs of the Dell hardware.

You will either need an adapter for the Thunderbolt 2/USB 3.0 spec that connects to the spec of USB-C that is present on the windows computer, if one exists for that spec, or a new Dock that supports USB-A and can be adapted to C if your Windows laptop only has C.

I'd be greatly surprised if Dell is making docks that are USB-C only now, I'm curious what the model of yours is.

that is good to know that my mac has usb 3, i did not know that.

the dell dock i have is wd15, i have pasted a link below. the problem with the dock is that the usb c cable is attached to the dock, so I would need a usb c female adapter to some kind of adapter for my mac?

How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Docking Station WD15 | Dell US

Dell WD15 Monitor Dock 4K with 180W Adapter, USB-C, (450-AEUO, 7FJ4J, 4W2HW),Black,Dual Display

The Dell Dock provides a common docking experience for both Dell and non-Dell platforms via Display Port over USB Type-C, ensuring a reliable connection and crisp display. Featuring a powerful DisplayPort over USB Type-C cable, with the Dell Dock you can quickly connect your laptop or tablet to a...

www.amazon.com

 

[i4k20c]

Hi
it's not very clear what you're trying to achieve (expand the number of your USB-A ports? supporting external monitor?) and without knowing the model of your dell dock, it would be difficult to give you any meaningful advice.

The rule of thumb here is that it is not possible to interchange the dock between a modern windows laptop and a TB2 MB Pro with the possible exception of the pretty basic usb-powered hubs that could add a couple usb-ports and/or an SD reader.

If you're desperate for a dock for the MB that could support more functions than adding a few extra usb ports, I would suggest looking for TB2 dock like the Caldigit TS2 on eBay as all TB2 docks have been discontinued.

A TB2 dock would not be supported by your Dell laptop/Dock though, except if you're crazy lucky and any of them has a TB2 port.

hello -

my goal is to be able to support external monitors for both my mac and windows pc.

my work has given me a dell laptop and a dell wd15 dock. I have two monitors going to the dock and that's it. I want to somehow make those same two monitors work with my mac.

 

[coolajami]

hello -

my goal is to be able to support external monitors for both my mac and windows pc.

my work has given me a dell laptop and a dell wd15 dock. I have two monitors going to the dock and that's it. I want to somehow make those same two monitors work with my mac.

Starting by saying that there is no adapter that would transform a USB-C Dock compatible to USB-A (even 3.0) or TB2 port. if you're using a female USB-C to male USB-A adapter, at best you may get some of the USB-A ports of the dock to work, but that's it.

Thunderbolt 2 and USB-A 3.0 support single monitors only. So if you like to connect both monitors to your Mac, you will need two cables connecting with your Mac. As far as I know 2013 MB Pro have a TB2(that is compatible with mini DP) and a HDMI port next to each other; so you can connect each screen with one of these sockets. You cannot connect 2 monitors into one socket in your Mac.

That said there is a solution to your problem, but not a simply one.

You'll nee a monitor switch like the one below (I haven't check the product, Startech is fairly reliable brand, but do check reviews and other brands).

The system would work roughly like this:

Each screen would feed one cable to the video inputs Then 4 cables (2 for each monitor) would connect to the display outputs. Two (one for each screen) would connect to the Dell Dock and the other two could connect to the Mac directly. You will need physically to push the switch for choosing the laptop you want to work on each time you swap.

FYI there is a chance the Dell dock to have issues working with the switch, most commonly with video signal. Also you will need to take in/out two cables on the Mac.

Hope that helps.

StarTech.com 2-Port DisplayPort KVM Switch - Dual-Monitor - 4K 60 - with Audio & USB Peripheral Support - DP 1.2 - USB Hub (SV231DPDDUA2),Black

StarTech.com 2-Port DisplayPort KVM Switch - Dual-Monitor - 4K 60 - with Audio & USB Peripheral Support - DP 1.2 - USB Hub (SV231DPDDUA2),Black

www.amazon.com

 

[i4k20c]

Hope that helps.

That does help a-lot! In the interim, i have also been doing some research and wondering, can i just purchase a dock like the below? I know that it can't deliver power but i am okay with that and am fine with having to connect two wires per computer (1 for the dock and 1 for power to the laptop). So the set up would look like, monitor 1 going to dock with HDMI, monitor 2 going to dock with DVI. Dock goes to windows laptop when needed, or goes to mac laptop when needed. Extra power cord for each laptop when plugged into the dock.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0832K7NS9/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

 

[coolajami]

That does help a-lot! In the interim, i have also been doing some research and wondering, can i just purchase a dock like the below? I know that it can't deliver power but i am okay with that and am fine with having to connect two wires per computer (1 for the dock and 1 for power to the laptop). So the set up would look like, monitor 1 going to dock with HDMI, monitor 2 going to dock with DVI. Dock goes to windows laptop when needed, or goes to mac laptop when needed. Extra power cord for each laptop when plugged into the dock.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0832K7NS9/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

USB 3.0 docks generally they didn't support MacOS.

I can see there is a Plugable model that says in the description that it does support MacOS but if you read further down in the specs, it states that it does not!!!!! Make sure to state clearly they support MacOS and read reviews. I'll be interested to see if that actually works with a MacBook! If it works with your MacBook, the Dell laptop should work with no problem, you'll need a usb-c/usb-a adaptor.

Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports for Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS (Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports)

Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports for Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS (Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports)

www.amazon.co.uk

That's definitely simpler solution than using a switch. if you go for it let us know how you getting on.

 

[IowaLynn]

Anker is trusted and supports Mac.

Anker

ANKER

www.amazon.com