The Benefits of Laptop Docks and At-Desk Peripherals
March 21st, 2017 by admin
With a little bit of effort, your staff can reap all the benefits of a laptop, and many of the perks of a desktop, with a little bit of planning and some additional hardware. It's a common perception that laptops lead in portability, while desktops specialize in expandability. But improvements in peripheral device connection standards including USB 3.0, eSATA, and Thunderbolt have reduced (if not eliminated) the performance differences between external and internal devices. The main caveats of using external devices to enhance laptop capabilities include the need to physically haul extra pieces of hardware around, which defeats the portability perks.
If your business is looking to boost productivity and improve business continuity, it's worth looking at configuring employee desks to work as laptop extension environments through docking stations and peripheral hubs.
Docking Stations
Docking stations are devices that connect to laptop computers to convert them (more or less) into desktop computers.
Docks feature a wide range of ports and may include built-in augmentation components like extra storage. The user can connect all their peripheral devices to the dock in advance and utilize them simultaneously just by connecting the laptop to the dock. This supports business continuity for employees who are often in and out of the office, eliminating the need to use two different devices for the same tasks.
USB and Thunderbolt Hubs
Advances in peripheral port bandwidth have made devices like USB and Thunderbolt hubs viable alternatives to docking stations that function as a "choose-your-features" option.
Hubs are essentially a collection of ports that can be used to connect several devices to computer through a single port.
This means utilizing all the hub devices is as easy as connecting a single cable to the laptop. Hubs can also be self-powered so the laptop is no longer limited by powering external devices.
Peripheral Rundown
- External Monitors: One or more external monitors can be added to docks or hubs to suit employee needs. The worker may prefer a singular, larger monitor, using multiple external screens or using an external display as an extended desktop. Employees may find having more viewable space than a laptop offers a productivity booster.
- Additional Storage: Attaching external storage devices to the dock or hub serves two primary purposes: It acts as a backup solution for the "three copies" strategy, and it lets employees store extra data that would be a burden on the laptop's built-in storage. This is a big help when it comes to disaster recovery; in the event that the laptop is damaged, destroyed, or stolen, you'll have a recent backup on hand.
- Keyboard and Mouse: Adding a keyboard and mouse to the dock or hub not only helps boost productivity, but also improves ergonomics by allowing employees to position devices where they are most comfortable. Employees who prefer a mouse over a touchpad and want to add a number pad to a laptop that doesn't carry one will find this solution helpful.
- Wired Network Connection: Hubs and docks can be configured to connect to the local network via Ethernet. This is a great option for offices already wired for connections that have inconsistent Wi-Fi.
- Speakers, Webcams, and Microphones: Docks and hubs can also connect to external versions of the laptop's audio/video devices for an enhanced experience.
The IT and productivity assessment experts at ATS are ready to help your business find a hardware configuration that works best for you. Contact us today.
Posted in: Managed IT Services, Knowledge