What docking station is sutiable for Swift 5?

j_a_cordova
j_a_cordova Member Posts: 1 New User
What docking station is suitable for Swift 5?  I'd like to connect multiple monitors to my laptop.  I've found a few dock stations  on-line but none say specifically compatible with Swift 5.

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer
    Likely you will want to choose a docking station that connected to your USB-C port. The port is is 3.1 gen 1, so you'll want one that meets those specs. An alternative is to use one of the USB 3.0 ports with lower performance than with the 3.1, but likely still able to handle the multiple monitors. Other than that you need to read the specs on the dock to verify it supports multiple monitors (some have multiple video ports but only support one at a time).
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  • BillKellmaple
    BillKellmaple Member Posts: 1 New User
    I ordered a Belkin 6 in 1 Multiport Adapter AVC008.  The gigabit ethernet port did not work with my ACER SF514-55TA.  I will return it.  I checked with Belkin and my laptop was NOT compatible with that dock.  I thought it might be, but while some ports worked will, the Ethernet port did not and I wanted that feature.
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer
    That is really weird, an Ethernet port is such a simple design that I'm really surprised it didn't work. It shouldn't be using any special features of USB-C or Thunderbolt... Good to know they have an issue with that model dock.
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  • SandraInOz
    SandraInOz Member Posts: 4 New User
    Hi All, I recently bought an Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-53JT, loving it so far and have one monitor connected to it via HDMI. I now want to add another monitor which has DisplayPort connectivity. Is anyone able to recommend a specific docking station/hub that I can order online (we are still in COVID lockdown so can’t go into stores to ask for help) for Melbourne, Australia that is compatible with the Swift 5 and has both HDMI & Display Port connectivity? Thanks in advance 😊
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer
    The TBT port on your SF514-55T supports DP over USB-C, so all you need is an adapter cable. Many hubs support using DP over USB-C while also providing other ports. Are you good with just a display, or do you want more?
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  • SandraInOz
    SandraInOz Member Posts: 4 New User
    Thanks for your response. I have now given the monitor that only has DP and not HDMI connectivity to my husband as it improves his set up. So was thinking I would 1. Purchase a second external monitor with HDMI connection as more docks seem to cater for that and 2. Purchase a docking station that would connect to the Swift 5 via USB-C 3.1 but have at least 2 x HDMI ports, plus standard USB ports for external keyboard, mouse and headset. There just doesn't seem to be many docks which are CLEARLY compatible with USB-C 3.1 - and you made a good point about making sure the dock can handle dual displays.  Normally I would do some online research, find a couple of options then go into a supplier and double/triple check everything but that isn't an option due to lockdown.  Really trying to avoid purchasing the wrong dock.
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer
    Go first with one from a vendor that allows easy returns, and watch for the 'requires dp over usb' type messages and you should be fine.
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  • SandraInOz
    SandraInOz Member Posts: 4 New User
    Thanks. I found a dock online yesterday and received the following email from the manufacturer  “You can absolutely use the JCD543 with your new Acer laptop. The laptop has DisplayPort Alt Mode so all the video ports will work for you. You can buy it with confidence”. Looks like hubby won’t get the DP monitor after all 😊
  • SandraInOz
    SandraInOz Member Posts: 4 New User
    Thanks. I found a dock online yesterday and received the following email from the manufacturer  “You can absolutely use the JCD543 with your new Acer laptop. The laptop has DisplayPort Alt Mode so all the video ports will work for you. You can buy it with confidence”. Looks like hubby won’t get the DP monitor after all 😊
    A quick update. I purchased the J5Create JCD543 dock and it has worked well with my Acer Swift 5 - two monitors connected via HDMI and plenty of standard USB ports for external mouse, keyboard etc. Also has DP port. Extra bonus it’s compatible with my work Dell Laptop too, so I can flip between the 2 laptops with ease. Thanks for your help billsey. 
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer
    Good job! Glad I could help.
    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.