A device used to quickly connect multiple peripherals to a laptop. The monitor, printer, network, keyboard and mouse are permanently plugged into the port replicator, which connects to the laptop via the USB port.
A port replicator provides some or all of the functionality of a docking station, and the two terms are used interchangeably. However, a docking station uses a proprietary connector to the computer, whereas a port replicator generally provides a universal solution for all laptops via USB. So port replicator is also called docking station.
At present, the main docking station brands in the market include Philips, Xiaomi, Anker, Ugrenn, Weallans and Lenovo etc. While as we know all but Weallans produce port replicators by its own factory. Other brand are getting OEM from other factories. Guangdong Weallans Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. makes OEM production for Xiaomi, Lenovo and other second rank brands. The company's own brand Weallans is also gradually prevailing and recognized by consumers in both domestic and overseas.
The docking station upgrades along with technology improvement. The interfaces integrated much more than before. And the design of it also varies much and more modern and portable compared to old generations.
Old generations examples. They have a few of interfaces only. Old chips, slow transmission, commonly black ABS shell, big size, bad heat radiation.
Latest docking stations examples. Better performance chips on signal counting. Better performance interfaces like Type C, HDMI, DP etc. More interfaces are assembled. Smaller size, lighter weight, portable, quick heat radiation. Model and useful design with aluminum shell. Thunderbolt 3 and thunderbolt 4 technology. As to notebooks are likely to obtain more beautiful design by declining the interface. Docking stations are must device for customers now. Better port replicators are welcomed. Here are 2 latest model from Guangdong Weallans Electric Technology Co., Ltd. Weallans serves for XIAOMI and LENOVO for many year by now. It is a reliable company and brand.
