When it comes to the ultimate computer setup, we often want more features but less clutter. We need more pixels, more screens, more peripherals (looking at you, USB webcam that suddenly became imperative), and more ways to power all that tech. At the same time, we seek cleaner setups and fewer cables as many laptops cut ports in favor of slimmer designs. Like any dock, the Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q) announced Thursday neatly adds more ports, but its wireless charging pad brings an added feature.
Dell said the upcoming product is the first laptop docking station with Qi wireless charging (which works with supporting smartphones and wireless earbuds) that can also support two 4K monitors simultaneously. If less is more, the dock is a way to provide extra desk space for a wireless charging station.
Qi charging occurs through a “slightly angled fabric stand,” according to Dell’s press materials. You can charge your phone both horizontally and vertically at up to 12 W, which is close to Qi’s maximum charging speed of 15 W.
Dell
Dual 4K support comes from the HDMI 2.1 port (a first in a Dell dock) and DisplayPort 1.4. The former supports 4K HDR at up to 144 Hz, while the latter handles 4K at up to 120 Hz. However, if you use two 4K monitors simultaneously, each will be limited to 60 Hz.
If your laptop supports USB-C charging, the dock’s non-removable USB-C cable will charge it at up to 90 W. Again, that’s not far from the current maximum of 100 W, but keep in mind that the USB-C will soon support 240 W charging.
The Dual Charge Dock also supports Dell’s ExpressCharge feature, which Dell said can charge supported Dell laptops to 80 percent in about one hour and to 100 percent in about two hours (give or take 10 percent to those time frames, due to system tolerance). However, Dell noted this feature makes dual-monitor setups use clone mode, i.e., both monitors display the same content, resolution, etc. Dell also said ExpressCharge can reduce the battery’s life span.
In addition to laptop charging, the dock has four USB-A ports. That includes two on the dock’s right side that charge devices at up to 4.5 W, while the one USB-C on the left side charges at up to 15 W. The dock also has an Ethernet port on its backside.
Dell
Dell didn’t provide measurements for its upcoming dock but said the device is 40 percent smaller than the company’s WD19S 130 W USB-C dock, which is 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches.
The Dual Charge Dock will be $460 when it comes out on May 12. For comparison, Dell’s WD19S is $359 as of writing, and the Thunderbolt 4 Dock (WD22TB4) Dell that was also announced Thursday will be $470 when it’s released in the second quarter of 2022.
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