Port Replicators and Docking Stations for laptops

It helps to disable hardware acceleration in Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the three-bar menu in the address bar.
3. Select “Options”.
4. Click on the "Performance" tab.
5. Disable the “Use hardware acceleration” option.
6. Click on "OK".

There are no restrictions as such. Unfortunately, Netflix is not supported by Displaylink and therefore cannot be used.

Windows: This is possible without any problems. Often you only have to make a change in the display settings.

MacOS: Since you are using the docking station in combination with the Displaylink software, this is unfortunately not possible. Unfortunately, Displaylink does not support vertical use. 

Yes, you can operate both a Macbook Air/Pro M1 or a Macbook Air/Pro M2 with the docking station.

The M1 and M2 processors only differ in performance.

Yes, with the right settings, operation in the folded state is possible. In this video we show how it works.

Yes, this is possible without any problems. If you want to use two external screens, please make sure that the marked fields "Display 1" & "Display 2" are occupied once each.

Unfortunately, there have always been compatibility problems in the past. Therefore, we do not recommend its use with Mac mini.

If after the last Windows update you are no longer able to connect several screens via the PRIPC1 docking station and you receive the error message "DisplayLink USB Graphics Device: Driver error", your docking station is not defective. There are two possible solutions:

1. please try downloading and installing the latest display drivers:

2. If updating the drivers does not solve the problem, you can try to manually uninstall the last installed Windows update:
 

1. To do this, open the "Settings" by selecting the "Gear" in the Start menu.
2. Then click on "Update & Security".
3. In the "Windows Update" tab, select the option "Show update history".
4. Then click on "Uninstall Updates".
5. Select an update here, the updates are sorted chronologically and the newest one is displayed at the top. Click on "Uninstall" and confirm by clicking on "Yes".

Caution: Not all Windows updates can be uninstalled.

If it is not possible to uninstall the update or if it does not solve the problem, you are unfortunately usually powerless and have to rely on another Windows update to solve the problem.

Technically speaking, a more powerful power supply can be used without any problems and does not pose any danger to your device, as it always draws as much energy as it currently needs. The only disadvantage is the usually higher price of the more powerful product.

In order to use your docking station or port replicator, you need the appropriate drivers. The easiest way to find these drivers is directly from the manufacturer of the docking station/port replicator. You will usually need the serial number or the exact model name. 

The driver for our in-house port replicator can be found on our info page for the IPC port replicator.

Yes, as general rule this is possible. Although you have to consider the power capacity and the type of the connection.

Basically yes, you can use them to charge your laptop, however you have to make sure, that it has enough power to do so. To find out, if it has it, please compare the specifications on the back of the original power supply with those of the one, that came with your docking station. The output voltage should not differ more than 1 volt and the output power should be greater or equal to that of the original power supply.

In our shop we also offer combinations of docking stations and power supplies.

• How do I find out how what the output power (watts) of my power supply is
• How do I find the right power supply for my Notebook in your online shop

The most remarkeble advantages in comparison to USB3.0, are a faster data transmission rate and the possibility to charge the device via USB-C. Also is USB-C becoming the default option for more and more devices.

1. Disconnect all connections from the docking station, including keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.
2. To disconnect the power supply, unplug the docking station from the power outlet.
3. Press the power button on the unconnected docking station and hold it for 30 seconds. This helps to discharge any residual charges that may be present.
4. Now reconnect the laptop and all previously disconnected cable connections to the docking station.
5. Plug the power plug back into the socket and switch on the docking station.

After following these steps, your docking station should work properly.

First and foremost, the difference lies in the connection type. Port replicators connect via a universal port such as USB, making them compatible with many devices. Docking stations are connected to the device via a proprietary interface and are therefore often compatible only with a laptop series. However, this allows more functionality, such as the laptop can be closed, or a power button on the dock itself. In addition, the docks are often like a cable, so the controller chip is in the laptop itself. This allows a higher bandwidth especially compared to USB. Often this is beneficial for connecting monitors and LAN.

If you work with many different devices or you do not need much functionality, e.g. only USB and audio, port replicator is suitable for you. Advanced functionality tailored to your device is more likely to be found in a docking station.

Port-Replicators which are connected via USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 often combine the benefits of normal Port- Replicators and Docking Stations. The standardized connection allows for compatibility with a multitude of devices, both connections have a high bandwidth. Therefore, you can not only connect USB-devices and card readers, but also LAN and multiple monitors. Additionally, they often allow for charging via the same cable used to connect them and even can turn the device on and off.

Whether you are looking for a replicator or a docking station, you will find the right device for your laptop in our shop.

On the one hand you have to consider the compatibility of your device. If your laptop has no USB-C connection, it can cause problems with newer models. On the other hand the port replicator has to produce enough power and can not convert less watts than your Notebook needs. At last you can choose how many and what type of connections for peripherals you need.

On 24 October 2022, the macOS Ventura operating system was released for many Macs.

You download version 1.8 on the DisplayLink page and everything should work smoothly again afterwards.