This category holds laptop accessories that do not belong in the other subcategories: adapters, cables, docking stations, USB hubs and similar connection accessories for a home or office desk. Our range includes over 4000 products, among them items from DELOCK, StarTech.com, ROLINE and LINDY.
How to choose a laptop accessory
Ports. Start by checking which ports your laptop has: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort or an Ethernet socket. An adapter must link your laptop's exact port to the connector on the device you want to attach, and many slim modern laptops now offer little besides USB-C.
Standard and speed. The same connector can perform very differently. For 4K at 60 Hz, the adapter and cable must support a recent enough HDMI or DisplayPort version, and the laptop's USB-C port must be able to output video. For data transfer the USB standard matters: USB 3.2 is much faster than USB 2.0.
Power. If a docking station is meant to charge your laptop over USB-C as well, check its wattage. It should match or exceed the original charger, otherwise the laptop may charge slowly under load or not at all.
Compatibility. Docking stations and power accessories from Lenovo and Dell are often designed for that maker's own laptops and do not always suit other models. Universal USB-C docks work with many laptops, but first confirm that your laptop supports video output over USB-C.
Cable length. Long passive cables can limit video resolution or data speed, so choose the shortest cable that reaches your device. If you need more than a few metres, look for an active cable or a signal extender.
Brands we carry
- DELOCK: produces a very large number of connectivity accessories, from adapters and cables to expansion cards, so it is often a source for less common connector types.
- StarTech.com: known for professional adapters, docking stations and cables that IT specialists commonly choose.
- ROLINE and VALUE: both are Secomp group brands offering cables and adapters for office and server environments.
- LINDY: a long-established maker of computer and video connectivity products, known for cables and video signal extenders.
- I-TEC: specialises in USB-C docking stations and adapters for laptops.
- Lenovo and Dell: laptop manufacturers whose accessories, such as docking stations and power adapters, are primarily designed for their own computers.
- DIGITUS: known for network cables and other connection accessories.
Also in our range: Goodconnections, Equip and Conceptronic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a docking station and a USB hub?
A USB hub simply adds more USB ports. A docking station usually adds video outputs, an Ethernet socket and often a card reader as well, and some also charge the laptop. If you need to connect a monitor and wired internet, choose a docking station.
Does every USB-C cable carry video?
No. Some USB-C cables are meant only for charging and slow data transfer. Video needs both a cable and a laptop port that support it, for example through DisplayPort Alt Mode, so look for a clear mention of video support in the specification.
How do I know whether an accessory fits my laptop?
Check the ports and their standards in the manufacturer's specification for your laptop. An accessory fits when its connector, standard and, where relevant, power rating match your computer. Brand-specific items, such as Lenovo or Dell docking stations, list the models they support.
Can I connect two monitors through one USB-C port?
Yes, but only if both the laptop and the docking station support it. The dock needs two video outputs, and the laptop's USB-C port must carry enough video data. Some operating systems and graphics chips limit the number of displays, so check the specifications of both devices.
