Reddit mentions of Dell WD15 Monitor Dock 4K with 180W Adapter, USB-C, (450-AEUO, 7FJ4J, 4W2HW),Black,Dual Display

Your laptop supports thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 can carry DisplayPort. This means you can run multiple 4K displays through one port.

A 144hz monitor will work just fine, you just need to find one with DisplayPort, and purchase a Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort adapter.

Alternatively, you could buy a Thunderbolt 3 dock. These can run ethernet, audio, video, power (physically charge the laptop), USB, and more through one cable. I have this dock, and use every one of the above capabilities on a daily basis. Definitely worth the purchase.

We use the Dell USB-C docks at my work. They're a little pricey and less portable than I'd like, but they work well.

While I don't have the Kayby Lake XPS I do have the Skylake XPS 13 (9350) and the WD15 dock (https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY) and am also running Fedora 25.

I've got a keyboard+mouse+monitor hooked up to the dock. While it works, it doesn't work perfectly. The largest issue I have is that I can't use HDMI, I have to use VGA. The only way HDMI works is if I have the dock connected when I boot Fedora 25. VGA works fine.

Before I bought the WD15 dock I was researching the problems others had with it. I found many people who said the dock simply didn't work, and potentially a firmware update would solve it. When I bought the dock I was still uncertain whether it would work with my configuration, but I was pleasantly surprised that it did work to this degree.

When I connect the dock to my already-running laptop, with a screen connected via HDMI, I can see the display in xrandr, but after enabling output to it, the screen doesn't come alive. I haven't pinned down if this is a hardware or driver issue.

Side note: I don't have a 4k monitor attached, but I do have the touchscreen/HiDPI display. This presents an issue because X doesn't handle multiple DPIs well. If you have both HiDPI displays you could probably get away with a single DPI that would work for both the internal display and external monitor. (I've gotten around this by using xrandr's scale flag

xrandr --output DP-1-3 --right-of eDP-1 --auto --scale 2x2

Dell Dock WD15 with 180W Adapter, USB Type-C https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0aXMybDENMVT2

Before the XPS 13, I used 15" laptops by themselves. This time around, I wanted to try something different: something small, lightweight, and with good battery life while I'm on the go, but with a desktop-like experience when I'm at my desk. That's why I chose to buy an XPS 13 9350 and a WD15 (Dell's USB-C Dock). By plugging in a single cable into my laptop's USB-C port (laptop to dock), I connect my laptop to a 25" 1440p monitor, a mechanical keyboard, a mouse, power (USB-C can provide up to 100 watts of power), headphones, a microphone, a backup SSD, and a micro USB cable (for phone, Xbox One controller for emulation, etc). I also have a highly adjustable office chair with great back support. Then when I want to take the laptop somewhere, I unplug that one single cable, put the laptop in a perfectly sized sleeve/bag hybrid, and go. It's a rather nice setup, especially now that Dell addressed my USB-C stability issues in a recent BIOS update (version 1.4.4 that came out a few days ago).

You make a good point about charging all the time being bad for the battery, but the dock /desktop mode is a core part of my setup and there's not a way to use the dock without it charging the laptop. I suppose I could start unplugging the laptop from the dock each night before I go to bed. That won't entirely fix the problem, but it should help some while still giving me the benefits of the dock.

I'm currently using Dell's type c hub for my Blade 14. Works just as intended. I plug it in when ever I'm at my desk to connect two external monitors, a mouse, a keyboard, ethernet, speakers, and an external hard drive.

For when I'm on-the-go I usually just leave these two things in my bag:

Aukey (30W) charger for my rMB 2016. Great for the 29W requirement of the rMB, but I don't think it will charge the current MBPtb as fast as the included Apple charger. There are certainly similar alternatives available on Amazon that are better suited for the power requirement of the MBPtb though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX063QN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cable Matters USB-C Cable
Only for charging. Data transfer with this cable is at USB 2.0 speeds (like the Apple cable included in the box). I prefer this to the apple cable because the adapter is at a right angle, and thus sends the cable directly backwards instead of off to the side. This is far less obtrusive/annoying when I'm sitting at my desk at work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N41JUI4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1for charging

When I'm at home I use the Dell WD-15 as a dock. This charges my rMB at full speed in addition to being a source of USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm audio out, and my HDMI/VGA/Mini-displayport monitor connection with a single USB-C input. This dock will definitely charge your MBPtb, but it will do so at a slower speed because it only uses around 60W(?) for charging. I believe Dell makes another dock that has a greater power output if slower charging speed is a big issue for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1501694857&sr=1-1&keywords=dell+wd15

Based on what you're describing, what you're looking for is probably less of a hub and more of a USB-C/Thunderbolt dock.

 


I have this CalDigit USB-C Dock which I use with my Blade 14". The build quality is very nice and sturdy and it tends to work fairly well. Though your mileage may vary.

It doesn't charge the blade 14" though b/c you can't push 165W of power through USB-C, but it should be able to charge the stealth just fine. There are also other USB-C/Thunderbolt docks such as Dell's WD15 Dock and Pluggable's USB-C Dock. Though most USB-C/Thunderbolt docks tend to have a mixed bag of reviews, so make sure to do your research before selecting one.

 

Though as for the "Affordable" part, that depends on what you consider affordable. Most of the docks tend to cost around $150

A hub, which is normally unpowered (No external supply besides the usb connection), would probably have similar ports and be cheaper, but likely would not charge the computer

Besides wattage, what's the difference between this and the WD15?

Currently $156 on Amazon

I just received mine Saturday and it is really really nice. Awesome build quality, huge rubber grip on the bottom, and it keeps your XPS 15 charging too (make sure you get the 180W version). I haven't had a chance to try yet, but I'm hoping the Mini Displayport out will be able to use my 2010 27" iMac as a display. USB C is just such a cool connector too.

http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-dock-wd15-with-180w-adapter/apd/450-aeuo/pc-accessories

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487101395&sr=8-1&keywords=wd15+dell

Don't mind the low review score on Dell's website. If you are not running the latest bios for your system any dock will give you issues. I have already 5 deployed at my office and they work great.

*Edit Based on what you said you have 3 monitors this dock will only do 2+ laptop screen. You really should find a thunderbolt dock which has the ability to push a lot more bandwidth. Unfortunately my experience with Dell's offering was bad.

Setup:

Dell P2217H x2

Dell WD15 Monitor Dock

Happy Hacking Professional 2

Mizux Wireless USB Mini Numpad

Logitech MX Master 2S

I have a 2017 MBP 13 and use a dell universal USB-C dock to project onto 2 monitors for a total of 3 displays. It says it's capable of projecting onto 3 external displays but the MBP might limit that. It also seems to charge my laptop as fast if not faster than the included charger Apple bundled.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-452-BCYT-D6000-Universal-Black/dp/B071YTQBXM/

There are probably options that are a bit cheaper and include a little less but this works fine with a MBP once you install the Displaylink drivers.

Edit: I originally linked to the d3100 dock but turns out I'm using the D6000.

I was going to get this one but it's out if stock right now, it doesn't have problems like the TB15

Dell Dock with 180W Adapter (4W2HW) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_2xDtxb2WFQ5QJ

I use the Dell WD15 Monitor Dock. I like it heavyduty Dex Station.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Monitor-Adapter-450-AEUO-4W2HW/dp/B01C8PHWQY

If you go to the "view all reviews" section, there's a search box.. type in Linux and there are plenty of reviews that mention linux. I do this with most hardware.. it's a good tool to find info about linux compatibility for products with lots of reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/product-reviews/B01C8PHWQY/

Quickly glancing, it seems there were issues early on, but it got better with firmware updates

Thanks for the clarification on thunderbolt.

Huh, maybe quality control ... XPS 9550 (15") and the WD-15 on launch as well. It was unusable before the firmware update or drivers or both, can't remember what exactly fixed it. It would drop video randomly requiring a reset. USB devices would drop, even mice/keyboards requiring a reset. XPS would complain the power adapter was only a 60w. I'm using it now and it's fairly reliable, not 100%. I have to reset it every few days because it goes wonky, mouse is really choppy, sound is distorted, stuff like that. The video dropping doesn't happen anymore and no more complaints about the charger.

I wasn't the only one with issues. Amazon reviews full of similar issues.

BUT, it is a LOT better than the TB dock :)

This is what I was originally looking at. So does this really just connect over USB 3.0? That doesn't seem right...how can it drive 3 displays or a 4k display plus ethernet and USB and sound over USB 3...

EDIT: This is the one I was actually looking at. The USB C one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C8PHWQY/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ

I bought and have been using this one on my Razer blade on Linux. If you don't have type C the non type C usb3.0 version should work just as well.

This [dell]https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Monitor-Adapter-450-AEUO-4W2HW/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ one has been reported to work perfectly with SB2.

I kind of wanted more ports so you do you think the WD15 Dell dock would be good?

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502680701&sr=8-1&keywords=WD15

So, your formatting is a bit sloppy up there. To clarify, you're looking for a hub with 3 USB3 port, HDMI, and Ethernet. Sound right?

To get what you seem to be looking for, try searching for USB-C "Docks" instead of "hubs". This one from Dell seems to be the most popular on amazon. There are a great number of options available though.

The best one I know of is the Dell Inspiron 15-7559 Dell's USB-C to HDMI/VGA/Ethernet/USB.

They also make one wiuth more I/O and enough power to charge your device while connected.

I have this for travel:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B073GW52L6?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

And this at work:
https://www.amazon.ca/Dell-Monitor-Adapter-450-AEUO-4W2HW/dp/B01C8PHWQY

Both work perfectly without any issues.

I've using this keyboard:
https://www.amazon.ca/Logitech-K380-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Dark/dp/B0148NPH9I

And this mouse:
https://www.amazon.ca/Logitech%C2%AE-Anywhere-Wireless-Mouse-910-005152/dp/B071S7KDWS

From Dec my usual use is remote desktop to VM on my work server, or basic MS office work/presentations.
With Linux I will be doing QC on QGIS projects Python scripts.

So far so good for me.

With that much shit plugged into your laptop you'd probably still want one of these even if it had a classic port layout

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY

I use this dock as well. Does the job and price isn't too bad (all docks are expensive). Dell WD15

Right now I just have my mouse/keyboard/webcam hooked up to it and it drives my single LG Ultrawide at 3440x1440 without a hiccup.

Thanks for the verification. I found them on Amazon for a little less a unit (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=psdc_778660_t2_B01FKTZLBS?th=1)

I'm just a little hesitant since I saw dozens of comments here about these docks having issues with USB peripherals and blinking monitors. Have the drive issues been cleared up yet since most of these comments were from around 2 months ago?

My personal recommendation would be to go this route: https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-180W-Adapter-4W2HW/dp/B01C8PHWQY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465386172&sr=8-1&keywords=WD15

I had all sorts of issues with my Apple LED display via USB-C to Mini Displayport adapter, but since adding this dock, all has been well.

Out of interest: have you tried the D3100 dock with 3 external monitors (+ thinkpad screen = 4 displays in total)?

So you have the usb-3 version (ie: with the standard usb-a connector). 3 displays, but can't power your laptop as well. Right?

Looking at the amazon page for this, it looks like there are 2 variants.

The usb-3 one, which you have, and a usb-c one. That tops out at 2 external displays, but it ought to (according to one of the Q&A answers on the page) also supply power to the thinkpad.

Would that one do the trick?

thanks, I had seen that unit. but I would like to make it USB-C, so the WD15 is indeed the way to go. could you look up the $80 one? I looked for it but can only find a few 130 and higher. I live in the Netherlands but if it is that cheap then it's cheaper to just ship them. Here they are almost allways 200 euros and higher.


Edit:
Never mind I found it, do you know what the difference is between the $147 one and the $79?

I'm using the Dell WD15 dock. I'm connected to a 1440p monitor, 3 usb devices, external speakers, and charging the laptop all over 1 cable. Works great. It also has an Ethernet port that I have not tested.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dock-WD15-Adapter-Type-C/dp/B01C8PHWQY