Question Connecting a display via USB-C

[mikeymikec]

Am I correct in thinking that the proper way to do it is to have a USB-C hub with whatever connections you need (e.g. HDMI) and connect the monitor to say HDMI through the hub?

Does such an arrangement "just work" in peoples' experiences here?

 

[sdifox]

Depends on the computer and monitor. For example my wife has a type c portable monitor and you just connect to it with type c. One if it is PD and 2 if not.

 

[mikeymikec]

PD?

 

[sdifox]

PD?

USB-PD. Power delivery. If your computer and monitor have that then just one cable is needed.

USB-DP Alt mode indicates you can drive the monitor with a type-c connection. Again, both the computer and the monitor have to support it.

 

[In2Photos]

I have 2 USB docks. One is made by Dell and is the unit designed for use with my laptop. I use this one at home for primary use. The other is a generic dock I bought for use in the office when I need to go in. Both work without any real issues. Occasionally the Dell dock will mess up the output to one of my monitors when waking up from sleep. A reboot or even disabling and re-enabling the monitor fixes the issue.

Both docks have monitors and USB devices plugged in. So all I have to do is connect one cable to the laptop and I'm done. The Dell dock provides more power (PD) to charge the laptop compared to the generic. The generic one, when connected, gives me a little warning on the battery icon in the system tray about not charging adequately.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Am I correct in thinking that the proper way to do it is to have a USB-C hub with whatever connections you need (e.g. HDMI) and connect the monitor to say HDMI through the hub?

Does such an arrangement "just work" in peoples' experiences here?

It depends on the computer and which features are supported. There's usually an icon next to the port on the computer which will tell you.

A Quick Guide to USB Port Symbols, Logos, and Icons

Here is our comprehensive breakdown of the symbols and logos commonly found on USB-compatible laptops and devices like connection ports, storage drives, charging cables, and more. Our hope is that knowledge of these icons can help you make an informed decision on which device connection type is...

visiontek.com

Most of the "docking station" style USB-C hubs require a USB-C port with DP alt mode and power delivery in order to do everything they're supposed to do.

Do not confuse them with Thunderbolt docking stations, which use the same connector but, at least IME, don't work with USB-C equipped computers.