Why use a docking station?
A docking station lets you turn a laptop into a desktop in just a few seconds. It provides simultaneous connection for a monitor, keyboard, mouse, external drive, Ethernet network, and more. This accessory is particularly useful for laptops with limited ports. Using a USB 3.0 port is essential, and USB‑C models will be reviewed separately in a dedicated comparison.
Models tested
Our review covers three recent models:
- Fujitsu PR7.1 – S26391‑F6007‑L310
- ThinkPad Pro Dock
- HP 3005pr
Connectivity compared
Ports and capabilities
| Model | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 | Video outputs | Audio | Ethernet |
| Fujitsu PR7.1 | 2 (1 fast charge) | – | HDMI, DVI | – | RJ-45 |
| ThinkPad Pro Dock | 3 (1 QuickCharge) | 2 | DisplayPort, DVI | Headset+mic | RJ-45 |
| HP 3005pr | 2 | 4 | DisplayPort, HDMI | Headphones, mic | RJ-45 |
- ThinkPad and HP models offer excellent USB flexibility.
- All three include LAN connectivity.
- ThinkPad and HP models provide multi‑monitor support, unlike the Fujitsu version.
- Only the latter two have audio inputs; the Fujitsu has none.
Compatibility and box contents
Supported operating systems
- The ThinkPad dock works with Windows 7 and later, as well as macOS.
- The Fujitsu and HP models also support Windows Vista and XP.
H3: Box contents
| Model | Power supply | Cables | Adapters | Drivers |
| Fujitsu PR7.1 | 20 W | USB 3.0 A→B | – | Driver CD |
| ThinkPad | 45 W | USB 3.0 A→B | DVI→VGA | – |
| HP 3005pr | 65 W | USB 3.0 A→B | HDMI→DVI, USB‑C→A | – |
- Fujitsu is the only one to include a driver CD, useful with older systems.
- ThinkPad and HP supply audio/video adapters, which Fujitsu does not.
Design and dimensions
The Fujitsu PR7.1 makes up for its lack of ports with its compact size, making it more portable and easier to set up than the other two, especially the HP, which is twice as large.
Performance results
Test methodology
- Setup: Core i5 laptop, 8 GB RAM, SSD.
- Tests: Ethernet throughput via iPerf, USB speed with an SSD (read 419 MB/s, write 200 MB/s), monitor latency in 2D/3D use.
Raw results
| Model | 2D latency | 3D latency | Ethernet | USB (read/write) |
| Fujitsu | Barely noticeable | Clearly noticeable | 56.5 MB/s (452 Mbps) | 412.9 / 199.2 |
| ThinkPad | Barely noticeable | Clearly noticeable | 57.1 MB/s (457 Mbps) | 414.8 / 199.6 |
| HP 3005pr | Barely noticeable | Barely noticeable | 56.4 MB/s (451 Mbps) | 412.6 / 198.6 |
- Performance is very similar across the models.
- The Fujitsu dock shows more pronounced 3D latency.
- Despite only minor weaknesses, all of them show a noticeable delay with video playback.
Key strengths of each model
- Fujitsu PR7.1: everyday use, office work, low price.
- ThinkPad Dock: high flexibility, modern design, dual monitor support.
- HP 3005pr: rich connectivity, good for 3D, dual displays, mid‑range price.
Conclusion
- The Fujitsu PR7.1 is compact, stylish and affordable (~135 €), ideal for simple use.
- The HP 3005pr is recommended for those who want plenty of ports and solid 3D performance (~145 €).
- The ThinkPad Pro Dock sits in the mid‑range (~165 €): good audio/video connectivity, dual monitors, quality finish. An excellent compromise between small size and strong features.
