When it comes to final computer setup, we often want more features but less clutter. We need more pixels, more screens, more peripherals (looking at you, a USB webcam that has suddenly become a necessity), and more ways to power all of this technology. At the same time, we’re aiming for cleaner setups and fewer cables as many laptops are trimming ports in favor of slimmer designs. Like any dock, the Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q) announced Thursday neatly adds more ports, but its wireless charging pad provides an extra feature.
Dell said the upcoming product is the first laptop dock with Qi wireless charging (which works with smartphone and wireless headphone support) that can also support two 4K monitors at the same time. If less is more, a docking station is a way to provide extra desk space for a wireless charging station.
Qi charging takes place via a “slightly tilted fabric stand,”according to Dell’s press materials. You can charge your phone both horizontally and vertically up to 12W, which is close to Qi’s top 15W charging rate.
Dual 4K support is provided through HDMI 2.1 (a first for a Dell dock) and DisplayPort 1.4. The former supports 4K HDR at up to 144Hz, while the latter supports 4K at up to 120Hz. However, if you are using two 4K monitors at the same time, each will be limited to 60Hz.
If your laptop supports USB-C charging, the dock’s non-removable USB-C cable will charge it up to 90W. Again, this is not far from the current maximum of 100W, but keep in mind that USB-C will support 240W charging soon.
The Dual Charge Dock also supports the Dell ExpressCharge feature, which Dell says can charge supported Dell laptops to 80 percent in about one hour and 100 percent in about two hours (give or take 10 percent to these times due to system stability).). However, Dell noted that this feature forces dual monitor systems to use clone mode, i.e. both monitors display the same content, resolution, etc. Dell also stated that ExpressCharge may reduce battery life.
In addition to charging your laptop, the docking station has four USB-A ports. This includes two on the right side of the dock that charge devices up to 4.5W, while one USB-C on the left side charges up to 15W. The docking station also has an Ethernet port on the back.
Dell did not provide dimensions for its upcoming dock, but did say the device is 40 percent smaller than the 130W WD19S USB-C Dock, which is 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches.
The Dual Charge Dock will cost $460 when it launches on May 12th. In comparison, the Dell WD19S is $359 at the time of writing, while Dell’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock (WD22TB4), which was also announced Thursday, will be $470 when it launches in the second quarter. 2022.