Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID Review: A Unique Dock That Enhances Security and Supports Legacy Laptop Power Needs.

Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID Review

Specifications

• Connection Technology: USB 3.2 G1
• Host Port Compatibility: USB-A and USB-C, DP Alt Mode, TB3 Compatible
• Works With: Windows, macOS and Other Major Operating Systems; Fingerprint ID only works with Windows.
• Ethernet: Yes
• Max Host Power: 100W
• Output Voltages: 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V
• Power Source: Wall
• HDMI: 2
• DisplayPort: 2
• Total USB-A Ports: 4 Total (1 Fast Charging)
• USB-C Ports / 3.2 Gen 2: 1
• Audio Ports: 1
• Lock Slot Compatibility: Kensington T-bar™
• Dimensions: 8.00″ x 3.50″ x 1.13″
• Weight: 1.19lbs
• Warranty: Limited 3-Year Warranty
• TAA Compliant: Yes
• UPC: 092636359515

What we like

Pros

• Supports USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort video output
• 100W PD
• Tethered USB-C cable
• Fingerprint biometric security (Windows only)
• A port for legacy power

A lot of USB-C hubs add ports and manage displays, but they don’t include a fingerprint reader. The Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station brings fingerprint capabilities to Windows PCs without that feature. While many laptops include biometrics that complies with the Windows Hello feature, few desktops do. This dock could bring new levels of security to stationary Windows devices.

The Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station supports connecting from one to four monitors. It includes HDMI and DisplayPort video ports that translate into 4, 4K displays or an 8K display with two additional 4K displays, or other combinations depending on need. DisplayPort Alt Mode is required for the USB-C video to be used. DisplayLink software must be installed for multiple monitors.

100 Watts of PowerDelivery via USB-C will provide power to all but the most power-hungry gaming laptops. Targus includes a USB-C cable that screws into the back of the dock, ensuring a solid connection.

The most intriguing feature of the Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station is the fingerprint authenticator integrated into the power button. The power button integrates Synaptics advanced SentryPoint® biometrics technology.

Powering up a connected computer authenticates a known user directly through the dock, resulting in faster boot times and a reduced need to input a password. The fingerprint feature only works with Windows and only with a Windows device that doesn’t already support fingerprint authentication.

The Synaptics SentryPoint delivers encryption, Match-in-Sensor (MIS) architecture, and anti-spoof technology. Fingerprints stored in the dock sensor provide NIST class SP800-193-level security.

Another interesting feature, which I have not seen in other USB-C docks, is support for legacy power. This feature requires an additional Targus cable (ACC1134GLX). Charging peaks at 90W via the legacy charging port. This is a very Targus feature, as they have traditionally been the go-to maker of replacement and additional power supplies.

The fingerprint security, legacy power support, and wide range of ports makes the Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station a good solution for turning laptops, especially those with few ports, into powerful, well-connected devices.

For many older or lower-cost laptops, the addition of fingerprint security enables Windows Hello security, both enhancing device security and extending their useable life.

What could be improved

Cons

• Poor documentation on the fingerprint feature
• No support for Thunderbolt
• No media card support

I spent some time looking for documentation on the fingerprint recognition feature and did not find what I was looking for. I decided to connect the dock to a laptop with only facial recognition biometrics. The fingerprint feature then became available as a Microsoft Hello option. The other devices already had their own fingerprint hardware, so they didn’t recognize the dock.

It also needs to be noted that the Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID does not support Thunderbolt, which results in limited functionality of its USB-C ports, nor does it include media ports for reading and writing SD cards.

I would also suggest that Targus consider a shorter name. Even a product name chock full of keywords won’t help people find a product if search engines see every reference as overly burdensome. I would suggest the Targus Hybrid 4K Quad Dock with Fingerprint ID, and even that’s a lot.

Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID: The bottom line

The Targus USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID is a muscular docking solution. For those who don’t require Thunderbolt support for fast media transfers, or integrated SD card read/write, this dock will transform connection-limited PCs into connectivity power houses.

Targus provided the USB-C Hybrid/Universal 4K Quad Docking Station with 100W PD and Fingerprint ID for review. Images courtesy of Targus unless otherwise noted.

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