Laptops and docking stations

[beingbobbyorr]

1) Are all laptop docking stations compatible with all laptops? Or should I stick with a docking station made by the same company that made the laptop? i.e., Toshiba docking station for a Toshiba laptop

2) Is there a special name or acronym for the communication cable/standard/protocol that connects the laptop to the docking station? i.e., the way HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc., are used to carry video display info from a computer to a monitor

 

[richiestang_78]

Honestly I haven't seen a docking station in a long time and quite frankly didnt know they were still around. I know that they are proprietary connections for each brand. However witht he advent of Thunderbolt 3 connections that can carry, data, power and video signals from a singal I don't see much of a future for them,

 

[USAFRet]

1. They are absolutely proprietary. Can't use an HP dock with a Dell laptop

2. No. Just have to look at each laptop and its dock to see what they do.