REVIEW – Laptop computers are great for travel, especially today’s newer, lighter laptops. My daily use laptop is an Apple MacBook. While powerful as it is, the ports and connectivity options aren’t that great. When I’m at home, I have a docking station/hub that gives me the ability to connect my most used peripherals. I find traveling with my laptop, I miss those connectivity options. I was looking for something just as portable as my laptop to have in my bag. I wanted something that could give me some additional ports and also make my video calls better. Read on to find out if the Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand was the ‘something’ I was looking for.
What is it?
The Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand is a one plug hub for laptops, tablets, and even phones. It is also a stand that offers six different angle options and can expand to hold a variety of devices.
What’s included?
- Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand
- Manual
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Carry bag
Tech specs
Click to expand
- USB-C (5 Gbps)
- USB-C 100W (PD 3.0 power delivery)
- HDMI (supports resolutions of 3840×2160 @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 60Hz, and lower resolutions)
- USB-A x 2 (3.1)
- SD & microSD card reader
Design and features
I am fortunate enough to work remotely, basically, anywhere I can get reliable internet. This poses a host of possibilities, but as I have discovered, there are a few drawbacks as well. One of the biggest issues I have when remote is connectivity. My MacBook (or occasionally my iPad) is limited to a few USB-C ports. If I want to plug in a monitor or SD card, or anything requiring a USB port, I’m pretty much stuck. With the Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand, I have enough ports to support my needs while away from home. I especially like the multiple USB-C connections. I have a couple of other hubs, but the sole USB-C port is used to connect to my device. That leaves me no place to plug in my Jabra USB-C headset dongle or external SSD. I can use the HDMI port to connect to a TV to watch some shows or to a portable monitor. All these ports are available via a single USB-C cable!
As mentioned, I do have a few other hubs but the other thing I miss when on the road is having my monitor closer to eye height. I have found this to be more of an issue than I first realized. First, it’s less strain on my neck, with the constant looking down with my shoulders hunched. I already had bad posture, so sitting for even an hour like this was literally a pain in my neck. At the largest incline (50º), I find that my laptop screen is high enough to help with that pain. My screen is almost perpendicular to my field of vision, causing my posture to be more neutral. A bonus benefit of angling up my laptop is that during video meetings, my co-workers are not looking up my nose! As with most laptops, the built-in webcam is along the top of the screen, and with this Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand, that puts the camera closer to eye level, depending on how high the table is.
Having multiple ports and height adjustments has been so nice, but the icing on the top of the cake is how portable this laptop station stand is. When completely collapsed, it fits neatly in the included drawstring bag and practically takes up no room in my bag. The Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand can expand eight inches to support a wide variety of devices. At full extension, my MacBook Pro 14” felt sturdy on it. The product website states that this stand can support up to 17” laptops. With the expanding mechanism, there is more surfaced area uncovered to allow for better heat dissipation.
I only had two minor complaints. The first was the support legs were not somehow attached when placed in the desired angle slot. It would have been better if they securely attached magnetically or through another clipping mechanism. There were a couple of times, I went to adjust my laptop, and one of the support legs popped out of its slot. My laptop didn’t fall but became wobbly. The other issue was that moving the stand requires two hands. One to keep the legs in the proper slots, and the other to move the stand. I think if there was a locking pin or tension clip to keep the unit fully expandable, it would be easier to move and make adjustments.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
There isn’t any ‘installation’ or assembly required. Place the support legs in the desired slots, then plug the supplied USB-C cable into your device and the other end into the port labeled with the computer icon. Depending on which slots the support legs go into, the Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand will angle at 25º, 30º, 35º, 40º, 45º, or 50º.
What I like about the Choetech 7-in-1 Laptop Docking Station Stand
- Compact size, very portable
- Changes the angle of the laptop camera for video calls to be more at eye level and reduces neck fatigue
- Multiple ports of the same kind (USB-C and USB-A) to handle additional devices
What needs to be improved?
- The legs do not stay in place. Perhaps magnets or some sort of locking mechanism
- There is no ‘lock’ when fully expanded, moving it is always a two handed process
Final thoughts
Using the Choetech 7-in-1 laptop docking station stand provides me with three outstanding features in a singular device:
- Seven additional ports
- Raising the height of my screen to have less neck fatigue
- More flattering angle for video conferencing
And all three of those features in a package that collapses into a small and thin bag that takes up very little space in my bag has been a game changer. There were just a couple of little issues, but nothing to stop me from recommending this to friends and family who want a small, compact laptop stand that also functions as a hub. This accessory has been just as valuable as my Bluetooth mouse!
Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Choetech. Choetech did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
