Dell UD22 & WD22TB4 Docking Station - 4 Differences

In this video Jay will compare the 4 differences between the Dell UD22 Universal dock and the WD22TB4 Thunderbolt dock.
Difference 1: Size
- The UD22 is smaller.
Difference 2: Ports
- The UD22 has more USB A ports and the WD22TB4 has more Thunderbolt ports.
Difference 3: Power Delivery
- The WD22TB4 has a 180w power adapter and can output 130w to a Dell Thunderbolt laptop.
- The UD22 has a 130w power adapter and outputs at 96w.
- If you are not using a Dell Thunderbolt Laptop they will both output at about the same. (90/96W)
Difference 4: Price
- Pricing is about the same for each dock.
Which should you go for?
- If you are using a Thunderbolt laptop, get the WD22TB4.
- If you have a mixed use environment with many different laptops, get the UD22.

[@andrewedmonds9347]

MacBook Users: Major Benefit of the UD22 is the Displaylink Chip is built in. Therefor on a MacBook with a M1, M2 or M3 processor, you can run more than one external monitor. If your MacBook has a Silicon Processor with a Pro or Max type, then you do not need the UD22 to run more than one external monitor.

[@oneescape9041]

So i have a m1 macbook pro, does this means UD22 i can hook up 2 external monitors?

[@makemylifeeasy9539]

@@oneescape9041pro doesn’t need chip dock for 2 external monitors.. u just need cable or adapter

[@neeteshpathak8974]

hi, same UD22 can support dual screen extend option by using a converter USB to USB C... i have a 5th gen 2021 dell laptop... but it does not have type c port... i also have macbook air... i want to use on both laptops .. hence afraid whether it will work on non type c laptops or not

[@makemylifeeasy9539]

I have MacBook Air m2 Will it affect battery 🔋 as it does provide charging Model UD22 ❤love from india

[@mattroache4990]

Charging depends on your settings. I don't know if you can change the setting post-boot, but if you press f2 while booting the device, you can change how you want your computer to charge depending on your needs in the pre-boot setup.

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @mattroache4990, thank you for the feedback. We should be receiving a new Dell laptop this week and we will test charging settings as part of that process.

[@thegorn]

Thunderbolt keeps fscking up for me on my Dell TB3 laptop. I just want something that works. I'm going for Dell UD22, because it has the USB-C + DP1.4 alt-mode which is exactly what my monitor needs as my monitor has a KVM switch, so has to be that connectivity.

[@donnaheard4185]

I have a Dell Inspirion 17 3000 which I am unable to charge because the power plug in slot is broken. My battery is dead now. I was hoping I could charge the laptop with the UD22. I have an amber light on the docking station while plugged into my laptop. Do I need to give the docking station time to charge my battery before trying to power up the laptop?

[@patrickwong1121]

Hi Jay, doesnt thunderbolt technically downgrade to Type C standard? so in a sense, does it mean the WD22TB4 will be more suited for all laptops?

[@RonaRigs]

Hi Patrick, you are correct. We find that whilst the WD22TB4 is a Thunderbolt dock it seems to work for almost all USB-C laptops. On our website is a full compatibility guide. ronarigs.com.au/products/dell-wd22tb4-thunderbolt-docking-station

[@visantibanez]

Hi Jay! Thanks for the video. It was very helpful. I am reading the User Guide of both docking stations, and I’ve a question. In the page 14 of the WB22TB4 guide, there is a table with the displays that can be connected to a non-Thunderbolt device. Do you know if I can connect two FHD displays to a Dell Inspiron 5405 (non-Thunderbolt computer)? This computer has an AMD Ryzen 4500U processor and a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port (5 Gbit/s) with DisplayPort Alt Mode? Thanks!

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @visantibanez, if a device does not have Thunderbolt, it will downgrade to USB-C. Because of this, we have seen a number of non Thunderbolt devices work well with the dock. We've also had a number of customers use the dock with their Dell Inspirons.

[@gotechtalk]

Nice job my friend.

[@RonaRigs]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cheoksc2231]

1 very important difference is not mentioned. TB dock has a physical power button that can switch on/off compatible Dell laptop with the lid closed (extremely useful when using the laptop with lid closed connecting to external monitor, keyboard, mouse etc). Universal dock has no such button & feature.

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @cheoksc2231, you are absolutely right, the WD22TB4 has a physical on/off button that works really well with a Dell laptop. I use this button every day to turn my laptop on when the lid is closed.

[@danieldeboer1588]

Hey Jay, first of all thanks for sharing! I`ve spent some time looking for a video that talks about it. So, have you tested both dock station? I mean, I have two laptops, Dell Latitude 3420 (work) and Apple Macbook Air M1 (personal), I sure that with my Dell laptop both Dock Station will run perfectly, but I am not sure about Macbook, as Dell website didn't mention MacOS as one of supported operational system for this Thunderbolt Dock Station... What do you think?

[@RonaRigs]

Hi Daniel, no worries thank you for your comment. Yes we have tested both docking stations. We were unable to get the UD22 working with two monitors via a M1 MacBook Pro. Since then Dell has suggested we need to install the Displaylink drivers before it will work. The WD22TB4 worked well connected to a M1 MBP and successfully ran 2x4K 60Hz monitors. (Without drivers) You will need to set up your monitor connections as per Dell's guide below if you want the WD22TB4 to work with your MBA M1 www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-au/000181877/industry-standard-compatibility-with-dell-usb-type-c-and-thunderbolt-docks-wd19-wd19s-wd19tb-wd19tbs-docking-stations The Latitude 3420 should work across both docks, however Dell recommends it be connected to the WD22TB4. Check out the following guide: www.delltechnologies.com/asset/en-au/products/electronics-and-accessories/technical-support/dell_docking_compatibility_guide.pdf

[@danieldeboer1588]

@@RonaRigs you are awesome! I have confirmed the purchase on Dell web site. Many thanks!

[@RonaRigs]

@@danieldeboer1588 No worries, I hope it works really well for you!

[@binary_battler]

Hi @@danieldeboer1588 is the WD22TB4 compatible with MacBook Air M1? This will allow me to connect two external displays with MacBook Air M1?

[@danieldeboer1588]

@@binary_battler Sorry for delay! Yeah. it works perfectly on my macbook air M1! About two external display, I could not confirm to you because I only have tested in a single display but I trust there no reason to do not perform in two display

[@masteralbo]

If I plug in a thunderbolt cable on one of the WD22TB4's thunderbolt ports, will it have the same function as the the built-in thunderbolt cable?

[@RonaRigs]

Yes, it does.

[@sicaboy]

Not mentioning the BIGGEST difference, the support of DisplayLink

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @sicaboy, sorry for missing that. Are you currently using the UD22 with Displaylink?

[@miko_sia]

I'm translating, so I'm sorry if the words are strange. Can this docking station be used just by plugging in the cable? I couldn't understand even if I looked at the official site, so I would be happy if you could tell me.

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @yukkurisiadazo, yes no further cables are needed, it just plugs into your device and works.

[@miko_sia]

@@RonaRigs Thank you for teaching me.

[@RonaRigs]

@@miko_sia Happy to help!

[@marcelmunarolo]

Hello! Regarding the UD22 dock, if I only use the HDMI port, can I use 4K 60hz without displaylink installation?

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @marcelmunarolo, it should work if you only use 1 HDMI output. What laptop will you be using?

[@marcelmunarolo]

@@RonaRigs 3 laptops: mac m1 pro 14, levnovo thinkpad 14 and dell inspiron 14.

[@RonaRigs]

@@marcelmunarolo The windows PC'S should work without issue. Not sure about the Mac. Why don't you use the WD22TB4 instead?

[@neeteshpathak8974]

​@@RonaRigs hi brother, i have non type C dell vostro laptop, will UD22 work by using converter USB to USB C, i also have macbook air, hence afraid to know whether i can use this on dell non type c laptop for 2 scree extend work

[@DineshmanikantaKatta]

will wd22tb4 work with MacBook ? suggest me a good docking station for MacBook !

[@RonaRigs]

Yes it will work with a MBP. However, you will be limited to monitors based upon the following guide: www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-au/000124312/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd19tb-and-apple-usb-c-hosts

[@tarekghrairi9821]

Can the ud22 be connected to a laptop or desktop using usb type A 3.0 or does it have to be via type c

[@RonaRigs]

We've tested using a USBC to USBA adapter and I can confirm it does not work.

[@RonaRigs]

It was connected to an older MacBook Air.

[@neeteshpathak8974]

@@RonaRigs ​ @RonaRigs hi brother, i have non type C dell vostro laptop, will UD22 work by using converter adapter USB to USB C, i also have macbook air, hence afraid to know whether i can use this on dell non type c laptop for 2 scree extend work

[@FreakZAR]

I have a UD22. Utterly useless piece of .... The dock stops working and no easy way to troubleshoot. Dell documentation also not to clear on this. As I have understand, a supported Dell laptop would switch on the dock via the USB C connection. This connection get's negotiated and established at the power on of the laptop. My dock stops working at random times. Even Dell support stumped by this. I do use my laptop between two different Dell docks. @Home with UD22 and at work with a Dell 24" Monitor with build-in dock. I Hibernate most of the time and it works without any issue. Yesterday I got home and plugged in all worked fine. I hybernated but about 10 min later got a message to do something. I unplugged my laptop from the dock, sitting in front of my TV, and did what was needed. Something at the back of my head said, tomorrow the dock is not going to like you. Guess what today this dock is not detected by the laptop. I tried troubleshooting even leaving everything disconnected and powered off for 15min. NO luck. Piece of ....

[@RonaRigs]

Hi @FreakZAR, thanks for your detailed info. Have you attempted getting a new unit from Dell? From the looks of it, it may be faulty.

[@FreakZAR]

@@RonaRigs yes, getting my 3rd one now. I insisted that they replace both the dock and ac adapter .

[@makemylifeeasy9539]

@@FreakZARwhat happened after returning that ?

[@FreakZAR]

After replacing both dock and ac adapter, no more problems. I suspect the ac adapter caused the problem blowing the dock.