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The HP ® Thunderbolt G2 is a one-stop dock that optimizes your workspace for greater connectivity to present and future technology.
Long gone are the days of tech decisions boiling down to Mac versus PC. Today, workspaces have to be optimized for Androids and iPhones, USB and USB-C cables, multiple displays and resolutions, and a host of other connections. Keeping up with the various configurations for today’s workplace technology is a growing nightmare.
The most common solutions I see to this problem involve shelling out thousands of dollars to upgrade and standardize workplace technology or buy a smattering of dongles and accessories for backwards compatibility.
Here’s a better, all-in-one, remedy: the HP Thunderbolt G2.
This post is sponsored by HP. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of the sponsor.
MEET THE HP THUNDERBOLT G2
When it comes to the ever changing landscape of technology one size no longer fits all. New laptops have fewer ports than ever and some ports are disappearing for good. This leaves tech decision makers to deal with a web of incompatible technologies to manage in their workplace.
As old school as a dock may sound, the HP Thunderbolt G2 is made for modern workspaces. At first glance, it looks like a mini speaker with a compact, but hefty build. Along the front is a single USB-C port and USB-C cable to connect the HP Thunderbolt G2 to a computer. One side of the dock has a USB 3.0 port, combo audio jack and Standard lock slot.
The back of the HP Thunderbolt G2 is where the magic happens. Here you’ll find a plethora of ports, including:
- 1 Thunderbolt 3 port
- 1 USB-C DisplayPort port
- 2 DisplayPort ports
- 1 VGA port
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
- 1 Ethernet port
- Audio Combo
- Power adapter connector
You won’t find a HDMI port, SD card slot or Mini DisplayPort on the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2. However, the variety of ports that are available easily meet the needs of any corporate office. Additionally, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 is designed to replace the Mini DisplayPort, and enables better refresh rates for 4K displays compared to HDMI. While a SD card slot would’ve been nice, it isn’t a deal-breaker for a corporate office.
ONE DOCK, MANY DEVICES
The HP Thunderbolt G2 does a great job connecting to a number of devices both old and new and reducing workspace clutter.
Setting it up is quick and simple, just plug it into the USB-C port of your system. Tapping the power button on top not only turns the Thunderbolt G2 on and off, but the system it’s connected to as well (if supported). In addition, the included AC adapter supplies enough juice to power the HP Thunderbolt G2 and the system it’s connected to with the same cable (up to 100W for 120W and 230W dock). The 230W version of the dock includes a Combo Cable that provides even more power for workstations.
I love this because it means you don’t have to lug a laptop charger around. Instead, the HP Thunderbolt G2 can charge your device for you. It can also power up to two 4K displays and four displays in total at lower resolutions. As a bonus, you don’t have to plug the Thunderbolt G2 into a computer to use it right away. The front and side ports can charge devices even when the dock is idle. However, the ports on the back of the Thunderbolt G2 require a system connection to work.
No one dock should have all this power, and yet this one does.
AUDIO CONFERENCING MODULE
For workplaces that handle a lot of conference calls, an optional audio module is available for the HP Thunderbolt G2. This module snaps on top of the dock without any extra cables and lets you take calls without a headset.
The top of the module is dominated by HP’s logo and a row of touch-enabled, LED controls to manage calls. Inside the module are two Bang & Olufsen speakers and two omni-directional microphones with built-in HP Noise Cancellation.
The audio module is nice to have during Skype calls with my team. The touch controls provide quick access to answer or end calls, mute the mics and change the volume. They are very sensitive and give off a small vibration when touched. They also change colors according to their state. For example, the mic icon turns red when you’ve muted yourself.
The speakers are loud enough to hear calls without the fear of interrupting others working around you. They’re even loud enough to play media content in presentations or listen to a few tunes while you work.
WORKPLACE APPROVED
In the age of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to work, the HP Thunderbolt G2 is a godsend for tech decision makers.
The HP Thunderbolt G2 supports a wide range of connections and devices across manufactures, reducing workspace clutter. This is a dock everyone in the office can use to plug and play. It works across platforms (macOS, Windows 7/10, and Chrome OS). It’s backwards compatible with non-Thunderbolt notebooks that only have standard USB-C ports. Most importantly, it’s accessible to just about everyone regardless of what technology they choose.
Instead of spending thousands on upgrading office technology or hundreds on adapters and dongles, I recommend the HP Thunderbolt G2. It’s a compact dock with enough ports to help keep the busiest of offices connected and running smoothly for less than $300. Having one in my home and team office has greatly reduced technical headaches, letting me and my team get straight to work.
This post is sponsored by HP. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of the sponsor.
