Go Back   DisplayLink Forum > DisplayLink Graphics Technology > Linux and Open Source

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 11-07-2017, 11:48 PM   #1
k001
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 17
Default D6000 alternatives?

TL;DR: what are the options for those like me who's disappointed in DisplayLink?

So far, my experience with D6000 dock (connected to Dell XPS 13 9360) is horrible. A technology should work for people, making their life easier, enabling to do something that was not possible before. In this case it's the opposite -- buying the DisplayPort dock made my life worse, I spent days and nights trying to make it work. I worked for it, rather than it worked for me.

Anyway, in about two weeks I succeeded, to some extent. It sort of worked, as I was able to use two external monitors and other stuff connected it ot. The problem, as with anyone else on this forum, is disconnects that happen every hour or so -- usually when I am doing some work that needs extreme concentration and allows zero interruption, or in the middle of an important meeting talking to people across the globe. This is totally unacceptable for me. I am not sure if it's software bug or a hardware problem (I suspect the latter, with a software workaround for Windows but alas not Linux), but as far as I know there is no known fix to it.

Anyway, I ended up sending the D6000 back, and will make sure to avoid buying hardware with DisplayLink technology, because it doesn't work, and even if it would, it's CPU intensive which is conceptually wrong (as nowdays we use dedicated hardware -- called GPU -- for such things and more).

My research shows that the Thunderbolt (aka USB-C) port in my Dell XPS 13 9360 has two displayport outputs wired (using USB-C alternate mode), and with a proper dock/adapter you'll have two working display outputs. As many of you, I have a set of requirements from a dock:

- drive 2 or 3 external monitors;
- have gigabit Ethernet, some USB ports to connect other peripheral devices;
- power the laptop;
- do all of the above by means of a single connection, so plug/unplug is quick and easy;
- work [reliably with Linux];
- preferably be implemented in hardware, with little to no support from software.

It seems that Dell TB16 dock does all of that so have ordered it. Linux reviews are pretty positive (there was a bug making its Ethernet working at full speed, 1 gbps, but it seems it is fixed in latest kernels).

If anybody here have some recommendations of what dock to choose, please share.
k001 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2017, 12:54 PM   #2
FrodeJemtland
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 9
Default

Have tested the TB16. I have also moved from D6000.

At first the USB hub didn't work like I espektet, but after a couple of reconnects, it seems to work like it should.

I know that others here at work do not use these because the MAC is unique pr Dock, not following the PC. For our sysadmins that is a problem as the PC are manged by SCCM and PXE boot and reinstalling the machines are based on the PC's MAC. Don't think that is a big problem for us that uses Linux, but probably nice to be aware of, if anyone have a solution that uses the same function.

After just a couple of day's testing, this is all I have noticed. I'll try to remember to come back with more info in a couple of days/weeks. After fighting the reacquiring black-external-monitors related to the D6000, I'm still anxious about reacquiring trouble....
FrodeJemtland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2017, 02:38 PM   #3
zombielinux
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 6
Default

I too have given up on the D6000. It failed for me with both USB-C and the USB3.0 adapter.

The D3100 however... is working flawlessly. So that makes me think its something to do with the hardware itself. Which is a shame really, I loved the idea of a single cable to plug/unplug. I guess I'll have to use two for now.

Maybe I'll revisit after a few updates.
zombielinux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2017, 10:40 PM   #4
compuguy
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 4
Default

In terms of dell docks? As long as your laptop supports it, the TB16 and the WD15 are good candidates. There are also other universal thunderbolt docks out there. Pluggable makes some (note, some come with displaylink inputs, others no).
compuguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2022, 01:28 PM   #5
linux_person
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 3
Default

I've managed to make the D3100 work with dell XPS, but after some pains and kernel upgrades still regularly break display link, and it feels a bit buggy. Crazy that same brand laptop and dock can work so awfully together, seemingly due to Synaptic's neglect of proper linux kernel support.
linux_person is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 08:08 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.