Hardware Peripherals for Windows, macOS & Linux - Recommendations

The following items are recommended by CSCS if you are looking for peripherals to use alongside your laptop or desktop devices.

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure of what to purchase, then please contact CSCS Service Desk for further advice

Docking Stations

  • A docking station can give you extra connectivity & act as a central hub for all your devices and displays, plus, it might allow you to carry a leaner laptop, with fewer ports.

For Windows or Linux devices

Model Name

Power Delivery

Recommended Option

Model Name

Power Delivery

Recommended Option

Dell WD19S 130W Docking Station

90W to device

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-dock-wd19s-130w/apd/210-azbx/docks

Dell WD19S 180W Docking Station

130W to device

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-dock-wd19s-180w/apd/210-azbu/docks

Dell UD22 Universal USB-C Docking Station with DisplayLink Manager Software

96W to device

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-universal-dock-ud22/apd/210-beyv/docks

The power delivery on a docking station will be important if you wish to power your laptop at the same time as having the additional ports, see the options above.

For further help on the Dell Docking Station options, see the compatibility here - Dell Docking Station Compatibility Chart

For macOS devices

Model Name

Power Delivery

Recommended Option

Model Name

Power Delivery

Recommended Option

Dell UD22 Universal USB-C Docking Station with DisplayLink Manager Software

96W to device

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-universal-dock-ud22/apd/210-beyv/docks

Belkin Connect Thunderbolt 4 Dock

90W to device

https://www.belkin.com/uk/pro-thunderbolt-4-dock/P-INC006.html

 

Apple macOS devices can be particularly tricky when being setup with docking stations or multi-monitor set up https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchl7c7ebe08/mac

If you are looking for your docking station to power your laptop, look out for a dock with USB PD, where PD stands for Power Delivery.

 

Monitors

  • Always think about the size of the monitor you need for your workspace. A 24-inch monitor is a good starting point for most people.

  • Resolution is also important. For general use, 1080p (Full HD) or 1440p (Quad HD) is sufficient.

  • Ensure the monitor has the right ports for your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, and USB-C.

For Windows or Linux devices

Model Name

Size

Resolution

Connectivity Options

Recommended Options

Model Name

Size

Resolution

Connectivity Options

Recommended Options

Dell P2425H

24”

1920 x 1080

  • 1x HDMI

  • 1x DisplayPort

  • 1x VGA

  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-B upstream port

  • 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A downstream port

  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C downstream (data only)

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-24-monitor-p2425h/apd/210-bmff/monitors-monitor-accessories

Dell P2723D

27”

2560 x 1440

  • DisplayPort

  • HDMI

  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream port

  • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream port

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-27-monitor-p2723d/apd/210-bddx/monitors-monitor-accessories

Dell U2424H

24”

1920 x 1080

  • 1 x DisplayPort

  • 1 x HDMI

  • 1 x USB Type-C upstream port (data only)

  • 2 x USB Type-A downstream port

  • 1 x USB Type-C downstream port

  • 1 x USB Type-A downstream port

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-ultrasharp-24-monitor-u2424h/apd/210-bktz/monitors-monitor-accessories

Dell U2724D

27”

2560 x 1440

  • 1 x DisplayPort

  • 1 x HDMI

  • 1 x USB-Type C upstream port (data only)

  • 2 x USB Type-A downstream port

  • 1 x USB Type-A downstream port

  • 1 x USB Type-C downstream port

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-ultrasharp-27-monitor-u2724d/apd/210-bkvb/monitors-monitor-accessories

 

For macOS devices

  • For Apple macOS, any monitor that supports HDMI or USB-C adaptor cable should be sufficient, but to fully utilise the Apple device capability, a 4k monitor may be preferred.

 

Mice

  • Mice and keyboard options can be varied, but below are very basic options available.

For Windows or Linux devices

Model Name

Recommended Options

Model Name

Recommended Options

Dell Wired MS116 Wired - Standard 2 button mouse.

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-optical-wired-mouse-ms116/apd/570-aais/pc-accessories

For macOS devices

Model Name

Recommended Options

Model Name

Recommended Options

Apple Magic Mouse White/Black

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MK2E3Z/A/magic-mouse-white-multi-touch-surface

 

Keyboards

  • Mice and keyboard options can be varied, but below are very basic options available

Model Name

Recommended Options

Model Name

Recommended Options

Dell Wired Keyboard UK layout KB216 - Standard wired UK Keyboard

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-multimedia-keyboard-kb216-uk-qwerty-black/apd/580-adgv/pc-accessories

For macOS devices

 

Webcam

  • You may want a webcam to use on MS Teams or Zoom calls on your desktop PC or plugged into your docking station, the option below is a reasonable universal option.

For Windows, macOS or Linux devices