Docking station setup in Exeter
Professional docking station setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Your laptop dock set up properly so everything works from one cable. I'll connect your screens, keyboard, mouse, and any other devices, then show you how it all works in plain English.
Transform Your Desk Into a Proper Workspace
Working from home? A docking station is the difference between professional and painful. One cable to connect your laptop to dual screens, full keyboard, mouse, webcam, the lot. Unplug one cable and you're mobile. Come back, click in, everything's waiting.
But only if it's set up right.
💡 Pro tip: Docking stations look simple but often need driver updates, display settings tweaks, and power delivery configuration to work properly. That's where the frustration comes in.
Why People Call Me
Here's what usually happens when you try to set up a dock yourself:
| ✅ Professional Setup | ❌ DIY Struggle |
|---|---|
| All screens working at full resolution | One screen working, others blank or fuzzy |
| Everything powers on together smoothly | Constant "USB device not recognized" errors |
| Laptop charges while docked | Battery draining even when plugged in |
| You understand how it all works | You're scared to unplug anything |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check compatibility | Make sure your dock, laptop, and devices will work together |
| Install & configure | Connect everything, install drivers, set up displays |
| Test everything | Check all your devices work, charging works, everything's stable |
| Explain it all | Show you how to use it, what each cable does, troubleshoot basics |
📦 You're Left With
- One-cable connection to your whole workspace
- All screens at proper resolution
- Everything tidily cabled
- Confidence to use it all
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward setup | 1 hr | £60 |
| Needs driver updates | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Complex setup (3+ screens, troubleshooting) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Home worker - stop crawling under your desk twice a day
✅ Multiple screens - dual or triple monitor setup working properly
✅ Hybrid working - easy disconnect when you need the laptop mobile
✅ Tech anxiety - someone who explains it in English, not IT speak
Why Choose Us for Docking station setup in Exeter?
Everything works from one cable - just plug in your laptop
All screens, keyboard, mouse connected properly
Patient explanation of how it all works
No tech jargon, just plain English help
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess What You've Got
I'll look at your dock, laptop, screens, and devices. Check compatibility, see what drivers we need, plan the cable routing.
Step 2: Connect & Configure
Physically connect everything, install any drivers or updates needed, configure your display settings so everything looks right.
Step 3: Test & Teach
Make sure everything works - charging, all USB ports, all screens, audio. Then I'll show you how to use it and what to do if anything plays up.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy having a go yourself first? Here's the usual process:
🔧 What you'll need
- Your docking station
- All the cables (HDMI/DisplayPort for monitors, USB-C/Thunderbolt for laptop)
- Power cable for the dock
- Laptop with admin access (for driver installs)
📱 Getting it working
- Update your laptop first (Windows Update or macOS updates)
- Connect power to the dock
- Connect monitors to the dock (use the best quality ports available)
- Connect dock to laptop
- Install any dock drivers from manufacturer's website
- Configure display settings: Windows key + P (Windows) or System Preferences > Displays (Mac)
🖥️ Display settings
- Extend these displays (not duplicate) for multi-monitor
- Set resolution to native for each screen
- Arrange displays to match physical layout
- Set main display where you want your taskbar
⚠️ Common DIY problems
- "USB device not recognized" - usually needs a firmware update for the dock
- Screens not detected - check display cable firmly seated both ends
- Laptop not charging - dock needs to support power delivery for your laptop wattage
- Flickering screens - often a cable quality issue or refresh rate setting
💡 Pro trick: If displays aren't detected, force a re-scan: right-click desktop > Display Settings > Detect. Sometimes they're connected but Windows hasn't noticed.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Multiple jobs? If you're setting up a home office, I can do the whole lot - desk assembly, cable management, printer setup, ergonomic positioning. More efficient than booking separate visits.
Not sure which dock to buy? Call me before you order - there are different types and not all work with all laptops. Five minutes on the phone can save you a £200 return.
Older house with dodgy WiFi? While I'm setting up your desk, I can also check your internet situation. Often home workers find their office is in a WiFi dead spot - easy to fix with a cable or extender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a docking station and why would I want one?
It's basically a hub that lets you plug your laptop into one cable and instantly connect to multiple screens, your keyboard, mouse, printer - everything. Brilliant for home working. Instead of faffing with 5 different cables every time you sit down, you just click in one. Magic.
Will my dock work with my laptop?
Usually yes, but there are different types (USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB-A). If you've already bought one, I'll get it working. If you're buying one, I can advise which one will work with your specific laptop before you order.
I've tried setting it up myself and it's not working properly - can you fix it?
Absolutely - that's half my docking station calls. Often it's driver updates, display settings, or power delivery settings that need tweaking. I'll get everything talking to each other properly and show you how it works.
How long does setup take?
If everything's straightforward - about an hour. If we need to download drivers or update your laptop, could be 1.5 hours. I'll stay until it's all working properly and you're confident using it.
Can you tidy the cables while you're here?
Yes - I always do. A proper dock setup should look clean, not like spaghetti junction. I'll route everything neatly and explain which cable does what in case you ever need to change something.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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