I'm looking for a solution to power multiple laptops simultaneously for deployment tasks. Sometimes, we need to boot them via LAN for imaging, while other times, we just need them powered up so our tools can install apps in bulk. Currently, we have a messy setup with power bars, network switches, and cables all over the place, which makes the process cumbersome and space-consuming.
I'm looking for a docking station that has multiple USB-C ports for connecting several laptops at once, ideally providing power and ethernet through a single connection. It would be similar to a charging cart for tablets. Does anyone know if such a device exists or what it's called? I'd prefer something that can handle 3 to 5 laptops simultaneously to simplify our setup rather than buying a bunch of individual docks.
3 Answers
I’m really intrigued about why you need so many computers on at once for deployment. What’s your deployment process?
Honestly, you could consider using multiple USB-C PD/Ethernet adapters along with a good network switch. It's a budget-friendly alternative, with these adapters being around $30 each compared to thousands for those enterprise solutions. Just make sure your laptops can boot from those dongles!
You might want to check out Dell, Ergotron, Zioxi, or Link Cart—they make charging carts with network capabilities, but be aware that they can be pretty pricey, often costing a few thousand. It’s worth exploring if they fit your needs since they appear to be designed for larger deployments.
We handle rollouts for customers—sometimes it’s 15 computers, sometimes 30, and occasionally up to a hundred. The faster we can deploy them, the better for our efficiency.