ProBook 450 G4 compatibility with HP USB-C G4 dock

[KarlK1]

I would appreciate it if anyone could confirm as to whether the HP ProBook 450 G4 (product # Y8A10EA#UUW) is compatible with the dock HP USB-C Dock G4 (product # 3FF69AA)? Certain websites seem to list this ProBook as compatible with the dock, but HP apparently doesn't. Does the ProBook 450 G4 USB-C port support Power Delivery among other features?

[EddyK]

Hello @KarlK1,

I have HP Documentation on compatible accessories for this specific device but was unfortunately unable to find the dock you mentioned: https://pcb.itcs.hp.com/dc/api/spec-sheet/ww-en/14134678/pdf/Y8A10EA.pdf

However, there are several options listed if you scroll down and explore the doc.

Theoretically USB-C docks should work across all USB-C devices flawlessly (as long as the USB-C port is actually capable of multiple functions), but HP laptops have really weird standards in terms of USB-C compatibility.

Now besides this laptop's Specifications page (which was absolutely useless in explanining the functionality of the USB-C port), I did find in your computer's Maintenance and Service Guide that this USB-C port is a:

USB Type-C charging port

"Connects any USB device with a Type-C connector and can charge products such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and MP3 players."

This is, yet again, a bit of a weird description. One thing I can deduce is that it's not capable of video output and may or may not support USB-C charging (to the laptop). HP also has some weird stuff with USB-C charging to the laptop.

Anyhow, I would recommend purchasing one of the docks mentioned in the document above and please let us know how it goes. HP has a flexible return policy.

Hope this helps,

Eddy

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[KarlK1]

Thanks for the reply. Any kind of feedback seems to suggest that full functionality is not guaranteed. Very odd and misleading information by HP, indeed!

Gonna have to try it out blindly then. This HP USB-C G4 dock (https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-usb-c-dock-g4) specification does not list the 450 G4.

Interestingly, this HP USB-C Universal Dock (http://www8.hp.com/ie/en/products/laptops/product-detail.html?oid=17032737) does seem to suggest compatibility with this laptop model, so it's impossible to tell where the truth lies. At least this is consistent with the same docking station listed in the laptop specifications you provided.

[KarlK1]

So I finally purchased the USB-C Dock G4. Managed to get it working, to a certain extent!

Most peripherals seem to work fine.  Doesn't charge the laptop, though, as was expected.

However, what really bothers me is that I can't seem to get an external HDMI monitor to work the docking station. Any ideas how to solve this issue? I did install the latest DisplayLink Graphics Driver. The monitor works just fine when plugged directly into the laptop.

[EddyK]

Hello @KarlK1,

Well I'm both glad and sorry to hear that.

I did suggest that video output would not be available as stated in my first post and, unfortunately, that does seem to be the case.

This would be a hardware limitation so I regret to inform you that the monitor setup won't work and this would apply to any type of dock that you would purchase.

Best regards,

Eddy