Choose a dual-video USB-C hub if your laptop can drive both external screens through its intended port and the hub has a suitable USB data port for the scanner. If the laptop needs a USB-A connection or cannot provide the required native video output, consider a compatible DisplayLink dock instead; check its software requirements and whether it charges the laptop.
You want two separate external work areas while keeping a USB data connection available for scanning. The starting point is whether your laptop can drive both screens through a USB-C video hub or needs another display route.
If your computer has USB-A or lacks the required USB-C video capability, a compatible DisplayLink dock may provide display connections alongside ports for the scanner and other peripherals. It also requires supported software.
Check your exact Mac model’s display support and the dock’s macOS display mode. Apple says supported external-display configurations depend on the Mac model, resolution and refresh rate; some two-output USB-C hubs mirror content on macOS.
Decide how the laptop will drive two separate screens, then check that the scanner has a compatible downstream USB data port and an adequate power arrangement.
Choose it when: The intended laptop port supports the hub’s required video mode and the laptop can drive your two-screen configuration natively.
Check carefully: Two video sockets do not establish independent display support; Anker says its A210B mirrors content across external monitors on macOS.
Choose it when: A compatible USB-A or USB-C connection is needed because the laptop’s native video route does not meet the two-screen requirement.
Allow for: Compatible DisplayLink software, plus a separate laptop charger if the chosen dock does not provide laptop charging.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Two separate screens | Match the laptop and dock’s stated dual-display mode to both monitors’ inputs, resolution and refresh rate; confirm extension rather than mirroring. | I need different work on each screen, not the same picture twice. Around 42% of consumers put usable dual-screen output first. |
| Laptop and OS compatibility | Check the exact host port for DP Alt Mode if the hub requires it, or confirm DisplayLink software support for the chosen operating system. | If my laptop has limited video output or I use a Mac, I need to know which connection and display mode will work. Compatibility comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Scanner ports and power | Match the scanner cable to a downstream USB data port; check the dock’s power arrangement and its stated laptop charging output if charging matters. | I need the scanner to remain connected while both screens are in use, especially if it draws power through USB. Roughly 25% of consumers prioritise the scanner and peripheral connection. |
A USB-C connection alone does not establish DP Alt Mode support, so a hub’s display outputs may not receive a video signal from that laptop.
Check the laptop manufacturer’s specification for the intended port, or assess a DisplayLink dock and its software compatibility.
Display behaviour depends on the computer, operating system and hub. Anker states that its A210B mirrors the same content across external monitors on macOS.
Check the exact Mac model’s supported display configuration and the hub’s macOS display-mode statement before buying.
A hub can use some of its input power itself, leaving less available to the laptop.
Compare the stated power delivered to the laptop with its charging requirement, and check the charger and cable conditions for that rating.
A scanner that draws power through USB may behave unreliably if the connection cannot supply what it needs.
Check the scanner’s power requirements and the dock’s power arrangement. If a scanner is unreliable through the dock, test it directly on the computer to help isolate the connection.
Targus offers dual-display docks with USB peripheral connections, including DisplayLink models.
The DK30A2DH is a DisplayLink dock specified for USB-C and USB-A host connections.
The A210B is a compact USB-C hub for a compatible host that provides the required video connection.
No: the laptop and hub must support the required two-screen mode, and the hub needs a downstream USB data port that matches the scanner. A USB-C video hub may require DP Alt Mode on the laptop; a compatible DisplayLink dock is another route but requires its software.
Check the exact Mac model’s supported external-display configuration and the hub’s stated macOS display mode. Apple says display support varies with the model, resolution and refresh rate; Anker states that its A210B mirrors content across external monitors on macOS.
Open Settings, then System and Display to identify and arrange the connected screens, as described by Microsoft Support. If a screen is not detected, check its connection and the dock’s compatibility with the laptop.
A connection or power issue is one possibility, particularly for a USB-powered device. Test the scanner directly on the computer, then check its cable, the dock’s USB port and whether the setup needs external power.