We recently received the new GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station in the office. Therefore, we decided to examine its design and capabilities closely. Welcome to our full GPD WIN 5 Docking Station review.

GPD WIN 5 Docking Station Review Video

Design of the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station

The GPD WIN 5 Docking Station has physical dimensions of approximately 7.4 x 6.6 x 1.49 inches. Furthermore, the unit weighs around 317 grams. As you can see, the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station is incredibly light for its size. It is constructed entirely from plastic. Consequently, the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station does feel slightly hollow inside.

On the front, you will find the primary docking area. This section includes a USB port for data transfer. Nearby, four LED indicators display the battery charging status. Most of the top surface is dedicated to the slot for recharging the GPD WIN 5 battery. Underneath, the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station features two rubber strips. These ensure the device does not slide around on your desk.

Connectivity Ports on the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station

The rear of the unit houses the main connectivity options. Specifically, there is a USB Type-C port intended solely for charging the battery. Beside this, the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station offers one HDMI 2.1 port. This output supports up to 4K 144Hz. Moreover, there are three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. Finally, the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station includes a gigabit ethernet port for wired internet.

Charging and Power Features

If your goal is simply to charge an external battery, the process is straightforward. You just plug any 5V up to PD 2.0 fast charger into the back. Then, insert a battery. Immediately, the LED indicators on the front of the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station will show the charging progress.

Docking Limitations in this GPD WIN 5 Docking Station review

However, using the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station as a full dock requires some planning. The rear USB port only charges the battery in the slot. Unfortunately, it does not power the console. Furthermore, the GPD WIN 5 bottom USB port does not support charging either. Therefore, you must power the handheld separately using the DC barrel jack or a connected battery.

As a result, if you own two or more batteries, you face a logistical issue. To use the GPD WIN 5 while charging a spare, you need two separate chargers connected simultaneously.

GPD WIN 5 Docking Station

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Practical Use Cases

For travelers, this setup adds extra weight and takes up space in your bags. However, once you get the GPD WIN 5 connected, the features perform well. The gigabit ethernet and three USB ports become active. These allow you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or storage. Additionally, you can use the HDMI to output to a TV. Thus, you can utilize the up to 4K 144Hz support provided by the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station.

Suggestions for Improvement

In my opinion, a design including a DC barrel jack passthrough would have been logical. This addition would allow you to charge and power the unit from a single power brick. Alternatively, the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station could have supported higher wattage chargers. This would handle both the console and the battery via one cable.

Also, the bottom GPD WIN 5 USB port could have supported charging. Another solution would be a second port or cable to plug into the GPD WIN 5 top USB port, which does support charging.

Conclusion on the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station

In summary, the GPD WIN 5 Smart Docking Station is a very specific accessory. It is certainly the right choice if you prefer to keep your setup consistent with official brand accessories. Furthermore, users who need to keep multiple batteries ready for action will find the dedicated charging slot on the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station incredibly useful. However, if you do not require the external battery charging feature, other third-party hubs can provide similar connectivity.

You can learn more about and order the GPD WIN 5 Docking Station here.