For years, I have always used a Dell WD22TB4 docking station with my Framework 13 (from Intel 12 to AMD AI 300). These Dell docking stations are well known for having proprietary features that only work with compatible Dell laptops, particularly the power button on the docking station. Through that time I have suffered through what I considered to be usual quirks of running a closed laptop on a Thunderbolt 4 dock.
After updating to BIOS 3.05, it just works.
Most importantly, no more logon screen opening on a closed laptop. Before this update, every time I would plug in the closed laptop, I would routinely open and close the lid to fix the display. No more fiddling with the lid or tinkering with power settings.
Now most surprisingly, the “proprietary” Dell power button on the dock works too! I have not personally seen any other laptop manufacturer work with the dock in this way, and I didn’t think it was possible.
YMMV, but for me, the last two weeks have been quite exciting. This QoL improvement has been like a hardware upgrade without spending a dime. I love when a company continues to improve their existing products. Thank you, Framework team!
Meanwhile, the more basic Dell WD15 dock just doesn’t work even for simple charging functions (same BIOS). Sometimes when I plug it in, it will not charge my Framework 13 AI 350. The issue only happens when the laptop has resumed from sleep. By plugging/unplugging several times eventually it will start charging, but this should not be required.
It’s already bitten me several times- I come back from a meeting in the morning and plug the laptop in, expecting it to charge. Then when I open it to go home in the evening, I find it didn’t charge since morning and is almost dead
No, it is not a faulty cable or connector issue. The same dock charges other laptops and my phone without issues. Other Framework users have also reported the same problem:
