I’m still using the 7 port powered USB hub that I bought in 2014, I like the ability to use the adapters and hubs for different computers.
The laptop I’m using right now I bought for $125.00 (included ship/tax) off of eBay, it is a Dell 7490 i7 gen8 with 16 ram, W11Pro, HDMI.
In any event, I don't risk sensitive info. on the laptop, not even encrypted, since it could get stolen, etc., in my "travels".
I do have one of those big bulky high power Dell WD15 / K17A 130 watt docking station / hubs that has all sorts of outputs but its so much to add to the laptop case that I bought one of the Acer 7-in-one hubs for the laptop case. :-) I guess I should see how the USB C to 4k (supposedly) HDMI conversion works on the Dell, as that might solve the HDMI output problem on some of these desktops I'm looking at!