MacBook Air to Dell docking station

There's a Dell support page, that says about what Apple's does, regarding use of correct

USB-C adapter; keep in mind where 'power and data' are both expected.. Power Delivery.

The reference article above this thread, likely has applicable 'adapter details.'

(I've no contrary info that may be required in your configuration. There are

a few different adapters that may be involved for this to work correctly.)

• Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD19TB/WD19TBS) and Apple USB-C Hosts | Dell US

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124312/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd19tb-and-apple-usb-c-hosts

"Dual Monitor Setup-1 with WD19TB/WD19TBS dock connected to an Apple USB-C

Host. For an extended dual monitor setup (up to 4K@60Hz), one monitor must be

first connected via the DisplayPort port (DP/HDMI/USB-C port) and the other mon-

itor must be connected via the Thunderbolt port on the dock..."

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=Dell+WD19S+USB-C+adapter+for+MacBook+Air+2017&ia=web

• Connect a display to your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202351

"Connect your display to power, then connect your display to your Mac. 

Check the ports on your Mac to find out whether you need an adapter."

• Identify your MacBook Air model - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201862

Perhaps this may be useful to determine how the displays could connect.

Several changes in last few years, may undermine former standards.

Good luck & happy trails! ☺︎

There are a few other adapters that should work as a bridge; whether or not

help in this instance, & where a dock offers certain features that may do OK.

Or might not be totally compatible with a MacBook Air 2017.

Some features in hardware were available for MB/Pro in 2017; certain ports

and connections, USB3 and Thunderbolt2+ models. The /Air has far fewer.

• Identify the ports on your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201736

[From the above, it looks a bit of a mess; however to focus on tiny details and

hope for the best, one may see a 'potential path' through the maze of dog do.]

MacBook Air 2011-2017 models have Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports.

Use these ports with displays and other devices that connect using a Thunderbolt  cable.

Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort .

They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and

port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output,

so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort

display.

Connectivity: MacBook Air (13-inch 2017) Technical Specifications:

• Video Support

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in

display and up to 3840-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz on an external

display, both at millions of colors:

• Thunderbolt digital video output
• Native Mini DisplayPort output
• VGA, HDMI, DVI, and dual-link DVI output using adapters (sold separately)

• Charging and Expansion

• Two USB-3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
• Thunderbolt-2 port (up to 20 Gbps)
• MagSafe 2 power port
• SDXC card slot

(Some quality adapters can take USB-A to USB3.1; & Thunderbolt2 a little

toward but not to USB-C -- not near fullest extent of the latest rendition.)

..Could be a different path forward (or diagonal to get around issue?)

would be to get a different MacBook (pro) with greater extent of

connection capabilities; the newer model basic essentials. USB3.1 &

USB-C; plus Thunderbolt 2/3/4 (though adapters or direct.)

Not sure now (long days, work outdoors mostly) if there's a path

either -backward or forward- to use capabilities shown here:

• Adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB -C port on your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207443

These do not have a direct path; few of their linked 'blue-text' no

longer work; or leaves one guessing, what was recently updated.

[I do see some pathways for certain things that might work. Just

not those that may enable all the features of the Dell Dock. May

be an OK product. In previous post above, I entered search result..

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=Dell+WD19S+USB-C+adapter+for+MacBook+Air+2017&ia=web

..for your build model year MB/Air 2017 and the Dell dock. Didn't

have time then or now to revisit and see what all was mentioned.

Maybe some glimmer of hopeful wishful thinking dust is hiding there?

Most of my gear is a bit older; ideas and hopes I had for digital image

captures (instead of 35mm SLR chrome films) never approached the

transition from chemical to photons. iHave parts of a good collection.

I've four Macs, 2 Books, 2 desktops; two can run Catalina; but have Mojave,

High Sierra, & Mavericks. Oldest, runs 10.5.8 daily; is G4 Mac mini Late 2005.

Well, I hope for the best; in both our circumstantial instances!

Best regards & safe travels! ☃️❄️