E5510 / E6510 Docking Station File Sync

I have been tasked with buying a new laptop for my boss. We've decided on either the E5510 or the E6510, we're not sure yet. One of the functionalities he wants to have is to be able to bring the laptop into work, place it into a docking station, and then have the files he has been working on synchronised with the files on his desktop PC. Preferably the docking station won't require the laptop to be plugged in the mains. Can anyone recommend the necessary hardware and any FAQ's/tutorials that will step through how to create such a setup?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

The E6xxx series are much nicer, better built, less plastic, than the E5xxx series machines.

Look into folder redirection and offline files. Small Business Server has this built in if you run that...

Why wouldn't you eliminate the desktop computer and have him work off the laptop while in the docking station.

 

It's a case of what the CEO wants the CEO gets. I'm not really in a position to make suggestions about technical layout, I'm mainly another ICT grunt. Essentially I'm under orders to get this sorted out for him and that's about it.

We don't run Small Business Server or any proper server software for that matter. It'll be most likely a direct link between the two units, perhaps using a crossover cable to link the two. I don't know if that makes the task easier or harder.

 

Would something like this do the job? (I have no experience of using it). I assume that you would need to set it up to work both ways so that the laptop has all the latest files when it is time to leave the office.

However, I believe you should show the boss how a docking station setup would work: Put laptop into dock, press on button on dock and then use external screen, keyboard and mouse. He can then give the desktop to someone else. He can always say "no" but might complain afterwards if he finds out that docking is an option which no one told him about.

John

 

That software may work, I might give it a try. I'm interested in possibilities for connection. Some people recommend connecting the laptop to a network (we have a router in the office we can use for that) and then sharing the files. The major concern I have with this is that there's nothing to indicate that you can specify which computers will be allowed access. We don't want a situation whereby people can readily access the files on either the laptop or the desktop over the network. The other alternative is using a crossover cable and a secondary network card, which could work but I'm not certain what method we'd be using for internet connectivity just yet.

As for the idea of having the laptop as the main computer, I'm kind of in the dog house at work at the moment. Really don't have any authority to be suggesting such things, although I agree wholeheartedly it makes the most sense to replace the desktop with the laptop. Certainly would make my life a lot easier.