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    General port replicator

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by DaCheese, Nov 17, 2005.

  1. DaCheese

    DaCheese Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Is there a port replicator that just plugs into a usb or firewire port and has ports like ethernet, firewire, usb, etc?

    I am getting annoyed of always plugging in 5 different plugs.
     
    DaCheese, Nov 17, 2005
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  2. Slappy

    Slappy Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I doubt it. That would have to have a built in ethernet card, firewire card, and USB card. Sounds like a notebook computer without the screen and keyboard!
     
    Slappy, Nov 17, 2005
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  3. SpacemanSpiff

    SpacemanSpiff Everything in Moderation

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    Its called a docking station.
     
    SpacemanSpiff, Nov 17, 2005
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  4. Slappy

    Slappy Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Docking stations (and other port replicators) require their own interface. He's asking for a universal one that just plugs into any ol' USB port or firewire port. I've never seen the like.
     
    Slappy, Nov 17, 2005
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  5. SpacemanSpiff

    SpacemanSpiff Everything in Moderation

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    Slappy:

    Agreed. I was attempting humor--basically making the point that the desired device would have a reasonable amount of bulk.
     
    SpacemanSpiff, Nov 17, 2005
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  6. chesney09

    chesney09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes there is one. Kensington makes it. It has, I think, 3 USB 2 ports, Ethernet Port, serial and parallel ports, and 5.1 Sound. It connects by 1 USB 2.0 and is powered by a wall outlet.
    http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...y_id=5441&first=true&page=productlisting.aspx

    I have one I use with my XPS and it works flawlessly. just plug in the one usb port and turn on the laptop. Everything connects up.. USB Keyboard, USB Mouse, additional USB hub for scanner, printer, etc. 5.1 speakers are connected. All works great.
     
    chesney09, Nov 17, 2005
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  7. arevee

    arevee Notebook Evangelist

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    arevee, Nov 17, 2005
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  8. DaCheese

    DaCheese Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Excellent. Exactly what I was looking for. Thx!!

    Edit: It doesn't have the Firewire, but I can switch that to USB2.
     
    DaCheese, Nov 17, 2005
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  9. arevee

    arevee Notebook Evangelist

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    ahem, don't forget to paypal me $10 commission for the advise mister ;)
     
    arevee, Nov 17, 2005
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  10. arevee

    arevee Notebook Evangelist

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    arevee, Nov 17, 2005
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  11. chesney09

    chesney09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    YEa.. I'd check on user reviews of that Targus unit for video. You have to remember, When you hook up the port replicator to a USB 2 port. Everything you plug into the replicator has to end up coming through that single USB2 port. Video would take up quite a bit...
     
    chesney09, Nov 18, 2005
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  12. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    Brian, Nov 18, 2005
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  13. chesney09

    chesney09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I read that.. I should have linked to it I guess. But I usually look for more user reviews as well. I like the Kensington one personally. Since i have the 17 WUXGA, it allows me to just use that as my monitor....
     
    chesney09, Nov 18, 2005
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  14. arevee

    arevee Notebook Evangelist

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    Brian, ur review wasn't clear as to refresh rates for video...u said colors are a lil washed out but what about refresh rates? i've seen some reviews saying that when u drag a dialog box, its leaves a ghost image in its trail....??
     
    arevee, Nov 18, 2005
    #14