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    Good Notebook Docking Station?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by riggi, Jun 16, 2006.

  1. riggi

    riggi Notebook Geek

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    I've bought my first laptop a while back and I'm pleased with it so far. I like the portability but i would like to use it as a "desktop" computer when not moving it around... When stationary I would like to use an external keyboard to not wear out the one on the laptop. and to be able to Connect a bigger screen with higher resolution.

    I searched the net and found some options, and one seemed good with many things could be connected through only one USB cable, including screen.
    http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=ACP50US
    I dont know if it's good to connect the screen through this one or if is should use the VGA connector on the laptop instead?

    Any one have any good experience with Docking stations or any suggestions?

    I don't move around my laptop a lot, but when I do I'd like to disconnect as few cables as possible before putting it in my bag..
    I would prefer if only Power Cable & The docking Station was the only thing i had to disconnect. I use an external Sound Card for music productions & and recording and It's connected through USB 2.0 so I don't connect my audio through the laptop.

    I would use the Docking station for my Music Studio, and everything set up through that one. It would be perfect if I could just plug the power and the Docking station to the Laptop and everything ready to go when I'm located in my Studio.

    All Suggestions are welcome =)
     
    riggi, Jun 16, 2006
    #1
  2. dudesdudets

    dudesdudets Notebook Deity

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    What is your Laptop?
     
    dudesdudets, Jun 16, 2006
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  3. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    The video on that Targus is only VGA quality with limited colours. It is simply not usable for everyday use.

    Also, the sound chips in many of these third-party docking stations are not good.
     
    RogueMonk, Jun 16, 2006
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  4. 05Edge

    05Edge Notebook Consultant

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    I don't have an external monitor yet, but sound seems okay to me through the Targus.
     
    05Edge, Jun 16, 2006
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  5. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    The Targus docking station is solid, Kensington has one that's about the same. As noted, the video over USB is terrible, so don't let that option sway you.
     
    Brian, Jun 16, 2006
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  6. ma401

    ma401 Notebook Geek NBR Reviewer

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    I happen to own the Targus docking station listed, and I can back up that the video output is.. how you say.. pretty much useless. However it's very solid otherwise and the two powered ports and sweet.

    To elaborate on the video out comment, it's not lack of resolution or color depth that screws you. It's lack of available bandwidth which means that the update rate is atrocious at anything over 800x600. Don't even think about using it to view video or play games, however it would be OK for outputting your average PPT presentation.
     
    ma401, Jun 16, 2006
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