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    Is there a Universal Docking Station using SuperSpeed USB 3.0?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by KDPearson24, Sep 24, 2011.

  1. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there a universal docking station that uses SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to connect the docking station to the laptop?

    You would think there would be one given that USB 3.0 has been out so long.
     
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    USB 3.0 architecture is out, but devices are slow to take advantage of it :) Other than a hard drive dock, I doubt that you would see a full docking station support anytime soon

    cheers ...
     
  3. Malgrave

    Malgrave Notebook Consultant

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    We're nearly there. DisplayLink is now supporting USB 3.0 displays. The first product based on this is WinStar's USB 3.0 to HDMI Graphic Adapter. The display is the hard part, so the universal docks based on USB 3 should be coming along soon. Or you can build your own with a USB 3 hub and one of these graphic adapters.
     
  4. Ayemageyene

    Ayemageyene Notebook Guru

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    It's not universal but the Sony VAIO Z uses a docking station which utilizes USB 3.0.
     
  5. Wally33

    Wally33 Notebook Consultant

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    According to sony, the port which the new Z uses is a proprietary hybrid USB3.0/lightpeak port. ie: the media dock will only work with the Vaio Zs port
     
  6. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the responses. OK so no Superspeed USB 3.0 universal docking stations (UDS) currently exist. After searching the internet, I didn’t expect anyone to name one, but I thought I would ask.

    I guess the natural follow-up questions are:

    1. Has anyone hear of a USB 3.0 UDS announced at any of the consumer electronics shows?
    2. What about manufacturer announcements?
    3. Who are the likely Brands?

    I’ve identified the following:
    • Kensington
    • Logitech
    • Plugable Technologies
    • Toshiba
    • Targus
    • Archos
    Have I missed any?
     
  7. jwaa

    jwaa Notebook Enthusiast

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  8. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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  9. jwaa

    jwaa Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone seen any of these in the wild? Anything similar?
     
  10. voon

    voon Notebook Enthusiast

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    Looking for that as well. I think they all wait for the relatively new DisplayLink Chip for USB3.0 / HDMI .. that one was just presented in september/october, asfaik. Others also have product numbers out already like Targus .. for instance Toshiba with the PA3927E-1PRP.

    Guess we'll just have to wait till that DisplayLink chip ships in volumes to the makers.
     
  11. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the information. I will keep an eye out of news on DisplayLink chips.
     
  12. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I said I would keep an eye out of DisplayLink news. I saw where I-O DATA DEVICE has introduced the USB-RGB3/D adapter in Japan. It uses the DisplayLink DL-3100 chip for connectivity. They claim it offers video compression and support for resolutions up to 2048 x 1152, including 1080p. We may be one step closer to introduction of this technology in the US.
     
  13. jwaa

    jwaa Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the headsup KD - hopefully they are just around the corner for the US (ans AUS :))
     
  14. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed this news this week. I don't know if the product is good, but it might be worth some research. The Targus ACP70US - USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station has been announced. It features a USB 3.0 docking station, dual video ports providing beyond HD video and graphics with up to 2048 x 1152 resolution (1x DVI-I, 1x HDMI) and includes 1x DVI-I to VGA adapter, 1 HDMI to DVI-I adapter, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port and audio In/Out ports. Once someone tries one I would be interested in reading about your experience with this product.
     
  15. KDPearson24

    KDPearson24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I saw where Toshiba announced at CES today that it is releasing the Dynadock USB 3.0 universal docking station. It has 2 USB2.0 and 4 USB 3.0 ports, plus an gigabit Ethernet connection and a HD digital video card that will support 2 monitors.
     
  16. chx1975

    chx1975 Notebook Consultant

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    That said, this year I expect a lot of laptops getting Thunderbolt ports and Magma Thunderbolt Expansion | ExpressBox 3T this clearly says "As a general rule, if the PCIe card works in a workstation using Windows, it will most likely work with ExpressBox 3T, using Windows. " so very very likely you will see desktop video cards working with TB w/o modification giving a much, much superior experience to DisplayLink... heck, even Linux might work.
     
  17. jwaa

    jwaa Notebook Enthusiast

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    Looks like its been released - No shipping outisde of the US though.

    Toshiba dynadock U3.0 Universal USB 3.0 Docking Station - Toshiba

    Has anyone seen it elsewhere?