Noobish questions regarding laptop accessories

I finally have a firm grasp of notebook hardware, but when it comes to notebook accessories such as replicator, dock etc, I am "totally" clueless. So what's the point of having a replicator or dock or those weird things offered by Dell such as the dual-band mini something etc etc. Sorry I am just not sure what they are. Can anyone give me a brief description or a link to a site that can help me? I would appreciate it a lot.

Thanks!

 

Well a port replicator/docking station are almost the same. Basically if you're a business person that takes your notebook to work and when you come back home you prefer a full sized keyboard/monitor, you can just plug your notebook to the port replicator/docking station and instantly you'll be able to use your keyboard/monitor of choice for your convenience/preference. Sometimes people get port replicators because they need to use something with a legazy serial, parallel cable such as a old printer but their laptop doesn't have that port.

 

Oh... that's what it's for... I hate full size keyboard and monitor lol yay I can save myself $200 dollars then . I prefer the compactness of the laptop as I already have 3 PCs at home (2 linux servers, 1 gaming machine that's going to be turned into a server as I don't play a lot of games anymore.. just quake 3).