Universal Docking Station/Port Replicator for Dell i700m

Hi Again,

I would like to purchase a UDS/PR for this model. I know Targus has a couple, but from what I have read about them, is that VGA or video support is lacking, and if it is there, is poorly supported (i.e. limited to lesser resolution and artifact when movinf cursor, because of slower fps shifting).

If anyone knows what UDS?PR i should consider buying please let me know. I want the following minimum functionalities on it.

1. To support external monitor (I want to run it on a 20" screen HP LCD monitor)
2. Serial and Parallel printer
3. USB 2.0
4. Have external Power AC support

Price range: up to $200

I thank you for your time,
SL.

 

The Targus unit is nice, I'd still get that and just skip the video over USB. BTW, that's a limitation in USB, not the port replicator.

 

Yes, Thanks for the suggestion; so correct me if I am wrong. The USB and the port for the VGA (external monitor) can both me used for the external monitor??? I have not seen any monitor that uses USB?? Unless, ofcourse, I have not understood this completely.

 

I'm confused by your question a little bit. Your monitor plugs into the port replicator and the replicator connects to your machine via USB. If you don't want to use the VGA over USB, you just plug the monitor directly into your machine.

 

Smiley, I'm pretty sure what Brian is saying is that USB isn't a big enough of a pipe for video. That's why the Targus model only supports limited resolutions and limited framerates - not because of any laziness on Targus's part.
To drive a 20" display, I think you'll either have to get a USB PR and plug the monitor directly to your notebook or look for the specific docking station for your notebook (if it exists) that uses the accessory port. Even if you find a docking station for it, I'd make sure it supports the 1600x1200 to drive that very nice LCD you have

 

Brian and Drummraninymous, thanks, I now get the picture; So if I want to get the best out of my monitor I shoudl conect directly to my notebook. But here is the question: my Dell max resolution is 1280x800, will not be a problem projecting it to 20" 1600x1200 res??? Problem, in te sense, it will not project to that a high res, but limit to 1200x800???
Just curious?

So then there is no better benefit in getting this UDS/PR with video function..should I settle for cheaper one that just has ps/2 and USB, printer ports??

 

The 1200x800 is likely to just be a limit of the lcd on the notebook itself (it only has so many pixels). If you hook up an external monitor, the GPU in your notebook may very well be able to handle outputting the 1600x1200 for your 20" LCD. Since you have the notebook and the LCD, you can just hooks them up and see what happens and go from there.

If you want to try the UDS/PR route, I'd suggest buying from somewhere with a very generous return policy, at least at first. USB is barely a big enough of a pipe to handle a TV signal, and it's at a lower resolution and frame rate than computer video from 10 years ago.

 

Right, the video over USB isn't worth it, so if those cost a premium, skip it. You won't have any trouble using your external monitor at 1600x1200.