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    Kensington Notebook Dock Review (pics)

    Discussion in 'Notebook News and Reviews' started by srdhkl, Sep 9, 2006.

  1. srdhkl

    srdhkl Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    srdhkl, Sep 9, 2006
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  2. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Nice review Amber, I've been eyeing that for a while, since, at the momment, I'm using my notebook cooler and a powered USB hub as sort of a dock - but if only someone would make a notebook cooler(that is efficent too! :D) with 5+ USB, VGA, headset, ethernet, DVI(rare but hey, why can't I dream?) and even a TV tuner. I'd pay for one!
     
    coriolis, Sep 10, 2006
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  3. Metamorphical

    Metamorphical Good computer user

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    That's a cool little gadget Amber. Missing the modem port but who uses those anymore! Love the energizer endorsement. =) Great review.
     
    Metamorphical, Sep 10, 2006
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  4. unr1

    unr1 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the great review.

    no DVI output would be a concern for me but most importantly (as you mentioned) the limited resolution. That would be the deal killer for me...my widescreen format is much more important :eek:
     
    unr1, Sep 10, 2006
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  5. Tim

    Tim Notebook Virtuoso

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    Nice review Amber. :) I have always thought about getting a dock since my four USB ports are one too few. :p Too bad it wasn't cheaper. :\
    Tim
     
    Tim, Sep 10, 2006
    #5
  6. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Hey, good job SG.

    Can't imagine using video through USB; I believe it's only 16-bit color, can you confirm?
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Sep 10, 2006
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  7. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    No, this one is 32-bit color. I believe the targus dock is the one that is 16-bit.
     
    Amber, Sep 10, 2006
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  8. s4iscool

    s4iscool Notebook Deity

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    the low res is a deal killer for me...nice review though
     
    s4iscool, Sep 10, 2006
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  9. battlemage

    battlemage Notebook Consultant

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    yeah i was ready to buy one until I read about the low res. hopefully the next iteration of the product will have fix that...nice review tho :)
     
    battlemage, Sep 10, 2006
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  10. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    Thanks.

    The resolution was the biggest disapointment with the dock, but dock + video is a relatively new technology. Targus had the first dock with video last year, and then Kensington debut this one earlier. AFAIK, these are the only two docks with video, so this is something that is fairly new.

    Eventhough you have to change the resolution, you really don't lose any video quality but part of it depends on your monitor. Most smaller monitors only support 1280 by 1024 or less, so you would have to change it anyways whether you use the dock or not.

    I know it is a pain to change it everytime, but I still enjoy using the dock. Hopefully they'll figure out how to increase the screen res. on the future docks.
     
    Amber, Sep 10, 2006
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  11. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    You don't have to use the video part...I didn't with the Targus model I reviewed a while back. It's a nice thought but the tech just isn't ready yet.
     
    Brian, Sep 11, 2006
    #11