Targus ExpressCard Docking Station with Digital Video and Audio Review

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With all the notebook accessories on the market today, a docking station is pretty much a necessity. The only problem is choosing which one best suits your needs. Targus just released their ExpressCard Notebook Docking Station with Digital Video and Audio. This dock has everything a user could ask for.

The Targus ExpressCard Docking Station. (view large image)

The ExpressCard docking station helps keep you organized and keeps everything you need in one place. Not only is it lightweight, but it is portable and great for traveling. You won't even know it's in your bag. This dock is definitely rich in features, like I said before, it has everything you could want. You can attach external speakers, a keyboard, a mouse or even charge your cell phone.

The ExpressCard Docking Station features:

• 4x High speed USB 2.0 (Type A) downstream ports
• 1x Serial (RS232)
• 1x Ethernet (10 base-T/100Base-T/1000Base-T)
• 1x ExpressCard Cable and Card Assembly
• 1x 15 pin D-Sub VGA connector
• 1x 24 pin DVI Connector (DVI-D)
• 1x Front speaker out (Left and right channels)
• 1x Rear speaker out (left and right channels)
• 1x Center speaker out (subwoofer)
• 1x Microphone In
• 1x S/PDIF (Toslink Optical connector)
• 1x Securelock slot
• 1x Targus Cable Lock
• 34/54 mm Spacer adapter
• Weight: 14 oz
• Dimensions: 11.96&quot; x 3.66&quot; x 1.04&quot;
• Limited One Year Warranty

Back view of the Targus ExpressCard Docking Station. (view large image)

USB Ports

This is one of the first universal ExpressCard docking stations with digital video output capabilities, digital and analog audio out, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), serial port and four Hi-Speed USB ports, two of which are “always on” USB. The “always on” feature is unique in that it allows users to power and charge devices such as mice, cell phones and MP3 players while the notebook is in standby or shut-down mode.

Two of the USB ports provide twice as much power as traditional ports, allowing them to support any product that draws its power through a USB “Y” or “Upstream” cable with only one USB port. All four USB ports are spaced apart nicely and easy to access. There are two on each side, so you don't have to struggle plugging everything in the back. Along with the USB ports are two security locks, one on each side.

Two Hi-Speed USB ports on one side and a standard lock. (view large image)

The other two Hi-Speed USB ports and the Targus lock slot. (view large image)

ExpressCard

The universal ExpressCard docking station provides a single “one-touch” high-speed interface and has the capability to transfer data rates four times faster than USB, according to Targus. The faster the better, especially with video. Performance is actually quite impressive and I had no problem with lag time while using the dock. Everything worked as if it were connected directly to my notebook.

My Asus R1 sitting on the docking station with the ExpressCard inserted. (view large image)

The docking station and the ExpressCard, waiting for a notebook. (view large image)

Design

The design of the dock is standard, except it has a curved front, which is nice because it's not square like its predecessors. On the top there are rubber feet on each side, which prevent your notebook from sliding. Even when you move the dock, the notebook stays in its place. I am not saying you can pick up the dock and move it without your notebook moving, but it is secure. Another feature is the sloping front of the dock, which allows the notebook to sit at a comfortable angel for typing and it allows more air ventilation. Since the dock allows for more air flow to the bottom of your notebook it helps keep the temperature down.

Top view of the docking station, as you can see there are rubber feet on both sides. (view large image)

Ports

The true video output capability of the docking station with video allows users to connect a CRT monitor or LCD screen directly to the docking station via a DVI or VGA port without any additional cable connections, which is nice because all those cables are a hassle. Once connected to a monitor, the docking station allows for three viewing modes: Primary Video Mode uses an external monitor or LCD as a primary display; Extended Video Mode allows both the notebook screen and external monitor to be used for combined viewing and a larger overall desktop area; and Mirror Video Mode replicates the notebook screen onto an external monitor or LCD. Its video resolution is flawless and supports up to 1600 x 1200.

Serial port, DVI-D port (view large image)

VGA port, ExpressCard upstream cable connection, Ethernet port (view large image)

Microphone (in), Speaker (out), Rear and center audio (surround sound), S/PDIF (view large image)

Power supply and Lock slot (view large image)

Where to Buy

The best place to check for the Targus ExpressCard Docking Station with Digital Video and Audio is on their website, www.targus.com. Targus sells their products directly from their website, but if you don't want to wait on shipping, you can type your zip code in the find a retail store box for stores near you.

At the time of this writing the suggested retail price of the ExpressCard Notebook Docking Station is $189.99 and I have been told that it will be available around the first week of April.

Conclusion

The dock is powered by an AC adapter so it can constantly charge USB attached devices. It also offers the typical plug and play connectivity you're used to having with USB devices -- no having to reboot when you plug new stuff in. It is compatible with all notebooks with ExpressCard slots, which is a large majority now a days. The docking station has many unique features for its $189.99 asking price, which isn't too bad. The USB ports work great, there is no lag in response and the ExpressCard connection is much faster than your standard USB type of external docking station. On the whole I had few issues with the docking station, the only problem I had with it was related to installing the required driver -- the required driver came on a mini installation CD that got stuck in my Asus R1 drive, it wasn't a problem with the driver itself. Overall a thumbs up and nice docking station solution from Targus.

Pros

• ExpressCard has 34 and 54 mm adapter, so fits most notebooks
• ExpressCard gives faster data transfer rate than USB docks
• Lightweight universal design

Cons

• Power cord that connects to your wall outlet is too short.
• Requires driver install

 

I'm always interested in docking stations. I was wondering if the "ExpressCard Upstream" port is just another name for eSATA...

 

I don't believe so, it hooks up the ExpressCard to the notebook

 

i wonder if it works with Vista... and how about the sound quality of the speaker port?

 

what external monitor resolutions have you tested?

 

Here's a screenshot attached from the userguide ( http://www.targus.com/us/Downloads/ACP60_UG.pdf)

That shows the video output resolutions supported

 

My guess is that they wouldn't release it if it wasn't going to work under Vista.

Don't expect anything too phenomenal from the sound..but you are getting 5.1 sound, which is a boon for people who use their notebooks as desktop replacements.

 

The sound quality is okay, nothing to die for, but like Gautam said if you are using your notebook as a desktop replacement it is nice to have. I am almost positive it works with Vista. The system requirements just said at least Windows XP, so it would have to be Vista ready.

 

I don't think that port is an eSATA port. That's just the port which hooks up the dock to the expresscard at the computer. Targus doesn't list this device as having an eSATA port in the specs. I'd buy this if it had an eSATA port.

 

That's too bad. I would immediately jump on this if it had an eSATA port.

 

How was the graphic performances over the port replicator. Other express card docking stations seem to have a problem in that area.

 

Still has no s-video out...

 

yes we need some commentary on the video performance, im particularly interested in how well the dvi port works, seems like thats a troublespot for many of these docking stations

also are you able to play games on the external monitor while docked, or is there too much delay

 

I recall reading somewhere that someone had contacted customer support re the resolutions supported by this device. They had said something about the dock supporting any resolutions supported by the computer's graphics card.

Can you comment on the resolutions supported by graphics cards that are above those stated in the user manual?

I am specifically interested in the ability to output an HD-compatible resolution to my HDTV via the DVI port. (best would be 1080i, or alternatively 720p)

Thanks,
David

 

Can this support dual monitors when both the VGA and DVI connectors are being used simultaneously?

 

bump
any chance the original reviewer could comment on our questions?
Thanks

 

Well I got one - from Buy.com - and it works as advertised. You can not use both the VGA and DVI out at the same time, one or the other. I have a Dell Inspiron e1505 and use the video out from the laptop for one external LCD and the video out from the Targus for the secondary LCD. Performance is great but don't expect to be running videos or games on the targus display. I am using it at 1280x1024x32 and it works pretty well, some choppyness moving stuff around on it but certainly workable. Maybe they'll improve performance with future drivers. The gig ethernet works great, nice and fast, a lot faster then the laptop's own 10/100 adapter.

 

Does anyone know if it'll work with Vista then?

 

Anyone know how the Targus compares to the Belkin Expansion dock which also uses an expresscard. I know the Belkin will not work with Vista Aero. Anybody have experience with the Targus and aero? Also, oconus you say don't expect to be watching movies? Is it choppy?

 

I haven't tried any video but moving windows around on the dock display and scrolling pages up and down sometimes gets a bit choppy.

 

Nice review man.
Are all docks as expensive as this one?

 

Does the ExpressCard standard allow the interface to power the notebook and charge the battery?

I'm guessing no, but thought I'd ask

 

Nope, unfortunately you're still going to have to use notebook AC power. I figure if I was to go for an universal docking station solution, I would have to get a second AC adapter.

 

DEViATE is correct - it does not power the laptop via the ExpressCard slot, shame!

 

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If you read further into the user guide pdf from the Targus website you'll see that they recommend using a resolution no higher than 1280x1024 @ 16 bits which is a 5:4 ratio and far less than the advertising on the box, website etc.

I was looking forward to running 1680x1050 @ 32bit (effectively 24 bit) which is my monitors native resolution for 16:10 ratio.

Admittedly I can get the powered USB ports and Gigabit ethernet as opposed to the 10/100 ethernet of my notebook. It also sounds (pun) like my front connecting onboard 5.1 sound will be better than the 5.1 on the dock, again pity as I wanted permanent rear 5.1.

 

1080i = 1920x1080 interlaced, which is higher than the absolute maximum of the dock(1600x1200), and far higher than Targus's recommended 1280x1024@16bits! Also interlacing is not supported.

720p is 1280x768 progressive. The closest to this is 1280x768(15:9) or 1280x800(16:10).

Since you can't match the native resolution of your HDTV, you'll have to pick the closest resolution and ratio from the list in the resolution table in the first page of this thread. Your HDTV will downscale to whatever resolution you pick.

You may want to try 1440x900(16:10). Make sure you select 32 bits not 16bit.

 

In terms of speed, Expresscard(2.5Gbits/second) is almost as fast as eSata(3Gbits/second). Obviously it doesn't help if you don't have an expresscard port. I do, but I want an eSata port. Pity I didn't have two Expresscard ports.

 

Any one use the ACP60US on a Mac Os X laptop?

 

I just ordered the Targus ExpressCard Docking Station from Dell and should receive it in a few days. I have the Kensington K33239 however I have problems with my sound not working and it really doesn't have enough USB ports. This is my first post to this site which I found through Google. It has been very informative and I will give an update on utilizing this product with my Dell E1505. Had I known I would have such a problem with docking stations I would have selected a different laptop. My IBM laptop that I used at my office before retiring spoiled me because it was so easy to connect & disconnect.

 

I just got one of these and have had some "fun" with it tonight. Initially I installed the Vista drivers (downloaded from the Targus site) and plugged the express card in when prompted. Some weird screen shut offs and a reboot or 2 later and it was up & running. I somehow screwed up my external monitor drivers after Vista tried to install a bluetooth device for some reason. Not sure if it was because I had all my devices hooked up at the time I connected the dock (the manual says not to connect anything else till later). I also lost the Targus icon in the system tray for some reason.

To fix this I un-installed the Targus software, disconnected all the devices plugged into the dock (including the external monitor), disconnected the express card, and then re-installed the drivers. I plugged the monitor back in but it was detected as a generic so I had to update the driver for the external monitor by selecting it from a list of drivers (auto-install didn't find it). It's working OK but so far I have only had a chance to try it on VGA as my DVI port is occupied by my HDMI cable. I'll try DVI tomorrow.

One thing I have found is that when using the extended desktop mode if I drag a running Media Player window on to it the video playback just freezes. What I mean is that the audio keeps running but the picture on the screen becomes a still image. Dragging the window half way back onto the laptop's screen (so half the window is displayed on each screen) gets it moving again, albeit rather choppy). I've tried lowering the resolution as mentioned in the manual but it didn't help. As I mentioned, this is on VGA, don't know if DVI will be better till I try it.

I have a Dell 2407WFP-HC LCD monitor and my laptop's graphics card (8600M GT 256mb DDR3) will go higher that the max res of the video out on the dock, the Targus contol panel won't go beyond 1600 x 1200 32-bit color (UXGA) however. I may just leave video plugged in via HDMI and not through the dock if I can't get better video playback out of it though.

Does the ethernet port really upgrade a 10/100 nic up to gigabit? I use wireless so the point is moot for me but it would be nice to know anyway.

Cheers,
Corine

 

Update: I tried the dock connected to my monitor via DVI today, had to uninstall and re-install a few times to get it to detect the video card resolution and monitor correctly though. It works but video playback only seems to be possible with the dektop mirrored rather than extended. Even then the display is very choppy (lowering res did not help).

I'd love to hear from anyone who has one of these docks working correctly with a Dell XPS M1530 with the nVidia 8600M GT graphics card. I realise it's pumping everything through the express card slot but I expected better video playback.

 

Hello,

I would like to use such dock with my Dell XPS 1330, and I got a question for you :

is it possible to work on a 1280*1024 resolution on the external screen connected to the docking station, even if the screen of my laptop is 1280*800 wide screen ?

I ask you this question because I've made a test with a Kensington docking station, and I can only use a mirror mode : so I have to choose to be on a 1024*768 or 1280*800 resolution on both screen. I cannot use my external screen in its native resolution.

So do you think that the targus docking station could solve my problem ?

Thanks for your help

Nicolas

 

do you have to have dvi? my 20" LCD has dvi and vga input, so I hooked up the XPS 1330 to the monitor using the vga on the side and I can use the 20" and the laptop LCD at the same time, mirror mode or extended mode. Also, my 20" is 1280x1024 and my laptop screen is 1280x800.

Sorry i can't help on answering if this device will do what you need, but it looks like it will. Or, if your external screen has vga input, just use the vga on the side of the computer.

 

I'm confused by the description of the product.
"Featuring three video modes, this docking station enables the user to set their external monitor as their primary display, simultaneously use both the notebook screen and external monitor for combined viewing or replicate the notebook screen onto their external monitor"

I would like to use this product to add another screen that is configured independently and just extends my desktop. Nvidia calls this "Dual View"

This product will do that right? I don't want to just cole my main screen on the external screen

 

Does it override notebook's native support for one external monitor? Can you add a second external monitor using this docking station's video capabilities?