Docking-Station für Z12 VGPPRZ10.CEK

I'm thinking about purchasing the new Z series in Germany. Has anybody experience using the Z docking stations?

According to the SonyStyle specs the docking station has no HDMI (bue DVI-D w/o sound) and even no sound output, but the Z series itself has. How do I connect an external monitor using the docking station, since DVI-D comes without sound?

Second question: Could I use the notebook's keyboard while docked in the station?

 

Hi. I don't have a dock, but to connect to an external monitor, just use DVI. If you want sound, you'll have to plug it into the 3.5mm jacks in the front of the laptop. Seems like the docking station is a waste of money.

I don't see why you couldn't use the keyboard when its docked.

 

Thanks for your answer. I don't understand, why such a audio/video addicted brand like Sony didn't consider a very important use case for a 12/13" notebook: to work with an external monitor. Of course, user want to connect the video and audio outputs from the docking station to the monitor.

Audio jack in front of the notebook is good for earphones, but impractical for a sound system.

The lack of a decent docking station is one indication, that the Vaio simply isn't a business notebook. The lacking business support completes this...

 

You can use the keyboard even when the notebook is docked.

As for the sound, yes - it is ridiculous but it is just one of many issues the Z docking station has (no dual-link DVI, no sound/HDMI, very cheap docking connector, etc...)

One of the things you can do is to use an USB soundcard and attach it permanently to the docking station.

 

Thanks a lot! I haven't thought of an USB sound card, but it solves the problem.

 

I would recommend just using HDMI, assuming your display has the audio functionality. I have a Mitsubishi (Full-HD) IPS external display with audio outputs, and video and sound work properly with the HDMI input. I also use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. When I need to use the desktop monitor, I only need to plug in the power plug and the HDMI cable. This is not significantly more inconvenient than using a docking station. If you want to use a USB keyboard/mouse, etc., then your case may be different.

 

HDMI alone wouldn't be the problem, but I need power, printer, scanner and iPhone, too. But since I haven't ordered the docking station yet, I'll try.

Would you recommend your Mitsubishi? I'm looking for an prime monitor that should fit also to the silber mosaic design of the Vaio.

 

Printer, scanner, iphone, and usb audio can all be solved with a usb hub....ie one cable. So you would have 3 total cables to plug/unplug...usb, hdmi, and power. Perhaps ethernet too.

I'm a fan of the docking station. I do fear I'm going to wear my ports out as I plug/unplug everything (including ethernet) between 5-10 times per day.

 

Well 5-10 times a day every day for a couple of years and you will find that most any connector will be worn (ESPECIALLY the docking station connector)

 

Only downside there is that you can't be in Stamina mode if you are using HDMI. Which means that you suffer the transition to Stamina every time you unplug (assuming in Auto mode). Or you suffer the battery life hit (if you leave it in Speed).

I find it better to leave it in Stamina so that plugging and un-plugging is essentially transparent and if I have a video or something open, I don't get nagged about that. But in that case must use VGA port not HDMI.

The other thing is, I believe you can only use up to a 1080 monitor through hdmi?

 

I had my VGN-Z for about two years...with a dock...and yes 5-10 times per day and no issues.

 

Agreed. Switching manually (or the Auto flicker) is a downside with using the HDMI out. The upside is that I can use the much better external monitor speakers (and also the monitor audio output) with a single cable. The monitor I have is this one...I don't know if it's sold outside Japan.

 

Hello,

I just ordrer my new Z series and was also looking for a docking station

Following the review and the specs the sony docking station is real bullmerde (just translate merde from french to english, as the website is censoring me)

In my search I came across a good article that compare 5 universal docking station.

Image gallery and comparison chart: 5 universal docks - Computerworld

Now the only downside I can see in those universal docking station is that you need to plug 2 things in your computer
A usb cable between the docking station and your computer
And a power cable directly to your computer.
I choose for the toshiba model, but depending on your needs other my be better.

Well we really see that sony doesn t care about business models but only focus on retail.
If your compare the docking station from lenovo or dell to sony. Well no question asked, sony can t or won t made good docking station