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    Sony SZ docking station (pics and thoughts)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by MorningZ, Apr 22, 2006.

  1. MorningZ

    MorningZ Notebook Geek

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    So I received my Sony SZ Docking station and Acer widescreen 19" monitor yesterday, figured I'd share some pics and thoughts of the purchase

    - Docking Station:
    Pretty cool little add-on, it gives you an additional network controller (Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet), as well as 3 additional USB ports and VGA and DVI outputs.. I am not too sure if the DVI output works, the monitor I got has VGA input only

    When shopping around for it, the typical price was $170-$190, but I found it on this website for just $147

    - Acer 1916W 19" Widewscreen LCD ( link)
    Has a native 1440 x 900 resolution which matches the ratio of the SZ120's 1280 x 800, and I was a little hesitant to buy this because using the chat feature of Sony Support, they told me that the SZ's video card(s) would *not* support any other resolution other than 1280x800... which, now I see as I am running 1440x900, was a flat out incorrect statement

    - Laptop ports accessories
    Everything still works, as I can still use the USB ports on the right side of the SZ, I'm on the laptop's built in wireless, only thing I am really losing is the fingerprint reader since my laptop is sitting next to the monitor with it's lid safely closed :-( Perhaps I can find a decent USB keyboard with a fingerprint reader, I've gotten so spoiled by that feature

    Anyways, hope this helps others thinking about the docking station, attached below are some pics of my setup......
     

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    MorningZ, Apr 22, 2006
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  2. jyavenard

    jyavenard Notebook Consultant

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    My understanding is that if using the GMA-950, then you can't use a very high resolution on the external VGA port and you can't use the DVI port.
    If you use the nvidia card instead, then it's all good.
     
    jyavenard, Apr 22, 2006
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  3. ostack

    ostack Notebook Evangelist

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    ...and if you're on the docking station, there's really no reason NOT to use the 7400, right?
     
    ostack, Apr 22, 2006
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  4. ostack

    ostack Notebook Evangelist

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    What I would really like to do is get rid of my desktop computer, and give it to my dad, or someone...

    ...then use the docking station with the nice big LCD and a big external drive I already have. I also have a BT kbd and mouse...

    ...then later down the road get a notebook with a good GPU...

    You know, sometimes I wonder if a crack habit would be cheaper...
     
    ostack, Apr 22, 2006
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  5. Aero

    Aero PC/Mac...Whatever works! NBR Reviewer

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    Thats some good information, thanks for sharing it.

    The last picture is sweet, looks like you have a complete desktop ;)
     
    Aero, Apr 22, 2006
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