Sony Z docking station alternatives

I am about to buy a Z13 but will need a reliable docking station. I can live that the Sony one does not have HDMI (although I don't like it), but the fact that it has no sound output is unbelievable. How do I connect an audio jack to my 23" external monitor?

Are there generic brand docking stations that can be used (like Toshiba Dynadock)?

Thanks for your insights.

 

What sort of ports do you need of the docking station? I use a Targus USB dock that's got an audio output. You might also connect the headphone output from the Z to the external monitor, you'll need a cable with male connectors on both ends (try monoprice.com).

 

Thanks TT

I prefer HDMI, but a VGA + Audio is ok. Also need ethernet and a couple of USB. Nothing fancy.

So what you are saying the Sony dock will work if I dock my notebook AND then connect the male 3.5" males on both ends (I have that cable already going from my current Lenovo T40 dock to my external monitor)

Is the USB dock reliable?

 

HDMI probably requires significant bandwidth. I suspect no dock that connects to the laptop via USB2 can support that sort of bandwidth.

The headphone jack is just another output you can direct the sound to. Unless connecting the Sony dock disables that output, I would imagine it should still work (someone probably needs to verify this).

My Targus dock is reliable. I got it for a bargain ($20), it was refurbished and I got it out of curiosity. It's lasted much longer and proven to be more useful than I thought it would. The 'benefit-to-cost' ratio is the highest I've got

 

You can still use the headphone jack while the Z is in the dock.

 

I know you can still use it, it is just the inconvenience of connecting a cable on top of docking.

 

If you are going to use video output and don't want poor performance you should stay away from other options. It's inconvenient but one wire isn't going to kill anyone. You could also get a usb soundcard and permanently attach it to the dock.