Sony Z docking station/port replicator - plastic cover

I recently got the port replicator for the VPC-Z1 (VGP-PRZ10). I notice in the manual it says "it is extremely important that you replace the port replicator cover after disconnecting your computer ... [otherwise] dust may get inside and damage the computer".

To me, that completely defeats the purpose of the replicator. I might as well just unplug the cables from the notebook itself rather than fiddle around with finding and replacing the plastic cover. I've never had to do that on other notebooks.

Does anyone with a port replicator bother with replacing the plastic cover? If not, have you had any problems?

Thanks!

 

Simple - if you use the dock frequently, just leave the plastic cover removed. If any dust gets on the connector, just blow it out. I don't use the Z's dock, but every computer I had with a docking port, had no cover and no problems at all.

 

Yes, just forget the plastic cover (and the over-the-top warning from Sony).

 

I have an older Vaio VGN series and have two doscking stations. The VGN has a cover that slides open and close, I've never closed the cover since owning this laptop for almost 6 years and do not have any problems with lint getting into the ports.

Now if you were to put the laptop in your pocket frequently, that's a different story

 

I've got the vaio z11 dock, and I only put in the plastic cover when I go on holiday (ie i'm not going to dock the laptop for at least a couple of weeks).

I don't think dust would be the greatest concern, I'm thinking more along the lines of short circuits happening because of water spill etc.

 

Great. Thanks for the input, guys. I guess you just need to make sure you don't lose it in case you need to send the notebook back for a repair under warranty!