Laptop Docking Station...

A Buyer's Guide

Having a laptop docking station (aka computer stands) just makes sense if you use a laptop as your main computing device.

When you are traveling, all you basically need is the power cord and your laptop. However, when you are back at the office, you might need to or prefer to use accessories such as an external keyboard, monitor, mouse and printer.

Of course, you could insert all those peripherals straight into your laptop. But doing so would create a plethora of cables around your laptop, making your desk look cluttered.

Well a port replicator allows you to easily attach your notebook to peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse and printer via a USB connection.

You simply would plug your notebook computer into the port replicator and the peripherals work just as if you had plugged them into your notebook directly.

In other cases, you might be better off using a laptop docking station. It typically has a greater number of ports and a wider range of connectivity than a port replicator. This would come in handy if you are using multiple peripherals with your notebook and you are running out of of ports.

Essentially, a port replicator and docking station mirror all the plugs, slots and ports on your notebook and works as an extension to your notebook.

But whereas a port replicator typically connects to your notebook via a USB, a docking station may connect to your notebook via a proprietary connector found on the bottom of your notebook.

Here are some more good reasons to buy a docking station:

* Enhanced game play. Your notebook may have great graphics that can play games or movies that your desktop can't. You could connect your notebook to the docking station and gain access to the desktop's bigger screen for a better gaming or video experience.

* Greater comfort. Some docking stations double as a stand which allows your laptop to stand upright so that you don’t have to hunch over your desk in order to view the screen.

Notebook docking stations can be mobile or stationery. But no matter which form you use, a docking station is one of the cheapest ways to transform your notebook into a pseudo desktop.

One thing to bear in mind is that most notebook makers design docking stations specific to their own notebooks. But there are universal laptop docking stations available that can work with a variety of machines. However, they won't work as well the docking stations made by your laptop's manufacturer.

So, should you buy a docking station? Having one is certainly not a necessity especially since most laptops have sufficient USB or Firewire ports for casual use. However, if the convenience of having one is just too appealing, getting one can certainly make your life easier.

Some Excellent Docking Stations

If you have a netbook, then you now that with the lower price tag came with lower functionality.

Warpia Easy Dock

Talk about taking things to a new level. The basic purpose of a laptop docking is to eliminate clutter by getting rid of all those wires connecting peripherals to you laptop.

Some companies have taken this concept further by implementing wireless technology into their docks. One company that has done this is Warpia Easy Dock.

This device connects peripherals (such as an external monitor and speakers) wirelessly, allowing you to carry your laptop around a room without having to unplug various wires.

When you are done moving around the room, there is a comprehensive workspace waiting for you. Price - around $140.

Kensington Universal Docking Station with Ethernet sd120

This small, easy to setup laptop docking station gives you an excellent amount of ports at a great price.

Whether you are using a netbook or notebook, you may soon be running out of ports for your various peripherals. This device is great for attaching USB flash drive, head phones, external speakers and wireless mouse etc. Price - around $85

Toshiba Dynadock V

This laptop docking station allows you to utilize many peripherals without a bird's nest of cables in your workspace. Unlike more expensive docks, it has a DVI video port, which allows you to connect your laptop to an external VGA or DVI monitor. Price - around $70.

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