How To Select The Right Computer Docking Station for Your Needs
Computer docking station, also sometimes called laptop, usb, notebook or universal docking stations refer to electronic devices that allow a person to take their computer, laptop or usb device from one location to another WITHOUT having to always drag their power cord with them. In some cases also, the system is docked in such a way that a different keyboard or monitor is used, without having to open up the laptop or notebook.
Many people take their primary computer, whether it's a laptop a notebook or other computer back and forth from work to home and then back to work again. Most personal computers are not sold with 2 power cords, so knowing you can plug-in when you get to the office without having to deal with unplugging and remembering to bring the power connector with you can be a great benefit of owning a docking station.
Docking stations come in many shapes and sizes and price ranges. Some laptops and pc manufacturer have docking stations unique for their specific systems. Other manufacturers do not, and the so-called universal docking stations will often suffice.
To determine which type of docking station is best for you depends on several factors, including what type of system you want to dock, your budget, your aesthetics and your feature requirements.
Basic Types of Computer Docking Stations
Essentially there are 3 primary types of computer docking stations. They are the dedicated system designed for use with a specific laptop, pc, notebook or even pda device. Then there are the universal USB docks and port replicators which can work with most PC's and Laptops, then there are the notebook docking stations which seem to be the only type that work with notebooks.
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Device Specific Computer Docking Stations
The following companies make device specific computer and laptop docking stations. Dell, Toshiba, and HP. Apple also has their own device specific docking products. Except for the case of Apple, it's possible that you may be able to have as an effective result with a universal docking station and may be able to find that othetr needs (such as cost, weight or aestetics) are better seved with the docking station that WASN'T made for the specific computer.
Universal Docking Stations or USB Port Replicators
There are several companies that specialize in making USB Port Replicators and Universal Docking Stations for laptops and other personal computing devices. Kensington is the most prominent in the universal docking station market.
Notebook Docking Station - The Only Way to Really Tolerate a Notebook
Notebook Docking Stations serve a greater purpose then just being a power center. Notebooks are so small, they are difficult to work on for any extended period of time. With a well designed Notebook Docking Station, you can simply 'plug it in' to the docking station and then work off a regular sized keyboard and look at a regular sized monitor. And when you need mobility, you simply 'unplug' your notebook and take your lightweight computer with you. The video below is a great example of the notebook docking station in action.
In addition to giving your notebook computer almost instant access to a full size keyboard and monitor, most docking stations can also accomodate other items which stay at a specific location, such as scanners, printers, projectors, and phone systems.
The Number One Reason to Own a Computer Docking Station
If you've been debating getting a docking station, keep in mind the number one reason most people decide to set themselves up is because it's efficient. If you rarely take your computer, laptop or notebook/netbook computer away from it's base then you probably don't need one. However, if you are like most of us these days, using your personal computer at work and at home, or constantly hauling it around from meeting to meeting, presentation room to presentation room, and out to your car at the end of each day - then having a quick and painless method for getting set up each time you reach your desk can be a major time saver. Especially if you want to connect to a larger monitor or keyboard, or frequently used periperals, having all those connections already set up - will save you not only time but frustration trying to mess with all the cords and cables involved.