Docking Station Info

[newyorkpaulie]

My last laptop came with a docking station. I've never used it and wanted to know what benefits it provides. The PC is a T23 (9NU). Anyone have any information? Thanks!

[skou]

Docking station, or Port Replicator?

There are 2 different docking stations, and I've only seen one one of them. Mine will hold a second Ultrabay2000 drive, (or battery) as well as a desktop PCI card. It also has a larger power supply.

A port replicator will let you plug all your desktop stuff into it, and then just remove the laptop and go. (Docking station will do this, too.) You plug in your keyboard, mouse, power adapter, screen, phone line, cat5 cable, instead of plugging it all into your laptop.

Both of them also have a power switch on them, so you don't even have to open your lappy to run it.

The docking station is large enough, that you can't smuggle it out in a purse. It is also electronically locked to the laptop, and you can set up a password (in windows) to release it. That way, you can secure it.

steve

[kensplace]

What type of docking station is that?

Does it take a full size pci card, or a half height one only?

[skou]

I'd tell you what model it is, but I'm building a new T20, and installing software right now.

It takes a full-size PCI card. I've got a wireless card in it, right now.

steve

[skou]

Update, it is a type 2631.

steve

[TomKroscavage]

My last laptop came with a docking station. I've never used it and wanted to know what benefits it provides. The PC is a T23 (9NU). Anyone have any information? Thanks!

The PCI slot is nice I used a PCI splitter and added a video card and a USB, IDE, SATA combo card to my 2631

[newyorkpaulie]

Docking station, or Port Replicator?

There are 2 different docking stations, and I've only seen one one of them. Mine will hold a second Ultrabay2000 drive, (or battery) as well as a desktop PCI card. It also has a larger power supply.

A port replicator will let you plug all your desktop stuff into it, and then just remove the laptop and go. (Docking station will do this, too.) You plug in your keyboard, mouse, power adapter, screen, phone line, cat5 cable, instead of plugging it all into your laptop.

Both of them also have a power switch on them, so you don't even have to open your lappy to run it.

The docking station is large enough, that you can't smuggle it out in a purse. It is also electronically locked to the laptop, and you can set up a password (in windows) to release it. That way, you can secure it.

steve

Looks like this is just a port replicator... a way to unplug in a hurry when taking the TPad away from the desk.