Sony VAIO SZ Series Docking Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've experienced these shortcomings with this docking station.
1. My system forgets the monitor configuration nearly every time I boot - I don't even have to undock it. I work with the external monitor only, and use it in 1600 x 1200 mode. After a restart, it comes up properly, but about 5 seconds into the boot (probably loading the NVIDIA control panel stuff) it switches to dual display and makes the external monitor 1280 x 800 to match the internal. I have to manually go into the NVIDIA control panel and set everything up. On occasion, it'll remember and come up correctly - but not often. Sony has no answer.
2. No power adapter. You'll need to buy one if you don't want to dig out and hook up the laptop's AC adapter each time you dock (who does?)
3. Bad DVI support. My external monitor "looked" good through the DVI port, but when the laptop tried to put the monitor to sleep, the monitor just flashes "Mode not supported"... forEVER! It never goes to sleep. I've used the monitor (Samsung SyncMaster 213T) on several other computers without a problem.
4. Using the above monitor via Analog port allowed the sleep function to work, but the text is a little fuzzy; seems a bit out of focus. Tried numerous adjustments and at its best is mediocre. Again, above monitor on my Dell laptop via Analog looks better.
5. No power off? You can undock, but you can't use the power button to shutdown or turn on the computer without opening the clamshell. Come on, Sony! What were you thinking?
6. 3 USB ports in this day and age just isn't enough. For the amount of money I paid for a docking station that didn't even come with power adapter, I shouldn't have to ALSO buy a USB hub.
But... if you have this nifty little laptop... what ELSE are you going to buy? :(

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Lenovo ThinkPad USB Port Replicator with Digital Video - USB docking station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I made the mistake of buying this product thinking it had displaylink hardware inside, like some other lenovo usb to video adapter. With this product, you do not have the option to rotate the monitor, which was a dealbreaker for me since I wanted to use two portrait oriented monitors with my laptop. I returned this product and got a kensington product with exactly the same features but this time, displaylink certified.
Other problems with the lenovo:
- Doesn't go into screen saver or power save mode when the other monitors do.
- Red colored text shows discoloration
- Images show compression artifacts
Didn't have the same problems with the replacement displaylink product.

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Targus PA090U USB Mobile Port Replicator with Ethernet Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you read the manual, it will tell you that the main product limitation comes from having to share one USB 1.1 port with many different devices-- your mouse and keyboard interactions will be guaranteed to hiccup every 3 seconds. I thought it was a great idea until I tried it out myself.

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True plug and play functionality and EthernetconvenienceProduct InformationThe USB Mobile Port Replicator with Ethernet connects virtually any PS/2Parallel Serial and USB device. It supports all makes and models ofWindows-based computes with USB ports. You can add or remove deviceswithout reconfiguring or rebooting your computer. It also allows you tosave desktop space or take on the road. The docking station alternative!Product FeaturesConvenient for travel and desktop useQuickly connect all of your accessories with a single plugUniversal Serial BusEssential accessories for mobile computingProduct Specification Ports on Replicator2 USB A TypesDB25 Parallel PrinterDB9 SerialPS/2 MousePS/2 Keyboard10-BaseT/RJ45 EthernetEmbedded 15" USB Cable and ConnectorAC Adapter: 5.0V 2.0 AmpDimensions: 6.7" x 2.5" x 1.2"Weight: 6.4 ounces (without adapter)IncludesUSB Mobile Port ReplicatorOutput CordUser's GuideWindows RequirementsWindows 98 Me 2000 XPInterface: One USB v1.1 compliant port

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Kensington sd100 Notebook Docking Station K33419US Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Kensington sd100 Notebook Docking Station should probably be called the "Notebook usb Port Replicator" because it is not a true docking station. That being said, this is a fine product what will fulfill the needs of most laptop users.
The device plugs into your laptop with one usb cable and offers sound, network, and five usb ports. It does not power your laptop (because it is a port replicator, not a docking station). It also does not offer ps/2 keyboard/mouse ports, so you will need to use a usb mouse and keyboard. It does prop your laptop up to a very nice angle to type on, so an external keyboard is less of a concern.
Overall, this is a very nice product for most people. (Just read the instructions.)

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HP QuickDock 2.0 Docking Station (KN744AA) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The device is simple enough and works as advertised. The design of the plug in the side of the laptop makes the whole unit take up more desk space that just a few cables. It would be better if the unit installed under the laptop, much like Gateway uses. That way you would have cables out of the way and to the rear of the unit. That is an HP/Compaq design problem. There is also a slight hum generated in the audio plug. That is probably because of the lack of shielding inside the unit.

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Reduce desktop clutter and keep your HP or Compaq notebook connected to power, peripherals, and the Web with a single cable via HP's QuickDock 2.0 docking station (model KN744AA)--it'll even charge your battery when your notebook is docked.

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