Anyone bought a laptop docking station?

[Farjo]

Any tips on what to look for or how to choose? I'll probably go for one that is plugged in via a USB cable, but that still leaves a large array of choices of all prices. Anyone got a clue coz I aint!

[dcurzon]

Most days.
We use laptops that have a dock function built in, so the laptop just sits on top and clicks into place.  I cant vouch for 'generic' docks and how well they work i'm afraid.

[Farjo]

Thanks for the quick reply.

[BBROWN1664]

I used to use one in the office on hot desks as everyone had different laptops. At my desk I had a specific one for my laptop.

the UBS ones were good once you loaded the drivers.

[richfzs]

Oh admin.... Calling Mr admin... 

[ChristoT]

Most days.
We use laptops that have a dock function built in, so the laptop just sits on top and clicks into place.  I cant vouch for 'generic' docks and how well they work i'm afraid.

I had that on an old Fujitsu. Worked really well! If all else fails, get a desktop. What exactly are you after from the docking station?

[flesh]

I used to use one in the office on hot desks as everyone had different laptops. At my desk I had a specific one for my laptop.

the UBS ones were good once you loaded the drivers.

I use both.
If you get one that your laptop clicks into then you need a specific type and it is only good for that model of laptop. USB ones are ok as long as the drivers are loaded correctly although I always have issues with mine as sometimes it does not recognise the keyboard.

[Farjo]

What exactly are you after from the docking station?

Want the portability of a laptop but also the ergonomicness of having a proper screen keyboard and mouse. A docking station would be cheaper than buying a laptop and a desktop and would avoid problems syncing files etc.

[alan sherman]

At work docking stations are dead.  We plug in external monitors which are also USB hubs so have mouse and keyboard connected to the monitor.  so connections when you sit down are: Power, Ethernet (optional wireless), Digital monitor output, a single USB plug.  Can also connect an audio thing via the headphone out if you want.


Another option you can try from my last employer - I have a perspex stand that the laptop goes on to raise the screen up to monitor height.  Plug in external mouse and keyboard and it is like a desktop setup.  It does need the screen to fold back enough, and be big enough.  I think your laptop screen is a pretty reasonable size so you could try it.

I've still not been for a run BTW.

[goldfazer]

I just plug an external monitor, mouse and kbd in. Cost = zero and it takes about 5 secs....

[Robbie8666]

I've just binned my docking station I been using at work for last 3 years as it wasn't working properly but tbh I got 3 laptops on my desk at a time plus a desk top so needed the desk space!