Best guide on docking stations, a docking station is an interface device allowing portable computers with little or no effort to attach to other devices. Docking stations enable users of portable devices to convert it to a desktop computer when they are at the office or home.
For example, a user might use their laptop on the road, and then back in the office, and they could attach the laptop to the docking station to use their computer, speakers, and office printer. Docking station allows the laptop to be connected directly to the docking station, without any external cables being required. Keep in mind that they are different docking stations.
Dock: Term used to explain how a portable computer attaches to a docking station.
Undock (cold dock): Term used to describe the process of disconnecting from a docking station a portable computer after it has been shut down.
HOW DOCKING STATIONS OPERATE
Docking stations allow multiple ports and, at times, peripherals. Often, they are made by different manufacturers to supplement the more popular laptop models, but as the demand for these devices increases, they are offered by more notebook manufacturers. Such devices receive electrical power either through the laptop itself, or through a power supply that is included with the docking station. Docking station drivers monitor the operation of the system and its attached peripherals.
THE PURPOSE OF A DOCKING STATION
A docking station adds value to your laptop computer by giving you the comfort of portability while you're driving, but while sitting at your desk, it gives you the flexibility of a desktop. You are not constantly plugging in and unplugging peripherals with a docking station.
FUNCTION
A docking station sits on your desk, whether your laptop is present or not. You attach peripherals such as a joystick, keyboard ergonomics, speakers, or printer.
BENEFITS
You can connect your laptop to the docking station when you sit down at your office. At the docking station, connectors relay information from your laptop to and from your peripherals without plugging a single extra cable.
EXPERT INSIGHT
There are port replicators on the market which try to replicate a docking station's function at a lower cost. They usually plug into your laptop's USB port and may not work seamlessly, as they are not suited to your device and require drivers.
SIZE
Laptop docking stations are small devices that only attach to your laptop's bottom or back. There may also be larger designs designed to hide your laptop screen at a different height or under a larger desktop monitor.
CONSIDERATIONS
A laptop and a docking station together represent a costly combination. The added versatility is useful for some users, but if you need to plug in a mouse or adjust the height the laptop sits at, it's likely worth finding another solution.
ADVANTAGES OF UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION
· Photo output outstanding.
· Enhanced Audio Quality.
· USB hubs d. Gigabit Ethernet which allows wired connectivity.
· USB Peripheral Ports.
· In / Port audio for earphones, microphones, and speakers.
· Detachable cable with A / M.
· AC fitter, Wedge design allowing fast and comfortable joystick typing. Health locks to protect your tools.
5 USES OF LAPTOP DOCKING STATIONS
Laptop computer owners typically love the versatility they bring. One downside to owning a laptop is that it may not handle many devices at once. A laptop docking will ease the issue. You can plug those accessories into your docking station, which connects to your laptop using a separate power cord.
USE OF MULTIPLE DEVICES
The docking station makes it easy to attach your laptop to multiple devices, such as printers, scanners, or mice. Most laptops have two USB ports, which means they can only link at one time to two computers. You'll need to make only one connection to your laptop with the docking station. When you're done, unplug the docking station's laptop off.
PORTABILITY BETWEEN HOME AND OFFICE
A docking station will promote the transition between the two, whether you work at home or office. Set up your office docking station, and attach it to the tools you usually use. Plug your laptop into the docking station when you arrive at the job. This removes the need for individual connecting of each unit.
COMPUTER GAMES
Plug all your game accessories into the docking station when you play computer games. This saves you the trouble of plugging the adapters and unplugging them every time you play. You will only need to attach and remove your laptop from the docking station instead.
ACCESS TO NEW DEVICES
'Gadgets' Docking station allows you to attach to gadgets you haven't been able to use in the past. Devices such as flat panel displays and digital cameras are not compatible with laptops at all. You will appreciate the increased visibility that a bigger monitor offers by plugging the devices into the docking station.
NO NEED FOR A DESKTOP
A docking station can eliminate the need if you are a laptop owner who is considering buying a desktop computer to accommodate your devices. You can save money as a result. Many versions of docking stations can be purchased for less than the cost of a standard desktop computer. If you already own a desktop, you could consider selling it as a backup or keeping it.
EXTRA PERIPHERALS FOR A LAPTOP AND THE MOBILITY
One of the most common uses of a docking station is to attach netbooks (the computer class that is officially known as Ultra Mobile PCs) to larger screens or to make a laptop. Gamers find it convenient for the docking stations to connect a notebook with their favorite games on it to a display that is more resolute than their laptop screens.
The docking station's idea is to combine the desktop computers' more exceptional expansion capabilities with the laptop's portability. If the peripherals connected to the docking station are no longer needed or the user has to go, he can unhook his docking station laptop and take his notebook with him.
