Notebook Docking Station
HP Notebook Docking Stations and All You Have to Know about Them
HP is world-renowned for its quality computer products, and the innovations that they use are state-of-the-art. They are never late when it comes to computer technology, and the notebook docking station is one of the well-developed line of products that the company created. But what do HP docking devices have to offer?
Notebooks are functional as they are but there are certain features that can only be found in a desktop. Using docking devices, a laptop can gain the functionality and connectivity similar to a desktop, making the machine more comfortable to use and more accessible to various hardware and computer peripherals.
Some users only want to add ports for a real keyboard and a mouse. If you’re one of them, you might be interested in getting the HP AK155AA Mobile Port Replicator. It is compatible to almost all models of HP and Compaq laptops, and it features two USB 2.0 ports and two PS2 ports for a keyboard and a mouse.
Other users only want additional ports and connectivity options for their laptops. To have a complete set of ports, inlets, and connectors, the HP ES631AA Notebook QuickDock is the best port replicator that you can get. It has six USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet port, VGA port, S-Video out port, Audio in and out, and a composite and component video out ports. It is compatible with most HP Presario and Pavilion laptops.
There are also docking stations which really provide a desktop environment. The perfect example is the HP PR1010 docking station, where you actually place the laptop on the dock to put it on an elevated position, and you attach a mouse and keyboard on the docking device. This creates a complete desktop environment, and the ports on the dock make the desktop functionality complete. The PR1010 has six USB 2.0 ports, audio in and out, VGA, S-Video, serial, Ethernet, and modem ports. It is compatible with most the HP Pavilion Z series, Presario Nx series, and other selected models.
Another similar notebook docking device that has an actual laptop stand is the HP xb4 dock. It has similar features with the PR1010, but it has an additional S/PDIF port. It also has an integrated Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system. The device is compatible to Presario CQ45 series, V300, V600 series, and Pavilion Dv series, and Tx series.
The HP xb3000 Notebook Expansion Base is a complete set of monitor stand and port replicator, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse. Its monitor stand and port replicator has six USB 2.0 ports, S-Video port, composite video port, component video port, S/PDIF port, VGA port, and Ethernet and LAN connector. It provides a complete desktop feel and functionality for any Pavilion Dv2000 and Dv6000 series and Presario V3000 and V6000 series laptop user.
Desktop functionality is exactly what a notebook docking station was created for, and this is also what HP offers through its docking devices. If you only need additional ports, I suggest you get the QuickDock. If you want to make your laptop view more comfortable, I think either the PR1010 or the xb4 is a good choice. For a complete desktop feel and functionality, I highly recommend the xb3000 notebook expansion base. But I can say that any notebook dock is alright as long it’s compatible with your laptop.
Tags: Notebook Docking Station