Laptop docking stations

[LakerGod]

I want to get a new laptop along with a docking station. I've been told that usb docking stations don't provide as good of quality/speed as traditional docking stations where the laptop sits on a port. Is this true? I was thinking about getting a Dell XPS M1330 but if a traditional docking station is better I may pickup up a Dell Latitude instead.

Any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[slugg]

100% true. Go with the Latitude, if you're partial to Dell. If not, go with a Lenovo Thinkpad!

 

[LakerGod]

Thanks slugg. This is for my brother and for some reason one of his priorities is that there be good customer service. He's dealt with Dell before and likes them, but I think the thinkpad is a batter laptop. Do you know if Lenovo provides decent CS?

 

[dcdomain]

Lenovo for the most part has continued IBM's excellent service though it seems as if the standard warranty / service term has been shortened. I've had issues with ThinkPads pre and post Lenovo and they've been dealt with pretty quickly.

I'm not sure if a traditional docking station provides better quality / speed but they are definitely more expensive than if you just purchase a USB hub / external drive and laptop stand.

Which Lenovo models are you looking at? I'm assuming the X200 since you bring up docking stations.

 

[LakerGod]

I was looking at the T61. My initial thought was to purchase a usb hub but again, i've heard from a few people it does not provide the same quality as a traditional docking station.

 

[corkyg]

Not too sure what difference in "quality" there could be in a USP port in a docking station and in a powered hub. The docking station can have features beyond USB.

I have a T60 - it has 3 USB ports. One holds my wireless mouse device, one is connected to a small, powered 4 port hub. That in turn connects to an external DVD burner, an external HDD, and an external Audigy sound module, and the T60.

There has never been any question in "quality" or reliability with the small HP 4-port hub.

BTW - it easily packs into my travel case whereas a docking station would require a separate bag. 🙂

 

[dcdomain]

Another thing... once you upgrade, the dock becomes useless, whereas the cheaper USB hub can follow you around from model to model.

 

[heymrdj]

As for speed, probably not, but when it comes to features, a USB setup won't even come close. True docking stations can have a built in power brick, so you can leave your other at work, VGA/DVI port, S-Vid port, 3-6USB ports, E-SATA port, cardreader, even built in 300-750GB hard drives. Docking stations are true laptop to desktop transformation centers, USB normally only provides this barely half way.

 

[slugg]

A true docking station will let you have everything - speakers, monitors, network, power, keyboard, mouse, and various drives, ALL connected, and all you have to do is drop your laptop onto the docking station. With Thinkpads, this is the easiest thing in the world.

And it just so happens that I've owned a T61 with a docking station, so feel free to ask any specific questions 🙂

 

[corkyg]

I have the following devices all connected to my laptop workstation. External Sound Module; speakers; 1 DVD burner; 1 External HDD; wireless mouse; and keyboard. All of these are together on a USB 2.0 powered hub.

I connect one single USB cable to my T60 Thinkpad, and all of the above is part of it.

I can remove the T60 and connect my HP dv1000 Pavilion, and all of the above are then part of it.

Cost of the powered hub? About $50. Docking stations are great - but they cost a lot more and if OEM specific, can only be used on one brand of machine.

So, ya pays yer money and takes yer choice. 🙂

 

[LakerGod]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll give the pros and cons of each option and let my brother decide from there. Thanks.