what is a docking a station

[Cristatus]

is a docking station basically an extension of all your connectivity options at the back, but you can leave those connected, and remove the laptop any time? or is it something else?

what is the advantage/disadvantage of a docking station? is it possible to buy one for my laptop (Acer 1714 SMi) ?

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: logic1485
is a docking station basically an extension of all your connectivity options at the back, but you can leave those connected, and remove the laptop any time? or is it something else?

what is the advantage/disadvantage of a docking station? is it possible to buy one for my laptop (Acer 1714 SMi) ?

That's basically it. Docking stations were a lot more useful when laptops were so expensive long ago with limited expansion since there was only usb1 or no usb for that matter. But these days you just hook up to a NAS device or plug in an external drive if you want more expansion; practically all laptops these days have some type of network connection (long ago they did not). Laptops of yore also had really poor screens so it was great to easily attach to your external monitor. But these days most laptops have better lcd resolutions that standalone lcd monitors. So I really don't find docking stations useful anymore, especially when I can just buy a cheap full-service desktop for not much more money than what manufacturer's charge for docking stations.

 

[RonS]

They provide the functions of a port replicator, plus the real docking stations have at least one PCI slot so you can use a PCI card. For example, you could have a second video controller board, SCSI adapter, or whatever.

 

[Hikari]

I use my docking station when I have the laptop at home at my desk (it isn't always there). It gives my laptop DVI out which I use to my 20" LCD monitor and gives me a few more ports as well (and 2 more bays).

 

[Cristatus]

how do i know if there is one available for my laptop? i don't see an accessories section on the Acer website anywhere, even on the page with my laptop model

 

[RobsTV]

Now a docking station is almost mandatory.
Many laptops only have USB ports.
If you want serial or parallel ports, then many times docking station is your only choice.

I have a docking station for my Toshiba that actually adds everything a desktop would have, such as two 5 1/4" bays, stereo speakers, 4 PCMCIA slots, NIC, more USB ports, but the best part is 4 PCI slots for normal PC cards and even PCI video cards, + much, much more. Also adds security locks. Also functions as a changer or AC adaptor. Paid $20 on e8ay. It has a motor to lock in place or release, so all you do is push a button, and it disconnects for you to carry away in all of about 5 seconds. To connect back to docking station, simply slide into place and motor grabs it and slides it the rest of the way, locking it down ready for use.

 

[trikster2]

what they all said.

I use a docking station with my Lattitude D800. It's the only way I can get DVI, or use two monitores (DVI/Analoge VGA).

When I go home at night I hit one button and everything is disconnected. Versus disconect DVI, Disconect VGA, Disconnect mouse, Disconnect Keyboard, Disconect Printer, Disconect Track ball, Disconnect Mimio and so on....

 

[Cristatus]

from what you are saying, trikster2, it sounds interesting, but the question is still: where can i find one for my laptop?

 

[SaturnX]

The model you listed is an Aspire series Laptop from Acer.. from what I've seen on the site.. before they redesined it, NONE of the Aspire series laptops have docking stations available from them.

--Mark

 

[Cristatus]

that sucks...cos from what i hear, docking stations sound good.