Docking Stations

Since the advent of the PC, we have been thinking about what it consists of as components. The docking station takes that concept a new step forward, by providing separable components. A docking station is a hardware frame and set of electrical connection interfaces that enable a notebook computer to effectively serve as a desktop computer. You remove the computer from the station when you want to maximize portability, and set it back into the station when you want to maximize capability. Thus the docking station gives you the best of both possible worlds. Given that these devices are a relatively new product, their terminology has not yet achieved a standard form. Some manufacturers refer to such devices as dock stations, expansion bases, ultrabases, MiniDocks, etc. Whatever the terminology, the purpose is to expand the functionality of an ultralight computing device. Typically, it allows the notebook or tablet PC to communicate with a local printer, with larger storage or backup drives, and possibly other devices not usually taken along with a notebook computer. Docking stations may also include a network interface card (NIC) that attaches the notebook to a local area network (LAN). One may distinguish docking stations from port replicators, in that the latter devices simply add more ports, but otherwise do not increase the computer’s capabilities. A port replicator is a scaled down version of a docking station. That is, docking stations provide additional slots for adding expansion boards and storage devices. Docking stations let you use your laptop or tablet very much like a desktop PC. How this works is that you hook up several peripheral devices, such as a large, high definition monitor, a full-size keyboard, a mouse, one or more disk drives, printers, etc., to the station. Then you simply plug the portable PC into the dock. This lets you make only one single connection to gain the capabilities of all those peripherals instead of having to plug them all into the PC individually. The cost to buy a docking station is usually not much more than $150, and can be considerably less. Because of the enhanced flexibility, mobility and versatility they provide, they tend to be great bargains. This is a technology whose time has come. If you never need a computer “to-go,” then this obviously is not for you. But if you want to combine desktop capabilities with easy computer portability, you will need one version or another of this device. People typically buy a portable computer and a docking station together. Make sure they are compatible with each other. Look for the capabilities you need. Those who have this device often cannot imagine how they previously made do without it. If you need it, get one now.