there’s another universal port replicator that uses the pcmcia interface with vga out but its not compatiable with sony laptops… :evil: i’ll probably go with the universal port replicator & the usb-to-vga adapter..

‘be interested to know how it works.

Here’s one for you. Connect to your USB devices via your wireless link and local hub.

They say there will be a USB 2.0 version out shortly. Currently supports printers, scanners, HID, embedded hubs. Say it works with drives but is slower than a direct connection.

http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/

The request has been answered:

Plug a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the dock and use your notebook as a desktop
The Notebook Expansion Dock with Video connects most desktop peripherals - even 17” or 19” monitors at high resolution. A unique wedge design adds airflow to aid cooling.

Model number: 33367
Price: $179.99
   
Features
Single USB plug connects your notebook to USB peripherals, Ethernet, speakers and even monitor
32-bit color supports notebook-quality video on external monitors
Dock drives 17” AND 19” external flat panels at native resolution (1280*1024 pixels)
Intelligent Plug-n-Play technology selects best available monitor settings automatically
Unique wedge design provides airflow under CPU for more efficient cooling
Dimensions
Length = depth. Measured in inches. 3.0"L X 1.5"H X 9.75"W

It’s a bit expensive, but I guess $180 for a full docking station is around the norm ($150-250).

Erik

tifosiv122 - 06 June 2006 12:30 PM

The request has been answered:
Plug a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the dock and use your notebook as a desktop

The Targus unit doesn’t get good ratings in terms of its video quality. Otherwise, yes! It’s cool. The Belkin Express PC card unit is cooler, though, as it offers higher speeds and the video is evidently AOK. I’m sorry, I didn’t note URLs when I was browsing on this topic at lunchtime, but I think the Targus review came from ZDNet if that helps.

While I love my TR, I wish it had either a real FireWire or a dedicated port replicator. But without those I’ve found a solution I think will reduce my current six plugins (and USB swapping) to three. I’ve bought a port replicator with four USB ports, two PS2 sockets and ethernet ... plus a USB audio A/D converter. This means I only have to plug in one USB, the power adaptor and the modem - I’m still on a dialup at the moment, but that will change soon.

This lets me put my USB mouse onto PS2, connect my camera and USB hard drive and still have room for a data key when I need one. All good.

I bought the port replicator and the USB audio on an auction site after checking their antecedents with a spot of web browsing. They should be here in the next few days, and I’ll let you know how my grand scheme works out in practice!