Use your Latitude and D/port without an AC Adapter

Just an FYI to the board incase this hasn't been covered before. I recently purchased the D/port and then read that the port is:

A. Not hot dockable
B. Must be powered by an AC adapter at all times

Well, I can tell you that both of these assumptions are indeed false! I've got a Latitude D820 with XP Pro and I can use the dock without an AC adapter. I only tested DVI without AC plugged in, as it's the only reason I got the dock. I doubt the USB ports work, maybe the other ports do, but I'm not about to test that and risk damaging my laptop. You'll need to quit Dell Quickset to use the dock unpowered by the way.

Also, if the dock is plugged in to AC, you can hot dock by pushing the undock button.

Just thought anyone interested in the D/port should know.

 

I've accidentally done this before, but I do not recommend it. At all.

 

Do you know why? I have been in situations where I need DVI, but am no where near a power outlet. I'm not about to carry an extension cord wherever I go. I can understand if you were trying to use it unpowered with USB and everything else hooked up, but I fail to see the damage in using only DVI or only VGA.