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    Docking Stations

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by .PoNeH, Aug 8, 2010.

  1. .PoNeH

    .PoNeH Notebook Evangelist

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    Hey guys,

    Just wondering if anyone is using some kind of docking station with their M11x. I know that there is no docking port built-in to the laptop, but I heard some pretty good things about those USB ones that seem to be popping up here and there.

    My main concern is with the quality of the display output. Since it is USB-based, I'm assuming that HDMI wouldn't work (well, it would require that you plug it in separetely), and charging as well (right?). Anyone recommend a specific one? I'd rather pay a bit more to have to plug in less cables every time I get home to get a fully functional "desktop".

    I'm also considering the new line of Logitech keyboard, mouse, and headphones to eliminate much need for one (as long as they use a single unifying dongle).

    What are your recommendations...?!
     
    .PoNeH, Aug 8, 2010
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  2. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    If there is no dock port then all your existing ports will function as is... this means you use your normal HDMI port
     
    GNandGS, Aug 8, 2010
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  3. surfxombie

    surfxombie Notebook Evangelist

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    I am not sure you can do much on this as you will have to plug in..

    1. Power
    2. At least 1 USB lead for the docking port

    You can get docking ports that will also pass the video through this too. As the integrated GPU (R2) does all the display work it should (guess) be ok.

    However, I am a bit skeptical as this means all your external data/video is going through a single USB controller. Start adding DVDs & external HDDs on the same doc and things will be pushing that single connection. Whereas the Notebook is using multiple controllers across all its ports.

    I am thinking of things like this but I have no experience of how well they work.
     
    surfxombie, Aug 8, 2010
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  4. .PoNeH

    .PoNeH Notebook Evangelist

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    If the unifying Logitech dongle works as it should, then I would be able to get my keyboard, mouse, and headset working from that dongle. All I'd have to plug in would be the display and power source. Much like one of these USB docking stations would.
     
    .PoNeH, Aug 8, 2010
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  5. .PoNeH

    .PoNeH Notebook Evangelist

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    .PoNeH, Aug 8, 2010
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  6. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    I can attest to the craptastic quality of the Toshiba Dynadock - at least 2nd hand. 3 co-workers have had them and they all had problems either with the really bad software that's required or the docks (they're really just a port replicator) themselves not passing video signals properly. Two ended up being refunded after being replaced with equally bad units. I think the other person has just stopped using it very much.
     
    slickie88, Aug 8, 2010
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  7. DrGoodvibes

    DrGoodvibes Notebook Deity

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    I've seen the Targus Docking Station listed. Not cheap in NZ.
    It's one saving feature is the ability to support 1920x1200 via it's DVI port.
    It just requires one USB to plug in as the uplink.

    | ACP51USZ USB 2.0 Docking Station | by Targus

    Specifications:

    1 x DVI monitor port (Max 2048x1152)
    1 x 10/100 Ethernet.
    1 x 3.5mm audio out.
    1 x 3.5mm mic in
    2 x 2.0 USB 500mA
    2 x 2.0 USB 1000mA    ​

    Powered Docking Station with two 'powered' USB ports for offline battery charging.

    Never heard of any feedback on whether it's any good or not.

    Also, as the docking station DVI monitor is via USB, you may also be able to extend your two existing M11x monitor ports and thus have three monitors.

    Update - The accompanying docs do suggest not over loading the USB 2.0 as already stated it's only got a theorretical 480MB/sec throughput.
     
    DrGoodvibes, Mar 18, 2011
    #7