9400/E1705 Owners: Help needed

Would anyone be willing to open their laptop and report back on whether these computers have the port replicator connector on the motherboard? Just a small request...

BTW, did I say please yet? PLEEEEAAAASSSSEEE!

Look, it's easy. Precision M90

 

Don't know about a port replicator but they do have an expansion dock option:

KENSINGTON Generation 2: USB 2.0 Universal Notebook Expansion Dock $79.00

Features: 8 Channel DAC Output, 16-bit resolution
Built-in Devices: 5.1 audio support with rear, front and center speaker outputs
Connectivity Technology: Cable
Device Type: Expansion Dock
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight: 2.375" x 7.0" x 1.0" / 2.0 lbs
Port(s) Total ( Free ) / Connector Type: USB 2.0 / Parallel / Serial / Ethernet / S/PDIF Ports
Slot(s) Required: USB 2.0

 

Don't you own a 1705? Why don't you open up your own computer? I certainly won't be cracking my 1705 open any time soon to check for a connector I don't need. If you don't mind waiting, I would consider doing it in a few years after my warranty is up.

If you really need a laptop with a docking port this badly, perhaps you should return your 1705 and buy a different laptop.

 

jujube, I appreciate your help, but the Kensington unit is the reason why I'm looking for an alternative. No offense, but the Kensington replicator is an oversized, overpriced USB hub. Like other USB "replicators", it does not have DVI or power. For business applications, the video aspect of this laptop is much more important to me than the audio, which is the only thing that sets the Kensington apart from others.

Kegobeer, you are absolutely right. I plan on returning my Dell very soon and it's a real shame. I already have it's replacement and I'm very happy with it. I just can't help but wonder why Dell didn't include a replicator port when all the hardware is right there. It would have been so easy to do. Which is why I posted the question. If others on this forum found out that they could easily add a replicator port to this awesome machine, then perhaps they wouldn't pass on it the way I am. It's really a shame because I genuinely believe the E1705 is almost the most versatile laptop on the market right now in the US.

The problem is that many of us who NEED business computers also WANT the ability to play our favorite games and media. Almost any laptop can handle business apps, so it stands to reason that any gaming pc can also be usefull for business. But quite honestly, why would I want to plug and unplug up to four devices (power, dvi, network, and a USB hub) everytime I go to work. With the Kensington, I'd still have to plug in 3 devices. I know that we all have to make some compromises when buying a laptop, and I have made mine in keeping the Acer instead of the Dell. But as I said before, it's just a real shame that Dell insists on pigeon-holing it's customers into performance and business groups, when a true crossover product could be available today for the cost of a $5 bracket.

I can understand why you wouldn't want to take apart your laptop. I wouldn't either. But someone always does, and that's the person I'm hoping will answer this request for me and others who might like to know.

 

Here's my reasoning that the E1705 does not have one: if they did then Dell would most certainly be selling and offerring them as an option.

 

Are you serious? Read post #6 here. The chasis on the E1705/9400, Precision M90, and Latitude D820 are exactly the same. The motherboards on the M90 and the E1705/9400 are the same. The E1705 even has the replicator port covered by a plastic door on the bottom of the case. The truth seems to be that Dell didn't add it because they want business users to buy from their business sales department.