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    Question about Universal Docking Stations

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Starsky, Apr 20, 2007.

  1. Starsky

    Starsky Newbie

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    Hello everyone, first post here.

    I just got a good package deal for a Compaq Presario C500 (C501NR) at best buy. This is a low end notebook but I have upgraded the RAM and hard drive and so far it is working great. I would like it to replace my desktop machine so I am looking into docking stations. I would have to use a universal USB docking station since my laptop has no PCMCIA/Express Card slots. Since I use a 20" widescreen monitor (1680x1050 res) I know I will still have to plug my monitor to the external monitor port, which is fine.

    My question is this: Do these universal USB docks actually add new hardware like the sound card and network card? Or do they just somehow "pass-through" the data? Does the docking station disable my laptop sound card/speakers to direct sound to my larger external speakers connected to the dock?

    If I use a dock I would have to hook up only 3 wires when I get home (Dock USB, ext monitor, power).

    Also, are there any network bandwidth issues using a ethernet port on the USB dock?

    Thanks
     
    Starsky, Apr 20, 2007
    #1
  2. trooper_gs

    trooper_gs Notebook Consultant

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    hi I use kensington K33239 providing ethernet, 5.1 sound and video through usb. I do not use video. it installs usb audio and usb ethernet drivers and those are added as new hardware which can be seen and disabled under hardware manager in xp. when I use the dock, primary sound device changes to usb audio but you may choose your internal sound device from sound options and disable the dock audio. no bandwith issues, works perfect.
     
    trooper_gs, Apr 20, 2007
    #2
  3. Starsky

    Starsky Newbie

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    Thanks for the reply. Do any of these docks work with Macs?
     
    Starsky, Apr 20, 2007
    #3