Docking Stations

Historically, one of the most popular accessories for laptops is some type of docking solution. These devices are designed to enhance the features of a portable system and enable it to function more like a desktop. There are two types of docking solutions: the full-featured docking station and the less expensive port replicator.

Docking stations vary in size and shape and are sometimes as large as a desktop computer. The docking station, or dock, is actually designed to serve two functions. First, it endows the notebook computer with many more options than are possible in the limited space of a small portable system. Second, it provides a simple and easy way to connect a large number of devices to and disconnect them from a notebook simultaneously.

An example of a docking station is the Compaq Expansion Base (see Figure 14.4). This docking station can attach to notebooks such as the Compaq Evo. The Expansion Base provides a 10/100Mbps network adapter, two storage module bays, a half-height storage bay, two PCI slots, a full range of notebook connectors, and a monitor stand.

Figure 14.4. A Compaq Evo notebook attached to a Compaq Expansion Base docking station.

In many offices, notebook/docking station combinations have been set up so that they are functionally equivalent to desktop computers. Here, the users type on a large desktop-style keyboard together with a standard-size mouse. Graphics and text are viewed on a large desktop-style display. Docking stations also can contain a wide array of other features, such as network interface adapters, external speakers, additional hard disk or CD-ROM drives, additional PC Card slots, and a spare battery charger. Some docking stations can even accommodate desktop-style expansion cards and esoteric storage devices. This might include the latest high-definition video cards or writable DVD drives that are not present on older notebooks.

In most respects, the combination of a notebook with a docking station can be indistinguishable from a desktop computer, except for one key point: Whenever the users need to, they can disconnect their notebooks from the dock and take them out on the road.

This notebook/docking station combination serves the same purpose as two computers: a full-function desktop in the office and a notebook on the road. The advantages of this arrangement are obvious: First, the notebook/docking station costs considerably less than a notebook/desktop combination, both in terms of hardware and software licensing. Second, because only one computer is involved in the notebook/docking station combination, users are spared the tedium of making sure that their desktops and notebooks are continually synchronized and up to date with the same data files. This synchronization is traditionally done in a slow manual procedure using a network connection or the venerable null modem cable (a crossover cable used to transfer files between systems by connecting their parallel or serial ports). With a docking station and a suitably equipped notebook, however, you can avoid this task and achieve the best of both the mobile and deskbound worlds.

In some cases, a user may have two docking stations: one at the office and one at home, further amplifying the cost advantage of the notebook/docking station system. In this case, the single notebook is in effect performing the work of three computers: one notebook and two desktops.

When a notebook is docked, its operating system has to be made aware of the new set of peripherals that are suddenly available. An operating system such as Windows 9x, Me, 2000, or XP can maintain multiple hardware profiles for a single notebook computer.

Note

A hardware profile is a collection of configuration settings for the devices accessible by the system.

To use a docking station, you create one profile for the portable system in its undocked state and another that adds support for the additional hardware available while docked.

Proprietary Docking Stations

Note that most docking stations are highly proprietary items designed for use only with notebooks from a single manufacturer, or even a single model from a manufacturer. If you purchase a notebook and docking station and then later switch to another notebook manufacturer, your old dock becomes useless. Notebook manufacturers thus use devices such as docking stations to encourage customers not to switch to other manufacturers. Note, however, that as technology improves, it can be increasingly difficult for notebook manufacturers to continue to adapt new notebooks to fit docking stations that may be five or more years old. This is particularly true for brand-new families of notebooks with dramatically different form factors. For example, when you switch from a large desktop-replacement to a new ultralight or Tablet PC from the same manufacturer, don't be surprised if your old docking station does not work with the new device.

As with many options available only from a single source, prices for docking stations are not subject to competition and may be expensive. To save money, users can investigate port replicators, which offer fewer features but cost significantly less.

Third-party Docking Solutions

A small number of generic docking stations are also available. Rather than use the proprietary docking station connector on the back or the bottom of the notebook, these generic docks make use of one of the notebook's standard high-bandwidth interfaces, such as a CardBus PC Card slot or a USB connector. One company that sells theses devices is Mobility Electronics (www.mobilityelectronics.com). Its units feature serial, parallel, PS/2 mouse, and PS/2 keyboard connectors, as well as a PC Card slot.

The Decline of the Dock

It should be pointed out that in recent years, docking stations seem to be declining in popularity. In the early days of laptops, LCD screens were so small and poor in quality that many users demanded external CRT monitors whenever possible. Also, at that time, a number of network adapters and storage devices were not yet available in a form that could be directly used by laptop computers. Docking stations equipped with shelves to support heavy CRT displays provided any easy way to endow laptops with the capability of providing readable displays and fast network connections. Corporate buyers, eager to avoid the expense of supplying workers with both a notebook and a desktop, readily invested in docking stations.

Now, however, LCD screens of notebook computers are so large and sharp that an external monitor offers little advantage. Plus, most network adapters and storage drives are available in a form that can attach directly to a notebook. Port replicators provide many of the benefits of full docking stations at much less cost. Meanwhile, generic docks and port replicators provide these benefits without tying users to a particular notebook model line. Because of these facts, many buyers do not see the need to purchase a $500 accessory that provides little additional benefit. Accordingly, many manufacturers do not offer a docking station option for their newest notebook computers.