Purpose of Docking Stations
Laptop accessories are in high demand among consumers because they can not only make the operation of this equipment more convenient but also significantly expand its functionality. An example of such useful additions to a laptop are docking stations, which allow you to increase the number of ports of this device.
Many users liked the laptop due to its mobility – it is convenient to carry, take with you on a business trip and on vacation. The lighter and more compact it is, the easier it is to transport. Unfortunately, the reduction in device size affects the "business qualities" of the equipment. Netbooks suffer from a particular limitation of functions.
Manufacturers of miniature computers, not wanting to lose buyers of their products, have developed special devices that allow adding the capabilities of stationary computer installations to the advantages of laptops. Docking stations (dock station) are exactly such equipment.
Installation of Docking Stations
This device simply connects to the laptop via a USB port, and, located under its body, at the same time serves as a stand for it. As a result, the mobile computer will have several USB ports, connectors, video and audio outputs, and a port for connecting a printing device. The design of docking stations may include slots for installing a hard drive, optical drive, and an additional battery.
Representatives of the Model Range of Docking Stations on the Russian Market
Despite the variety of dock station models, they have not yet found widespread use in our country. This phenomenon is caused by two reasons. One of them is due to the fact that these installations cannot be used with certain older laptop models. The main reason is that many laptop owners simply do not know about the existence of this accessory, although it is available in a wide range on the Russian market.
The Advanced Docking Station is a typical representative of such equipment. It features small dimensions (66x270.5x260 mm) and low weight (1.63 kg). The device has a compartment where you can install a hard drive (2.5 inches) or an optical drive. Using a dock station will increase the total number of USB ports by 6, and PS/2 are intended for connecting a mouse and a full-sized keyboard. In addition, the laptop owner will have several more ports at their disposal – eSATA, VGA, DVI-D (two), COM, LPT, as well as connectors – DisplayPort (two), Ethernet RJ-45, outputs for connecting headphones and a microphone. The price of the product reaches 5.5 thousand rubles.
There are special versions of docking stations designed for netbooks. All of them are characterized by small dimensions, not exceeding 19x190x260 mm. The device in its minimum configuration has a low cost – 1700 rubles. Its use makes it possible to install an additional hard drive (2.5 inches) and an optical drive, and obtain two USB ports.
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