Laptop Thoughts: Laptop Mag Checks Out Some Laptop Docks

"Maybe it's time you purchased a notebook dock. These accessories can double your system's available USB connections, and many even come with DVI or VGA ports for connecting to an external display. There are even affordable wireless docks, which make linking your laptop to various peripherals as simple as plugging in a USB dongle."

Docking stations used to be expensive add-ons to your laptop, and were usually made to only fit a particular laptop or line of laptops. With USB 2.0, manufacturers started experimenting with more generic docking stations. While the current generation does not provide all-in-one-docking (as in, "also providing AC power") they do add a lot of functionality and are a great time saver if you find yourself constantly in and out of your office. Most offer a decent range of extra ports such as extra USB ports (for your printer, scanner, card reader, desktop keyboard and mouse), Ethernet and audio ports, with some also offering a video port! My choice? The Kensington model looks good, but only with the extra laptop stand. The combination of both looks like a pretty comfortable setup when one is stuck in the office. What is your pick, or do you have something completely different?