Universal docking stations for UMPCs
Universal docking stations have been around for years now, but since no one has really featured them as useful or even must-have accessories for UMPCs, I thought I’d do that today.
Many companies offer dedicated docking stations that connect to a device’s proprietary dock connector and expands its functionality, so the absence of such a connector can sometimes cause consumers to prematurely eliminate a particular UMPC from their list of considerations. Likewise, a device with an available docking station could easily be written off if its dock is either exorbitantly priced or doesn’t include the desired number or type of ports. That’s where universal docking stations that connect to UMPCs (and other computers) via a standard USB 2.0 port come in. They’re generally much less expensive than those designed for a specific device and can quickly transform any UMPC into a desktop system.
There are countless USB docking stations out there, so what follows is not an exhaustive list of every available dock. Rather, what I’ve done below is compile those that are broadly representative (in terms of price point and functionality) of the choices offered to shoppers today.
Docking stations are listed in highest-to-lowest price order.
Toshiba Dynadock with DVI Port
Features:
- Space-saving upright design
- View up to 3 displays simultaneously
- 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 powered front ports to charge small electronics)
- Other ports: optical S/PDIF digital audio, DP9 serial, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, DVI video, DC-in power, mono microphone, 3.5mm stereo audio
- Available in Mist Gray and Black
- Windows XP and Vista only
- 1.8" x 3.1" x 8.75", 1.1 lbs
Price: $179.99 (MSRP), available for as low as $99 from Amazon
Toshiba Dynadock with VGA Port
Features:
- Space-saving upright design
- View up to 3 displays simultaneously
- 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 powered front ports to charge small electronics)
- Other ports: optical S/PDIF digital audio, serial, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, VGA, DC-in power, mono microphone, stereo audio
- Windows XP and Vista only
- 1.8" x 3.1" x 8.75", 1.1 lbs
Price: $149.99 (MSRP), available for less from Amazon
Kensington Dock with Video (sd200v)
Features:
- Space-saving upright design
- DualView display technology
- 5 USB 2.0 ports (1 front)
- Other ports: VGA (up to 1440 x 1050 widescreen, 1280 x 1024 standard), DC-power in, microphone, stereo audio
- Compatible with Mac OSX 10.4.11, Windows XP SP2 and Vista
- 4.0" x 6.25" x 2.13"
Price: $139.99 (MSRP), available as low as $60 from Amazon (after rebate)
Fujitsu Universal Dock with Video Port
Features:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 powered to charge small electronics)
- Other ports: 15-pin monitor/video (up to 1280 x 1024), serial, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, DC-in power, mono microphone, stereo audio
- 10.6" x 3.0" x 1.2", 13 oz
Price: $129 from Fujitsu
Fujitsu USB 2.0 Dock
Features:
- 1 USB 2.0 upstream, 2 USB 2.0 downstream ports
- Other ports: 2 PS/2 (mouse and keyboard), serial, parallel, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, DC-in power
- Windows XP only
Price: $99.99 from CDW
Targus Universal Dock with Digital Audio
Features:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 high-power ones)
- Other ports: S/PDIF digital audio, 2 PS/2 (mouse and keyboard), serial, parallel, /100 Base-T Ethernet, DC-in power, microphone, audio
- Windows 2000, XP, and Vista only
- 10.6" x 1.2", 12.2 ounces
Price: $96 from Best Buy
Kensington Expansion Dock (33367)
Features:
- Wedge design adds airflow to prevent overheating
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- Other ports: VGA (up to 1280 x 1024), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, DC-in power, microphone, audio
- Compatible with Mac OSX 10.4.11, Windows XP SP2 and Vista
Price: $87 from GizmosForLife
Cables to Go Dock with Video
Features:
- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- Other ports: 2 PS/2 (mouse and keyboard), serial, parallel, 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet, VGA output and input, DC-in power
- Includes USB/VGA combo cable
- Supports Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, and Vista
Price: $68 from Buy.com
StarTech 6-in-1 Dock
Features:
- Compact form factor makes it ideal for traveling
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- Other ports: 2 PS/2 (mouse and keyboard), serial, parallel, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, DC-in power
- 7.0" x 2.2" x 1.0"
Price: $59.99 from Newegg
There are dozens of universal docking stations not covered here, so if you know of one that should definitely be added to the list, please let me know in the comments.
