docking stations - do they still make these?

I want a laptop, but still need a way to use a bigger monitor sometimes

[Trisha]

My computer is really old and I need to start looking for a new one. What I would like is a docking station type thing, but I'm not sure if that is what most people call them or not or if they even still make them.

I would really like a laptop, but would like a way to use it with a bigger monitor when I need to for graphics work. They used to have these where I used to work.

I read PatrickDeese's thread about the problems he was having with web sites when looking for a computer. I can't say Dell's site was very user friendly either. I couldn't find anything about docking stations, and couldn't find a way to contact anyone either. Except by phone, which I don't really want to do yet.

Anyway, does anyone here use something like this or have any advice about where to buy one?

(PS - today is my 2 year WebmasterWorld membership anniversary!)

[Sinner_G]

Happy anniversary.

My laptop (Fujitsu) has a docking station. But there are many laptops that don't need a docking station to use an external monitor, you just plug it in, same as you would with a desktop computer. Same applies to keyboard, BTW.

[vibgyor79]

>> way to use a bigger monitor sometimes

Why not go for a laptop with a 17 inch screen? You can get a Toshiba for $1500 - $2000. A 17 inch LCD screen is almost equal to 19-inch CRT tube in terms of viewable area.

[Trisha]

Happy anniversary

Thanks!

My laptop (Fujitsu) has a docking station. But there are many laptops that don't need a docking station to use an external monitor, you just plug it in, same as you would with a desktop computer. Same applies to keyboard, BTW.

I had no idea it worked that way! That's great! What would I look for in the description of the laptop to know if it had that capability? Would it actually say it 'can be plugged into a monitor' or would it be through some sort of USB or other type of connection?

Why not go for a laptop with a 17 inch screen? You can get a Toshiba for $1500 - $2000. A 17 inch LCD screen is almost equal to 19-inch CRT tube in terms of viewable area.

I didn't know a 17 in lcd was nearly the same as a 19 in crt. I have a 19 in now. If I could afford it, I've love to have a 21 in though! I'll check into Toshiba ones.

[volatilegx]

look on the back of your laptop for a RGB port. It looks just like the kind on the back of a desktop computer, where you would plug in the monitor. Basically, you would just plug your monitor into it.

[Trisha]

look on the back of your laptop for a RGB port. It looks just like the kind on the back of a desktop computer, where you would plug in the monitor. Basically, you would just plug your monitor into it.

Thanks! I don't have a laptop yet, but now I know what to look for when I get ready to buy one!

[fasteddie uk2001]

I always think that docking stations are a bit of a rip off. I just plug in the monitor, and a keyboard and mouse into the USB ports, takes about 15 seconds and saves hundreds of pounds!

f

[anallawalla]

The other term is "port replicator". I think the docking stations were the old monstrosities that had two disk bays, whereas the port replicators don't. Main convenience is being able to slide out the laptop without undoing 4-5 connections.

Some laptops come with an integral docking station, i.e. the whole thing is as large as a traditional laptop but the keyboard, internal drive and LCD panel are a detachable (very slim) item. They are handy if you don't need your stereo speakers and CD/DVD drive, say for attending a meeting elsewhere in your office.

[creative craig]

Why not go for a laptop with a 17 inch screen? You can get a Toshiba

I have the mentioned laptop, nice monitor.. makes you forget it's attached to laptop.

Craig