IOGEAR introduces USB 2.0 Docking Station

IOGEAR has just introduced it's USB 2.0 Docking Station, a fairly straightforward looking unit for your laptop (but that's probably what you want a dock to be).  Just connect your laptop via a USB cable and you'll instantly add an Ethernet port, two PS/2 ports, audio-in/out jacks, a serial port and three USB 2.0 ports.  And even though it looks like it'd be a good match with your shiny new PowerBook G4 perfectly, this one isn't Mac compatible.  But PC users can get it now for $89.95.

[Rus @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

What isn't Mac compatible about it?

Usually that's just said so they don't have to support Mac users.

I have used several docking stations like this with my iBook.

The PS2, serial, audio, and USB hibs are all supported natively with an interchangeable USB I/O kit built in to Mac OS 10.2.8 and higher

[Oliver @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

i'm sure it's mac compatible, and i'm sure it would be great for windows users with old gear who are thinking about buying the mac mini.

[HPC @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Looks prety useless. It's basically a USB Hub. Ethernet is not needed with Wifi. There is no real use for PS/2 and serial ports anymore. Audio in/out is usually very accessible in most laptops. The only thing that could be useful is a VGA and power connection and they're not there.

[neps @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Anyone use BookEnds for Powerbooks & iBook since they were bought by Photo Control from NewerTech?

http://www.photo-control.com/bookendz/index.htm

[hi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

That's funny because Targus makes one (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=ACP50US) that actually includes the VGA port as well. You really don't have a docking station without VGA, All you have is a port replicator.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

The ethernet feature might not be Mac compatible. I don't think OS X supports USB ethernet adapters without additional drivers.

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

The point of the Targus one is for someone who uses their laptop as a desktop a lot and therefore has a whole set of stuff they would have to plug/unplug everytime they needed to take the laptop somewhere. Yeah must audio in ports are easily accessible, but it's much easier to unplug one cable then 6 everytime.

Without VGA or DVI this thing is useless.

[jzderf @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Someone help me out - all that data is being passed through the USB port? How is that possible with audio/ethernet/usb 2.0 all going at once?

[Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

jzderf: the dock essentially contains an ethernet card and a sound card. Your existing sound and network chips in your laptop just don't get used.

[J. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

The problem with the Targus one is that the refresh rate is super slow so you actually see lines on your screens and tons of ghosting. VGA through USB is just not there yet.

[Trev @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Really, I've been looking at getting the Targus unit, but I haven't seen any reviews for it yet. I need the VGA output because I want to run my laptop through a KVM video switch. Looks like I'll have to get a cheap docking station like iomega & then run a video output cable into the KVM. That would only make 2 cables then.

[poker player @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

USB 2.0 sounds tio be a gift for the window users and i am sure it will be compatibe with mac usres as well.

[poker player @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

USB 2.0 sounds tio be a gift for the window users and i am sure it will be compatibe with mac usres as well.

[SuPaFly10 @ Jan 7th 2006 1:59AM]

I purchased the Targus specifically for the VGA connection, and it was pretty much useless. As stated above, the refresh rate was way too slow and unuseable ! Needless to say, i've returned it. I now just picked up the IOGEAR unit and am having trouble with getting my ethernet connection working, as well as my new Logitech Laser mouse (USB)....frustration has set in.



Any other options for a docking station that might be a 'COMPLETE' solution??