Zemno's $500 DeskBook Pro docking station is strictly for zealots

It may lack wireless connectivity, but it's sure got the look. Zemno's latest portable docking station is probably the most elaborate that we've ever seen, boasting an Apple-esque appearance that's designed to mesh well with Cupertino's latest MacBook models. The company claims that any lappie under 15-inches in size can be used with its DeskBook Pro, though we're guessing only the hardcore drumbeaters would actually shell out $499.99 for something such as this. As for functionality, the port-laden slate allows for up to two hard drives to be docked simultaneously or any combination of hard drive, battery, or peripheral device with access to 16 input / output connections. The device also supports ModBays, which are interchangeable accessories designed to conveniently slip in and out of the DeskBook Pro. Hit the read link for the full list of I/O ports, but only if you managed to not be appalled by the aforesaid MSRP.

Zemno's $500 DeskBook Pro docking station is strictly for zealots

[julianbl Posted Nov 27th 2009 9:42AM]

How is this thing supposed to be connected to the MB? I'm Guessing usb/firewire as the mb lacks of docking port. What about I/O performance and practicality of wires... the whole idea of a dock is that you just put the notebook in and everything is connected. Here you'll have to manually plug the usb/firewire/displayport/power/net/ to the dock.

[YpoCaramel Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:09AM]

@(Unverified) They got rid of the expresscard slot too, making the MBPs really at a loss for connectors. We'll have to wait for Lightpeak, I'm afraid.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:12AM]

Connecting happens over USB/FireWire. See http://www.zemno.com/techspecs.aspx

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:17AM]

I think I'd prefer a 2nd computer on the same LAN as the laptop.

[cashclientel Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:25AM]

for $500 you're right.

[Alexicov Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:26AM]

My life for Aiur

[wywywywy Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:31AM]

DeskSmartNetLapNoteTopBook Pro

[Chaosdivine Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:35AM]

Uh, maybe just buy a proper laptop in the beginning? Nah, then you'd have nothing to bitch about...

[starkruzr Posted Nov 27th 2009 11:06AM]

@Chaosdivine Good trolling attempt. 7/10.

[akisweb Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:38AM]

I 'd prefer Zemno's DeskBook Pro to be my new Apple Tv :-)
This is the first thought when i see that picture:
http://www.engadget.com/photos/zemnos-500-deskbook-pro-docking-station-is-strictly-for-zealots/2485086#2485083

[jamiesim Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:40AM]

notice how none of the pics show the ugliness that would be 16 i/o cables coming out of that thing...

should have made a cube like device to hide under the desk with an umbilical cord to connect to the MBP

[paulrus Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:43AM]

Please help me fight the scourge that is the moronic "cutesy" shortening of words. Ban these words from daily usage:

lappie or lappy for laptop
Panny for Panasonic
Sammy for Samsung
vacay for vacation
hundie for hundred
passy for pacifier
ciggie for cigarette

Please, for the love of humanity Darren, act like a grown-up when you write an article or post a message. It truly is not difficult to write the whole word and you don't end up sounding like my 7 year old daughter who named the oven "ovenie", the microwave "microwavey" and so on.

[Chaosdivine Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:48AM]

@paulrus


Oh, Oh, please add this one too: prolly for probably...

Thanks...

[Chaosdivine Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:50AM]

@Me

Ok, this one will probably get me banned but I couldn't resist being a male and all:

Vajayjay for vag...ya you get the picture :)

[Dafrety Posted Nov 27th 2009 1:29PM]

@paulrus
If people are constantly repeating the same word, they might shorten it to mix things up a bit. Also, languages evolve over time. In other words, don't be such a Debby downer, Pauly.

[Shaun Ryan Posted Nov 27th 2009 11:41AM]

It's nice to see they put an 8-track player on the front. Just what my macbook has been missing.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:11PM]

@Shaun Ryan Also my immediate thought upon viewing!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:41PM]

Will that be two 3.5" or two 2.5" hdd's?

[ManekiNico Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:48PM]

"ModBays - A New Paradigm" Really??

From the product website: "A Zemno design innovation, ModBays provide unlimited storage, power, convenient accessory device management, and a link to the future that redefines the 'concept' of what a docking station should be."

Sure, if the future is circa 1998 and you're using a PowerBook G3 (Wallstreet/Lombard/Pismo). Does the term "expansion bay" ring any bells? Zemno needs to hire a new copywriter, one with a better memory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook_G3

[months Posted Nov 27th 2009 3:00PM]

Too expensive for what you get i'd say

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 29th 2009 7:32PM]

@months
Like almost everything Apple related ...

[The Dead Marxist Trio Posted Nov 27th 2009 3:27PM]

It's way too expensive for what it is right now, but this is going to be an exciting area when light peak gets going. External graphics, any port you want... I can hope, right?!

[Laichzeit Posted Nov 27th 2009 3:41PM]

I want one!

[Smurf Posted Nov 27th 2009 6:01PM]

Mac owners are clearly superior to PC owners. So I bought this $3,000 laptop... just like thousands of others. How can I raise my nose higher in the air?

BAM! $500 docking station. Well done, Zemno. This will go nicely with with my new cuff links. And haircut.

[gargravarr Posted Nov 28th 2009 2:01AM]

@Smurf Thanks Mr Troll. Back under your bridge.

[gsanluis Posted Nov 27th 2009 7:14PM]

i need one please pick me

[GUILTIE Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:56PM]

@gsanluis theyre not giving it away...