SMK-Link's Notebook USB Audio Station tilts your laptop with speakers

On one hand, it's just a laptop docking station. On the other, it's probably the most useful laptop docking station this side of Toshiba's dynadock V. SMK-Link's simply titled Notebook USB Audio Station was just released, bringing a universal (Mac and PC) design that actually goes above and beyond the call to a product segment that's typically a snoozefest. As you've likely noticed by now, the tilt here is accomplished by propping your machine up on a pair of 8-watt speakers, giving you an elevated view as well as an improved level of audio quality (we're assuming, anyway). There's also a three-port powered USB hub for keeping those peripherals juiced, and the sub-$60 price point makes it even easier to consider seriously. As of now, though, you'll only find it at the company's website and inside your local Apple store.

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SMK ANNOUNCES THE NEW NOTEBOOK USB AUDIO STATION

The Ultimate Notebook Base Station for Apple MacBook Laptops,
As Well As Dell, HP, Sony and Other Windows-Based Laptop PCs

Camarillo, California, June 3rd, 2010 ---- SMK-Link Electronics Corporation, a subsidiary of SMK Electronics,
the largest manufacturer of OEM remote controls in the world, today announced the availability of the new
Notebook USB Audio Station. Utilizing a minimal foot-print design, the new Notebook USB Audio Station elevates
the Apple® MacBook® or PC laptop screen, positioning it ergonomically at eye-level for effortless desktop use.
The new USB Audio Station also features a seamlessly integrated stereo audio amplification system, plus a 3-port
powered USB hub--making it an ideal base station for all Apple MacBook laptops, as well as Dell®, HP®, Sony®
and other Microsoft® Windows®-based PC laptops.

''Laptop and notebook computers have become both desktop replacements and entertainment centers. SMK's
new Notebook USB Audio Station is a 'must have' desktop accessory for these new uses,'' said John Blair, General
Manager of Branded Products for SMK-Link. ''Priced under $60 and available at Apple retail stores, the Notebook
USB Audio Station is a quick, easy and effective desktop base station. Raising the laptop screen to a 26-degree
tilt angle at eye level, it creates an ergonomically-correct computing position------reducing eye strain and eliminating
the neck pain or back fatigue associated with prolonged laptop use.

''The NoteBook USB Audio Station is also an audio amplification system,'' continued Mr. Blair, ''delivering 8 watts
of clear stereo sound from its pair of seamlessly integrated audio speakers. Finally, the Notebook USB Audio
Station contains a 3-port powered USB hub for use with all USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 peripherals. Used in combination
with a wireless keyboard/mouse combination, such as Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse or SMK's
VersaPoint® Wireless Desktop Suite, the Notebook USB Audio Station is an ideal laptop base station--seamlessly
positioning the MacBook or PC laptop screen for extended desktop use at home, in the dorm, or at the office.''

Notebook USB Audio Station ---
- Key Media Points

• Designed for use with Apple MacBook, MacBook Air® and MacBook Pro® laptops
• Designed for use with Dell, HP, Sony and all other Windows-based laptop PCs
• Ergonomically positions the laptop screen at eye level for extended desktop computing
• Delivers 8 watts of clear stereo sound amplification from integrated speakers
• Provides a 3-port USB powered hub for use with USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 peripherals
• Available at Apple retail stores, and the SMK Link website (http://www.smklink.com)
• Suggested retail price: US $59.99

About SMK-Link Electronics

SMK-Link, headquartered in Camarillo, California, designs and manufactures remote controls and other advanced
Bluetooth peripherals. SMK-Link is a subsidiary of SMK Corporation. SMK Corporation, established in 1925 with
its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest OEM manufacturer of remote control units in the world.

[MarcO Posted Jun 8th 2010 9:22AM]

That's not a docking station... A laptop stand, maybe, but certainly not a docking station. It doesn't dock with anything, peeps !

[McKirf Posted Jun 8th 2010 8:22PM]

@MarcO

Perfect for hunt-and-peck typists!

[Hivetyrant Posted Jun 8th 2010 9:24AM]

At first I was like :-/

But then I was like :-)

[dardub Posted Jun 8th 2010 12:37PM]

@Hivetyrant
At first I was like :D
Then I was like :0
Next I was like :|
Finally I was like :

[dardub Posted Jun 8th 2010 12:40PM]

@dardub
Fack it stripped the last character ahaha. Was an angle bracket. I guess if they ain't gonna give you edit, preview would be nice instead. The ajax generated preview they use on stack overflow is nice. :)

[GWEEDOspeedo Posted Jun 8th 2010 9:46AM]

Two 8W speakers? Meh. How about two 100W subwoofers?

[geimsss Posted Jun 8th 2010 9:53AM]

@GWEEDOspeedo

you're damn right MAN! it would be a really big dock with big big subs!!!

[ArhcAngel Posted Jun 8th 2010 10:02AM]

@GWEEDOspeedo

That would be so awesome! You plop your laptop on the riser. hit the power button...

NO OS FOUND
Please Insert Disk to Continue.

[geimsss Posted Jun 8th 2010 9:47AM]

This thing is so ugly Man soooooo UGLY!...the power switch is sooooo 1985!!! it's the fucking "Ab Power Slim" look-alike!!!!

[kabloink Posted Jun 8th 2010 11:07AM]

@geimsss It's retro cool.

[47MasoN47 Posted Jun 8th 2010 10:31AM]

I dunno, I don't think I'd ever use something like that.

[Bushrod Posted Jun 8th 2010 10:35AM]

Fucking chick magnet that thing is.

[GWEEDOspeedo Posted Jun 8th 2010 11:42AM]

@Bushrod F'ing magnets, how do they work?

[FireMonkey Posted Jun 8th 2010 10:41AM]

Umm... Don't speakers have big magnets in them? Aren't PC's a little sensitive to magnets?

I know laptops are 'supposed' to be shielded but I wouldn't want to chance having a couple of big magnets that close to mine just in case.

[cicada Posted Jun 8th 2010 11:09AM]

@FireMonkey most laptops have similar speakers *built in*, you need a *really* powerful magnet to effect a harddisk these days, and the HDD is about the only component in a laptop that's still somewhat magnetically sensitive.

Besides, if your laptop isn't rockin' an SSD, you're missing out anyway.

[FireMonkey Posted Jun 9th 2010 3:48AM]

@cicada - Oh, ok. Sorry my knowledge of speakers is pretty poor, but if they are very similar to the ones in most laptops that makes even less reason to have this over a standard laptop rest doesn't it?

[ukskater01 Posted Jun 8th 2010 11:36AM]

I know this isn't a huge issue yet but for the future wouldn't USB 3.0 be a good idea?

[greenmonkey Posted Jun 8th 2010 12:42PM]

I've never understood these tilt laptop stands for a desk or a table. Why would you want to tilt your laptop keyboard like that?

I just don't get it. It's bad ergonomics.

[Kyle Krcmaric Posted Jun 8th 2010 2:26PM]

Where to buy if your local mall lacks an Apple store.
http://www.smklink.com/index.php?id=Nzc0

[Javindo Posted Jun 8th 2010 2:39PM]

I was going to try and find out the price, but then I realised it will be available in "Apple Stores" so I know already that it's out of my budget.

[miniskunk Posted Jun 8th 2010 3:40PM]

This is a great idea and I will likely buy one for my lappy. They only missed one logical missing design element....a fan for extra cooling. There is plenty of room in the middle for a single fan to sit underneath adding extra cooling for people who use their lappys for gaming. Having nice underside speakers are an attractive feature for mobile gamers, but a fan underneath would be the icing on the cake.