Engadget

Kensington slaps DisplayLink into USB universal docking stations

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:07:00 EST

We've gone over one whole month without speaking of DisplayLink, and honestly, it's killing us on the inside. Thus, we're thrilled to see yet another product looking to the always-popular USB port for guidance, with Kensington's two newest universal docking stations channeling your graphics, peripherals and even internet journeys (only on the $149.99 K33926US, not on the $129.99 K33930US) over one single cable. Put simply, these docks allow users to connect up a set of speakers, USB peripherals and even a DVI / VGA display, and when you stroll in with your laptop, you simply link the two via a single USB connection and enjoy a "docked" experience. What's most interesting here, however, is the maximum resolution support; while most universal docks top out well below the 1080p mark, these two support resolutions as high as 2,048 x 1,152. Oh, and if you're just looking to connect a few (up to six) monitors to your existing rig via USB, the $79.99 Universal Multi-Display Adapter should be able to help.

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals

Kensington slaps DisplayLink into USB universal docking stations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's dynadock wireless U: it's a universal docking station, but wireless

Darren Murph — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:23:00 EST

Wireless docking stations have been around for years now, but the main issue has been bandwidth. Sure, it's easy to send a wireless mouse signal through the air, but try shoving 720p video, four USB signals and a little bit of arrogance though those highly-spaced particles. Toshiba's new dynadock wireless U USB docking station does a commendable job of doing the best it can with what it has, tapping into wireless USB technology in order to nix the need for your laptop to actually be seated into your docking station. The device can be setup to auto-connect when your machine is in range, and a one-touch undock button carefully shuts down all of your peripherals as you exit. There's six USB 2.0 sockets (included two of the Sleep-and-Charge variety), integrated 7.1 audio and support for a VGA / DVI monitor with resolutions as high as 1,680 x 1,050. Nah, that's not quite 1080p, but we'll take it for now. The $299.99 asking price, however, is a bit harder to swallow.

Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals

Toshiba's dynadock wireless U: it's a universal docking station, but wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NU's universal docking station adds more storage to (almost) any netbook

Tim Stevens — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Love your netbook but wish it had more varied storage options, like maybe an optical drive and another hard disk? Wait until you see what NU can do for you. The company is advertising a universal docking station packing both a Super-Multi DVD writer and a removable enclosure for a 2.5-inch hard disk (action photograph below), along with a two-port USB hub and an integrated fan. No mention of price or availability, but with a blessing by the FCC already on the books it shouldn't be too long before this two-tone wedge gets re-badged and retailed domestically.

Continue reading NU's universal docking station adds more storage to (almost) any netbook

Filed under: Laptops

NU's universal docking station adds more storage to (almost) any netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belkin unveils ExpressCard Notebook Expansion Dock

Darren Murph — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 06:26:00 EST

If you're tired of seeing those poor excuses for universal docks that connect via USB 2.0 -- most of which can't even export video without bringing your machine to a grinding halt -- you'll be elated to know that Belkin has upped the ante on the lackluster alternatives with its Notebook Expansion Dock. This device provides the extra USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet jack, and stereo inputs / outputs you've come to know and love, but steps it up in the A / V department where other units simply can't find the bandwidth to compete. By interfacing with your laptop via the oh-so-speedy ExpressCard slot, this universal dock "quadruples" the amount of available bandwidth compared to the sluggish USB 2.0 offerings, and boasts an impressive "2.0Gbps of throughput" for your media-centric needs. By relocating the bottleneck, the device can push full-motion video through its DVI or VGA ports at an unparalleled 1,600 x 1,200 resolution, channel 5.1 surround sound through the Toslink digital output, and operate peripherals connected to any of the five USB 2.0 connectors -- all while allowing your mouse cursor to function sans jerkiness. Windows XP users (sorry, Mac brethren) that aren't reserving that zippy ExpressCard slot for some other gizmo can pick up the Notebook Expansion Dock for $199.99.

[Via PocketLint]

Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals

Belkin unveils ExpressCard Notebook Expansion Dock originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 06:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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