dockingstation
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NU's universal docking station adds more storage to (almost) any netbook
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.
Thrustmaster intros T-Standee and T-Strap chargers for Nintendo DSi
Looking for a new way to burn money on your DSi? How's about a few new charging solutions from the folks at Thrustmaster? Today, both the T-Standee Charger and T-Strap Charger were introduced, with the former expected in mid-June for $12.99 and the latter checking in next month for a penny under $8. As the name implies the T-Standee is basically a charging kickstand / docking station, while the T-Strap builds a charging port right into the strap that can be connected to any powered USB socket for on-the-go recharging. Gnarly, right? Full release is after the break.
Acoustic Research intros iPod-friendly AR5100 audio docking station
Acoustic Research is on a roll today at CES Unveiled in New York, and if you've somehow managed to avoid the overload of other iPod docking systems up until now, we've got yet another you can have a look at. The AR5100 audio docking system doubles as a tabletop music center or an iPod video source for a display. Of note, AR designed the unit so that it could actually be hung (you know, beneath a flat-panel HDTV), and gussied it up with backlit white graphics, touch-sensitive buttons, horn-loaded tweeters, a ported enclosure, a component-video output and a bundled IR remote. Check it this December for $199.99, and catch the release in its entirety after the break.%Gallery-36397%
Unitek's SATA HDD Dock throws in multicard reader, one-touch backup
If you've managed to blink over the past few weeks, you may have missed it. Missed what, you ask? The war between no name HDD racks, that's what. After numerous evolutions of the HDD Stage Rack managed to capture the hearts of at least a few storage junkies out there, we've seen a barrage of competitors surface over at Brando. The latest is Unitek's SATA HDD Multi-Function Dock with One Touch Backup, which -- to be totally frank -- does a phenomenal job of explaining itself. For those a touch slow on the uptake, this unit enables any internal 2.5- / 3.5-inch SATA drive to be accessed externally, and furthermore, it packs a couple of USB 2.0 ports and supports a whole slew of memory cards. You could grab this one now for $53, but then again, you never know what will leapfrog it next week.[Via The Red Ferret Journal]
HP goes wild: 16 new business / consumer laptop models
Over at HP's Connecting Your World event, there's a lot more to see than a new color-critical display and ultrathin all-in-one PC. More specifically, the outfit has rolled out 16 new laptop models, so we'll just cut right to it. Up first is the business-centric EliteBook premium series, which now arrives in a new slate of sizes and configurations. You'll also find a new selection of Pavilion Entertainment notebooks (dv4, dv5 and dv7) with ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection, and there's even a few HP Compaq Presarios (CQ45, CQ40 and CQ50) out there with a fresh "industrial design and HP Imprint 2 surface finish." As you can imagine, there's far too many hardware specifications to cover in this space, so bury your face in the read link for more details on the whole July-bound lot. %Gallery-24786%
Griffin PowerDock: quadruple your charging pleasure
Perennial iPod peripheral maker Griffin announced that their new PowerDock multiple-iPod / iPhone charging station would be available in June, and now it's apparently almost here.Available in two- or four-dock models, the charging station is designed for nerdy families like mine with multiple iPods, or perhaps just gadget freaks. It supports most every flavor of iPod and iPhone, with adapter inserts included, and it's made of brushed metal which is always a lovely choice.No word on a street date, but presumably it's still on schedule for a release this month. The two-dock version will run $49.99 and the four-dock version will be $69.99. [via Gizmodo]
Toshiba's Dynadock USB video docking station gets reviewed
It took Toshiba long enough to get its socket-infused Dynadock onto store shelves, and considering the rough reputation held by the vast majority of USB video docking stations out there, you've probably been holding back on this well-spec'd unit due to fear alone. If we just rang your bell, you'll be glad to know the critics over at Trusted Reviews were able to spend some quality time with the device and test out all those features that may or may not work as advertised. Overall, reviewers felt that the Dynadock performed adequately in everything save for "entertainment," so be sure and give the article a bit of your time to determine whether or not it'll handle the tasks you have in mind for it.
Week O' Dell Scoops Part Deux, fini: the Latitude E-series accessories
We're closing out our Week O' Dell scoops the way it began, with Dell's new Ergo, revealed. Clearly, it's not a waffle iron or bulk food scale with LCD monitor. It's just an E-series stand supporting LCDs up to 24-inches. Sorry, but it looks like the existing Latitude D-series of docks won't work for the new Es. As such, prepare to purchase a truckload of new E-Ports to accompany your Latitude E6000 and E5000 laptops, E4300 and E4200 ultra-portables, and the semi-rugged E6400 ATG. At least the XT2 Tablet should work with the existing XT media base. All the details can be found in the gallery below.%Gallery-19325%
Phiaton brings the visual delight to audio gear
Phiaton -- not to be confused with Volkswagen's futile attempt to break into the luxury sedan market -- is setting out to grab dollars from audio geeks that have a thing for style. The firm is actually part of Cresyn, and is attempting to put its name on the map by introducing four new exotic looking headphones, a pair of oddly-designed earbuds and a vivid music docking station. Regrettably, there are no prices to share on any of the aforementioned gear, but if you've ever secretly craved cans wrapped in faux alligator skin, this company is sure to impress. [Via CNET]
Bel Canto's Ultra-Dock preys on iPod / iPhone owners
We've no doubts that Bel Canto offers up some mighty fine equipment, but the firm's forthcoming Ultra-Dock just reeks of gimmicky. We're reserving final judgment until we find out a bit more than we know right now, but it seems this iPod / iPhone docking station can pull fidelity out of thin air. Reportedly, the unit utilizes Sonic Focus technology to "to upscale and refine compressed music and soundtracks to 96kHz / 24-bit quality," but we're pretty sure you're going to get out what you put in, generally speaking. Nevertheless, we'll keep you posted on any developments.
iStuff PhoneDock: the wannabe HiFi for iPhones
It was simply a matter of time before someone crafted a HiFi-inspired boombox tailored to play extra nice with Apple's iPhone, and now that the handset is loose (officially, that is) in the UK, iStuff is delivering the "world's first iPhone compatible speaker dock." The device, which is also compatible with dock-connecting iPods, sports a four-inch woofer, a pair of mid-range drivers and a couple of tweeters, all powered by a 40-watt amplifier. Furthermore, the unit includes a S-Video output, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack, USB connector and an IR remote to keep the jams spinnin' from the comfort of your own couch. The PhoneDock claims to be superior to those other guys by not introducing static / noise when an iPhone is connected, but who knows how much truth there is to all that. Nevertheless, those willing to take the plunge can snag one now for £129 ($272).[Via TechDigest]
Integrated Mobile Electronics' universal iMe dock gets price, ship date
We know, it's pretty difficult to remember all the way back to November of last year, but for those who need a refresher, Integrated Mobile Electronics' iMe docking station enables one device to accept a multitude of DAPs / PMPs within your car. The company hopes that folks with various players (or various riders) will enjoy not having to rewire their vehicle for every single unit, and apparently, the iMe is entering production and should be in customers' hands "within six to eight weeks." Dubbed an "integrated package," it should play nice with devices from Apple, Microsoft and SanDisk from day one, while a variety of other players should get support in the future. Potential buyers can even specify what vehicle they own in order to receive a system "specifically engineered to work with their setup," and while the iMe station itself will cost $249.99, each additional dock will run you a stiff $89.99. [Warning: PDF read link]
Logitech unveils Pure-Fi Elite speaker system for iPod
Hot on the heels of Logitech's Pure-Fi Dream and Anywhere iPod speakers comes the Pure-Fi Elite, a system that reportedly ups the ante by offering up 80-watts of power and looks a hair like the AudioStation of old. Reportedly, the device touts two-way sats, one-inch tweeters, and four-inch woofers to go along with the built-in LCD display, wireless remote, iPod dock, video output, and auxiliary input jack. Details surrounding price and availability don't yet look to be officially available, but word on the street has this sucka landing next month for around $300.[Via MacNN]
HTC Advantage docking station hooks things up
For those of you waiting patiently for your HTC jack-of-all-trades to hit the doormat, you can at least kill some time by picking up one of these new docks and trying to envision a phantom Advantage resting comfortably in the slot. The docking station features a second battery charger, two USB ports, a miniUSB port (for charging and syncing), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two video out options (VGA and S-Video) -- giving you at least a few ways to get inside (and out) of the Advantage when you're at home. The whole connection-packed affair will cost you £70 (around $140), which is kind of a steep price to pay when you've got nothing to stick in it yet.[Via Pocketables]
Third-party iPhone dock includes Bluetooth headset charging
Judging solely by the shots available, it's not hard to agree with the sect that firmly believes Apple's first-party iPhone dock won't reserve a charging spot for its Bluetooth headset. But hey, that's what Chinese knockoffs are for, right? A full seven days before the iPhone's launch, 4Ustuff purportedly has an iPhone USB cradle for sale that undoubtedly provides the means to dock / charge your BT earpiece. Whether or not it'll actually work with Apple's products (or ship, for that matter), remains to be seen.[Via Pocket-Lint]
Ruh Roh Shaggy: Art Army Van weds iPod dock, Mystery Machine
We've seen our fair share of far-out iPod docks, but Mike Leavitt's latest go at creating a piece of functional art makes us yearn to bust out the tie-dyed bandannas and throw a Scooby-Doo marathon bash. The Art Army Van is a modified plastic Mystery Machine toy, which now includes a modernized paint scheme, removable rear CD rack, passenger seat-mounted speaker, and the obligatory iPod jack in the captain's chair. The wheeled machine comes in at 10- x 6- x 6-inches in size, and while we're not entirely confident that such a masterpiece is worthy of a whole $200, we can't deny the temptation to snap one up. Click through to see this groove rider in action.
Microsoft patent details in-car stereo with docking station
Hearing Microsoft's name and "in-car stereo" in the same sentence should elicit any forms of surprise, as we've long since known that Redmond was looking to up the ante of automotive entertainment in a bevy of Ford vehicles later this year. A recent patent was granted to the firm that details a "car stereo including a docking station into which an off-the-shelf handheld computer can be docked," and additionally, it insinuates that a multitude of devices will be supported. Of course, we already knew the iPod would play nice with Sync, and while it doesn't specify if each individual DAP that you cram in this thing will have its own interface to display ID3 tags and the like, it sure seems that the major ones will. Another tidbit is the inclusion of a memory system that will "maintain a record its current state when it is undocked from a particular type of appliance," meaning that when you return and re-dock your handheld, everything should resume without any hassle. Best of all, however, is the insinuation that it won't be limited to just DAPs and PMPs, as "another interface form may allow the user to select from resources such as GPS, internet, a printer over USB, etc."[Via InformationWeek]
Audio Pro Porto iPod speaker system goes vertical
Branching out from the oh-so-typical when it comes to iPod sound systems is Audio Pro, who has put together a fairly unique docking station that takes your music (and iPod) higher. The rectangular, vertical design scheme may not fit the elongated mold that has been created for these type devices, but it plays nice with your dock-connecting iPod, tunes into FM stations, and handles a duo of other auxiliary units nevertheless. The boxes don black or red color schemes, sport a removable grill to show off the trio of drivers beneath, and even includes a nifty carry handle that admittedly detracts from the overall allure while adding utility. No word on price nor availability just yet, but be sure to click through for a darker shade.[Via ChipChick]
TomTom DUO to hit CeBIT, tout handsfree calling
Fresh deets on TomTom's forthcoming GPS are starting to flow in, and hopefully we'll know about all there is to know by the time this unit shows off on the CeBIT floor. While we'd been led on by the FCC leaks seen just hours ago, it looks like TomTom's marketing department took the easy route with regard to titling, as they've purportedly settled for TomTom DUO. Quite literally one-upping the ONE, this squared-off handheld GPS will reportedly play nice with TomTom's PLUS services, support handsfree calling over Bluetooth, and of course, offer up an elusive (albeit enticing) interaction with a docking station. The dock is suggested to include an FM transmitter for piping navigation audio throughout your vehicle's sound system, as well as allowing external DAPs to be heard through more than just a built-in tweeter, but we're still waiting to see if TomTom plans on this being a standalone unit or if it fits better integrated into one's dash. Per usual, keep it here for (more) emerging information.
Thrustmaster unveils bevy of Wiimote accessories
If you can't penetrate the market early, you might as well arrive fashionably late with a tempting pricetag, right?. Apparently, Thrustmaster's trying to do just that with its latest barrage of Wiimote accessories, as the firm's charging (and non-charging) docking stations arrive a few months after JoyTech and Nyko's renditions, and the Wiimote sleeves are almost an afterthought at this point. Nevertheless, the T-Charge NW comes in black or white finishes, charges two AA cells via USB (four included), sports a blue status LED, and of course, neatly holds your dear Wiimote / nunchuck combo. The T-Care NW removes the charging functionality, but still manages to include a set of silicone protector sleeves for one Wiimote / nunchuck tandem, and if you're already set in the dock department, the controller covers are available all by their lonesome as well. Thrustmaster's lineup seems to hit all the main areas of concern, including price, as a set of sleeves will run you $9.99 while the T-Care NW and T-Charge NW demand $14.99 and $24.99, respectively. So if you're intrigued about these budget-friendly offerings and just adore high-resolution shots, head on over to Joystiq for a gallery of photos while you wait for these to land in April.[Via Joystiq]
