A docking station is a bridge to the past for many newer computers, but users might find that they need one even if they have the latest model. It's a device into which a person can plug a laptop in order to gain extra functionality, such as access to printers, mice, scanners, full-sized monitors and keyboards, and external hard drives. All of these peripherals can be plugged into the dock, and then, when the user connects the laptop, he can gain access to all of those peripherals without having to plug each one into the computer. This can be especially helpful if the laptop has a minimal number of USB or Firewire® ports.
Most newer laptops have more than enough USB or Firewire® ports for casual use, although some users find that they want to access a desktop monitor while using the laptop. Sometimes, a larger keyboard is also easier to type on. In each of these cases, it's usually possible for the user to plug the monitor or the keyboard directly into the laptop. Having everything plugged into a central device can provide more flexibility, however, especially if the laptop is often used on the go.
One instance in which this is particularly useful is when a person wants to hook up a newer laptop to an older printer. Printers of even the recent past routinely have serial port connectors, which are extremely uncommon on most laptops. In this case, it is possible to buy an adapter, but docking stations often include this type of port.
Feb 04, 2021 A docking station is a bridge to the past for many newer computers, but users might find that they need one even if they have the latest model. It's a device into which a person can plug a laptop in order to gain extra functionality, such as access to printers, mice, scanners, full-sized monitors and keyboards, and external hard drives. Wireless Docking Station, for iPhone and Android, for airPods and galaxy/pixel buds, 2 wireless charging pads are included!
- Boomerang Station - Universal USB 3.0 Docking Station. $ 109.99 $ 100.00. Sold out JUD531 Mini Ultra Station. USB-C™ Multi Adapter (9 Functions in 1).
- May 13, 2021 Universal docking stations are charging and interfacing stations designed with various makes and models of phones, tablets, mini-laptops and gaming devices in mind. Unlike a charging station, where more cables and haphazard stacking of devices is involved, universal docking stations provide cradle slots that MP3 players, phones and tablets can.
In essence, using a docking station converts a laptop computer into a desktop computer, even for a short period of time. A user can plug all of his peripheral devices into this machine so that they're easy to access, and then just unplug the computer itself when on the go, rather than having to disconnect each individual item. Especially when a combination of newer and older technology is used, this often allows everything to work together more easily.
Alternatively referred to as a universal port replicator, a docking station is a hardwaredevice that allows portable computers to connect with other devices with little or no effort. Docking stations enable users with a laptop computer to convert it into a desktop computer when at the office or at home.
For example, a business user could use a laptop on the road to create a document. When they return to the office, they could attach the laptop to the docking station to use their monitor, speakers, and office printer. The picture is an example of a Dell docking station. This particular docking station enables the laptop to be directly connected to the docking station without the need of using any additional cables. Keep in mind that all docking stations are different.
- Dock - Term used to describe the process of connecting a portable computer to a docking station.
- Undock (cold dock) - Term used to describe the process of disconnecting a portable computer from a docking station after it's shut down.
Related pages
Docking Station For Macbook Air
Hardware terms, Hot docking, Laptop, Laptop stand, Port bar