Any good USB docking stations?

[paperfist]

I need to hook a laptop up to a separate monitor and KB/Mouse. The laptop doesn't have native support for a docking station. I've looked around and the USB connection type of docking stations and they get hit or miss reviews across the board at least for the $100 or so budget I'm at.

Do you guys know of a good one or another option? The person who will use this isn't technically savvy.

Thanks!

 

[Pohemi]

I've used a BlackX from Thermaltake for a number of years without an issue. It can hold 2.5 or 3.5 inch drives, and the model I have has both USB2.0 and eSATA. Other models have USB3.0 and even a dual drive dock. Rosewill and a number of other companies have made the same thing with their name on it.

EDIT: nevermind, I thought you meant a hard drive dock

2nd EDIT: If all you need to do is be able to plug in your mouse and keyboard, you might think about just getting a powered USB hub. That way you don't have to take up all of the ports on the laptop. That is, if you don't care about having the audio and video ports that a dock can add...

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

What do you want this docking station to do? Wouldn't you be looking for more of a USB hubt only?

 

[paperfist]

What do you want this docking station to do? Wouldn't you be looking for more of a USB hubt only?

I need it to attach to a hub or dock with as few wires as possible so that it can use a separate monitor, KB/Mouse and audio.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I need it to attach to a hub or dock with as few wires as possible so that it can use a separate monitor, KB/Mouse and audio.

You basically want one cable to hook up to your computer and then a hub or dock that does everything. That is either nonexistent or very rare.

 

[evilspoons]

I suspect Apple/Intel may be attempting to work towards something like this with Thunderbolt, but since that would require a new computer anyway you could just buy one with a docking port.

USB video's a bit shaky no matter how you slice it, the easiest way to do this would probably be to put a usb sound card, keyboard, and mouse on a hub, plug the monitor in separately, and then press the 'swap monitors' button on your laptop's keyboard (or, if Windows 7, windows key+ P brings up 'presentation settings'.)

 

[Mojonba]

USB video's a bit shaky no matter how you slice it

^ This. Usb was never designed for video. If you want reliable/high quality video and no docking station support you will need to connect a vga/hdmi/dp cable and a usb hub with everything else. You will eventually get used to connecting the extra cable.

 

[halry2]

Checked.
Looking for good docking station recommendations.

 

[IronSheik]

I use 4 connections to "dock" my laptop under the desk using an external monitor and peripherals.

1. HDMI for video. 2. 10 port usb 3.0 hub 3. Power supply 4. Speakers