When the heck is Apple going to come out with a docking station for the MacBook Pro?

[JackBurton]

I'm looking at getting a MacBook Pro and use it as my main machine with an external monitor, but where the heck is the docking station? Plugging in several connections gets old REALLY fast. Is Jobs even THINKING about a dock for the MacBooks?

 

[Keitero]

I'd love the idea for a docking station, but where would you attach it on the current MBPs? I for one think that the Express card slot an idea but people who use it gets shafted.

 

[JackBurton]

Well maybe he could just start implementing that feature on the new MacBook Pros coming out (rumored in June). I'd be fine with that.

 

[TheStu]

I've had a lot of different ideas for how Apple could possibly implement a docking connector while still maintaining the thin form factor that hte MacBook Pro has. Most of them involve contact points on the bottom of the system, it then uses a series of magnets to hold the laptop in the right place in the dock. No idea how feasible that is though.

 

[Kmax82]

Really.. all a docking station accomplishes is a way to plug your computer into one port and have everything hooked up through that. Apple could easily do that, if they made some ExpressCard solution, or even a separate (proprietary) port that looked similar to Firewire, or USB.

I really hope that they come out with something like that soon. Especially since they're trying to infiltrate the business market with the iPhone. Those business users are going to demand a docking solution. And the $299 3rd party dock is a joke.

 

[randomlinh]

I would like a simple connection where i plug it in off to the side, either close lid or as a secondary screen. and have a keyboard/mouse/monitor all set up there. I hate wearing out the laptop keyboard, heh

 

[Kmax82]

You can setup an external keyboard/mouse combo, and close the lid to the MBP and run an external display. The problem is that you can't run TWO external displays when it's closed. So hopefully one day, that will be rectified.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
You can setup an external keyboard/mouse combo, and close the lid to the MBP and run an external display. The problem is that you can't run TWO external displays when it's closed. So hopefully one day, that will be rectified.

That's not the problem. I'll get a bluetooth keyboard and wireless mouse, but I'll have to keep plugging in and disconnecting my display which has a video connection and USB and firewire. I'll also have to connect the audio for my speakers. Not fun.

 

[bearxor]

Here at work, we set up someone with a 17" MBP with a BookEndz.

http://www.BookEndzDocks.com/D..._Pro_Firewire_800.html

She likes it well enough. She keeps her laptop in it whenever she is in the building and keeps her external 22" monitor, keyboard, mouse, scanner and speakers plugged in to it along with an extra power adapter that sits there so that she doesn't have to lug one back and forth from home. You just set it in the dock, pull the lever tight and it's an instant desktop!

They're kinda pricey though.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: bearxor
Here at work, we set up someone with a 17" MBP with a BookEndz.

http://www.BookEndzDocks.com/D..._Pro_Firewire_800.html

She likes it well enough. She keeps her laptop in it whenever she is in the building and keeps her external 22" monitor, keyboard, mouse, scanner and speakers plugged in to it along with an extra power adapter that sits there so that she doesn't have to lug one back and forth from home. You just set it in the dock, pull the lever tight and it's an instant desktop!

They're kinda pricey though.

Yeah, I saw those, but it just looks Frankenstein to me. I just don't think it keeps with the Mac look.

 

[bearxor]

It's not bad if it stays in the dock most of the time. If you're going to be constantly pulling it and dragging it around, I wouldn't recommend it. I can take pic of what it looks like on her desk tomorrow if you're interested.

 

[Kmax82]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Kmax82
You can setup an external keyboard/mouse combo, and close the lid to the MBP and run an external display. The problem is that you can't run TWO external displays when it's closed. So hopefully one day, that will be rectified.

That's not the problem. I'll get a bluetooth keyboard and wireless mouse, but I'll have to keep plugging in and disconnecting my display which has a video connection and USB and firewire. I'll also have to connect the audio for my speakers. Not fun.

Sorry I should've quoted random as my last reply was in reference to him.

I completely feel your pain Jack, as I have to go through the same procedure everyday when I go into work. It really sucks. Hopefully there will be a solution soon that doesn't cost $300.

 

[nitromullet]

I wouldn't hold your breath... I've wanted a dock for an Apple laptop since I bought my Powerbook G4 12" three years ago... I have since sold the PB, and replaced it with a mini.

 

[PricklyPete]

I don't find attaching 3 wires all that much work (power, LCD, sound). Everything else (mouse, keyboard, network, etc) are all wireless...so I really don't have a need for a docking station. I do have that little stand from Griffin that puts my Mac book at the same level as my LCD for dual monitor work. The stant also saves the Macbook from any unfortunate drink spills.

 

[Kmax82]

Originally posted by: nitromullet
I wouldn't hold your breath... I've wanted a dock for an Apple laptop since I bought my Powerbook G4 12" three years ago... I have since sold the PB, and replaced it with a mini.

That's what I'm afraid of.

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
I don't find attaching 3 wires all that much work (power, LCD, sound). Everything else (mouse, keyboard, network, etc) are all wireless...so I really don't have a need for a docking station. I do have that little stand from Griffin that puts my Mac book at the same level as my LCD for dual monitor work. The stant also saves the Macbook from any unfortunate drink spills.

I don't mind attaching three wires, but I personally would like two external monitors. I want to have a 13"/15" MacBook for the road, but be able to have it hooked up to two 20" LCD's when I'm at the office. And right now I have to use the MB's screen as my secondary, which isn't optimal IMO.

 

[Ultima200]

Don't hold off on purchasing a MBPro based on this as apple has no plans to make a dock for any of their notebooks in the current product line.

 

[indigo196]

Apple is clueless when it comes to what non-consumer users need. Docking stations are non-negotiables in the company I support.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Kmax82

Originally posted by: nitromullet
I wouldn't hold your breath... I've wanted a dock for an Apple laptop since I bought my Powerbook G4 12" three years ago... I have since sold the PB, and replaced it with a mini.

That's what I'm afraid of.

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
I don't find attaching 3 wires all that much work (power, LCD, sound). Everything else (mouse, keyboard, network, etc) are all wireless...so I really don't have a need for a docking station. I do have that little stand from Griffin that puts my Mac book at the same level as my LCD for dual monitor work. The stant also saves the Macbook from any unfortunate drink spills.

I don't mind attaching three wires, but I personally would like two external monitors. I want to have a 13"/15" MacBook for the road, but be able to have it hooked up to two 20" LCD's when I'm at the office. And right now I have to use the MB's screen as my secondary, which isn't optimal IMO.

Agreed...it would be optimal to to have to 20" LCD's...but I've gotten used to using the MBP as my second monitor...but I agree it is not ideal.

 

[Kmax82]

I think ultimately what Apple is looking to do is have people get a MBAir for the road and then have an iMac, or a MacPro at home, and sync them with .Mac. Unfortunately I tried that, and it doesn't work too well. So, please, Apple come out with either a docking solution, or a way to have two external displays!

 

[narzy]

Apple did patent this design a while ago. Maybe they have plans?

I wouldn't hold your breath though. That idea is probably a few years from entering the market. I dig it however .