HP or Hewlett-Packard is one excellent computer company known all over the world because of the quality products that it offers. Its reputation is founded on the technology of its products. One of the latest innovations of the company is the HP docking station which adds accessibility to laptops, making them more functional and similar to desktops in connectivity.
When it comes to computer technology, you can't miss the name HP because of its renowned top-class products. Laptops and hardware devices are some of their best offers. And now that the docking station has come along, computing with an HP laptop has become even better.
There are several types of docking stations for HP laptops. The basic model has all necessary ports and connectivity options to maximize desktop-like functionality. The advanced model makes use of additional ports for more accessibility. There are also port replicators, which are simpler and have less ports and inlets. These devices are not only functional in adding ports to a laptop, they also have security systems using locks that are activated by a special key, similar to a padlock.
The basic HP dock is an old model which pairs also with older laptop models from HP and Compaq, since this device was released several years back. It is made for older models and features almost all connectivity options which include three USB 2.0 ports, one powered USB 2.0 port, VGA, Audio in and out, two PS2 ports for a mouse and a keyboard, parallel and serial ports, LAN, video in and out, and a monitor stand port.
A newer version of the basic dock is the advanced HP docking station. It is compatible with most old laptop models and some newer ones, except for the nx6110. It features similar ports and connectivity with the basic dock, but offers additional ports such as USB ports and a MultiBay II drive that can either function as a CD drive or hard drive. It also has ExpressCard card readers for more removable storage accessibility.
A similar device, the port replicator has fewer ports and accessibility options. The advanced port replicator 1.2 is a match with all Evo mobile workstations, notebooks, and business notebooks. It has a mini Audio line in and line out, along with a DVI, VGA, serial, parallel, three USB 2.0, LAN, PS2, and firewire ports.
There is one model of docking device that does not feature several ports and storage media options, but has a built-in monitor stand and speaker system - the HP VY847AA docking station. It is compatible to almost all models of HP and Compaq laptops, may they be old or new. The docking station is not complete when it comes to ports, but it has 4 USB 2.0 ports, LAN port, and a VGA inlet. You can use a USB port replicator or dock to attach more ports. The monitor stand is an excellent addition to the device because it makes using the laptop more comfortable.
I recommend that you get an advanced HP docking station if you want real complete accessibility. But if you're thinking more about handiness, I would suggest getting a port replicator. However, I personally prefer the HP VY847AA because it makes computing on a laptop so much like on a desktop. But I also believe that whichever dock model you get, as long as it is an original and matches you HP laptop, you'll definitely find delight and satisfaction in using it.
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