THE new Universal Notebook Docking Station from Targus Australia Pty Ltd allows the connection of virtually any high-speed parallel, serial, audio or 10/100-Base T network device, making a notebook into a fully fledged workstation.
Basically, this neat expansion unit provides most of the connectivity ports found on conventional desktop systems. It is ideal as a complement to any notebook computer.
Built-in S/PDIF digital audio provides a virtual 7.1 surround sound output for games or playing music. Serial, parallel, two PS/2 and 10/100 Ethernet LAN ports are provided, along with four additional USB 2.0 ports (two high-powered).
This permits connection of further USB devices such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, digital camera, card reader, external CD-ROM/DVD etc.
USB 1.1 ports with their inherent low-speed transfer rates have limited the utility of such devices till now. Keyboard, mouse and printer operation has been satisfactory, but with Ethernet ports operating at 100Mbs, networking bottlenecks have been a problem. With the new docking station running on USB 2.0, it allows data transmission of up to 480 Mbps.
Being powered by an AC adapter, the docking station remains active even when the notebook is shut down or disconnected, leaving the high-power ports powered and available for recharging USB peripherals such as iPods, PDAs and phones. Plug and play support means new devices are recognised without any need for rebooting.
Compact in size (27 x 7.5 x 3.1cm) and weighing only 343 grams, the docking station provides an ergonomic platform and allows natural cooling of the notebook.
Covered by a 12 months Targus warranty, the new Universal Notebook Docking Station operates under Windows 2000 or XP.