From the Manufacturer
The USB 2.0 Laptop Docking Station contains a three port USB 2.0 Hub, one serial DB9 port, one parallel printer port, one 10/100 RJ45 Ethernet port, PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports, and a VGA pass-through port–all in one single unit! Connect your monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, USB 2.0 devices, network, and modem to the docking station for a convenient all-in-one connectivity solution. This docking station eliminates the clutter of cables connecting to your computer as it requires only a single VGA/USB combo cable. Additional USB hubs can be attached, enabling the connection of up to 127 devices. No complex installation or re-booting of your PC is required.
Now you can enjoy the convenience of your la (See Price and Buy from Amazon.com…)
This works beautifully and so much cheaper than my laptop manufactures (HP)docking station. I can do everything I wanted from a docking station “except” charge my laptop battery. I have hooked up a huge monitor, wireless keyboard, mouse & usb speakers (can hook up a printer also, I just have no need) and was HALF the price. It worked great straight out of the box but I did insert disk for drivers “just in case” and did run into a small problem when windows said installation failed but then Vista went right out to the internet and found the correct drivers and smooth sailing from then on. Now I can come and go from my desk with my laptop without having to plug & unplug everything each time … just 1 vga/usb combo cord. Oh … it IS vista 64 bit compatible and has it’s own power supply. Glad I bought when I did, I see price has jumped almost 20.00 from what I paid just 10 days ago … but it is definitely worth it!!!!!
I liked the ps 2 connectors because I have an iogear toggle switch for another machine and this works better than a usb direct connection because I think you may get a power boost to the usbs and ps2s through the power supply. I also have a legacy scanner that runs on a parallel port. I also like the video extension for an auxiliary monitor which I hear is not universal with other generic docking station. However what is the point. I mean you have to make three connections: one usb , one monitor and one power supply to the notebook so it is far from plug and go away. The thing looks like a rube goldberg affair after you have all the cables connected. It only comes with three output USBs which means you will have to go native on the notebook if you want more (2 since one is dedicated to the docking station), lest you get a usb hub which adds further to the confusion. In the end all you have saved is an ethernet connection which is moot because most go wireless anyway. Any hopes of a headphone jack or an external audio must be done through a wasted usb port via an adapter. If you are serious the OEM quick dock may be the better solution with a single all in one true single connector- which BTW does not come with a ac adapter nor will charge your battery either.
I wanted to add an external monitor to my laptop so that I could use it as a desktop and figured I had nothing to lose other than a couple of weeks time for the refund to be credited back to my account if it didn”t work out in the end. This was $60 well spent. The installation and set up was really easy. It took me a couple of minutes to realize how to operate it with the laptop closed but once I got passed that it was smooth sailing. My only gripe was no where to hide the cords but for the little money I spent I’m sure I can be very creative on that front.