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Dell
Docking Station
by Richard Hill, Ph.D. |
I am a
daily writer who’s used a computer since 1985. Basically,
I’m just happy as can be with my laptop and Dell docking
station and I want to spread the good news. The transcript below
is excerpted from an actual conversation with a friend.
Hey, Rick, I’m shopping for a new computer and trying to
decide whether to get a desktop or laptop, and---
Want the short answer? Laptop with Dell docking station. Next
question.
Yeah, but laptops have those dumb eraser or finger-painter mouses
You can also plug a regular mouse into your Dell docking station.
Really, it’s just like having a desktop and a laptop, only
you don’t have to buy two CPUs.
But aren’t the screens on laptops smaller than desktop monitors?
Sure. But if you must have a 21-inch monitor, you can plug that
into the Dell docking station, too. I thought I would have to
get a desktop monitor for my docking station, but I found that
the Dell laptop screens are just as big as desktop screens were
a couple years ago, plenty big for writing. So I didn’t
bother getting one. I do have my deluxe ergonomic keyboard, speakers,
printer, and full-featured mouse plugged into my Dell docking
station, though.
But I just can’t get comfortable typing with those
cramped little laptop keyboards---
You’re not listening. The Dell docking station lets you
set up a desktop situation, with a full size keyboard and more.
Stereo speakers, printer, backup, peripherals---everything plugs
into the Dell docking station. The laptop clicks in easily, too.
Push the release button on the back of the Dell docking station
and you can rush to the airport with your laptop without unplugging
anything.
Okay, but I work equally between home and office and don’t
travel all that much. Shouldn’t I just get two low-end desktops?
Getting two Dell docking stations makes more sense. Get a basic
mouse, keyboard, and speakers for each, and you have the equivalent
of two computers, without having to move data back and forth between
the units. When you do travel for extended stays, you can pack
everything in your briefcase---the docking station is the size
of a mini-umbrella and doesn’t weigh anything. Throw in
the keyboard, mouse, and mini-headphones and you have a desktop
you can carry with you. When I went to Hawaii last summer to work
on a writing project, I just put everything in my laptop case
and had all the comforts of a desktop without the weight and hassle.
Sounds great, so I bet the Dell docking station is finicky and
expensive, right?
Neither. The Dell docking station has nothing to break unless
you really work at it, and you can get an Inspiron really cheap
nowadays. Check the web for sales. You can even get a refurbished
one for less than twenty bucks. Trust me, this is a no-brainer.
With a Dell computer and Dell docking station, NO ONE needs a
desktop.
Guess I’ll try some of the websites. Hey, are you sure you
don’t have stock in Dell?
Not me, I’m a writer. I can’t afford stock. Well,
maybe if I sell my old desktop, I can buy a few shares . . .
Go back to Pulse MEDIA’s electronics/computers section
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