Add a port replicator via ExpressCard

(Credit: Crave Asia)

If you have an ExpressCard slot in your laptop, here's one way to make better use of it. Targus has a nifty device called the ExpressCard Docking Station that works somewhat like a port replicator. But instead of proprietary connectors, it utilizes the ExpressCard slot.

In addition to four USB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100/1000) and serial ports, the dock comes with standard VGA and DVI connectors that are useful to hook up to an external display to a laptop. According to the specifications, the dock supports up to 1,600x1,200 video resolution. The presence of audio jacks for front, rear, and center speakers as well as microphone and S/PDIF connectors also makes the device compatible for use with external surround-speaker systems.

Oddly, there is no FireWire or S-video port built in. We were also hoping to see HDMI connectivity added to the mix. There's also another issue, albeit a minor one: The dock is powered by an AC adapter, which means limited mobility unless you plan to use this primarily at the workstation.

The upside to this is that the USB ports are "always on," meaning that the dock can continue powering or charging devices even when the notebook is off. Power-hungry USB devices like external 2.5-inch hard drives typically work better with powered USB ports too.

(Source: Crave Asia)