Gizmodo: Docking Station

Lightning Review: Kensington's Wireless USB Universal Docking Station Is the World's First

Sean Fallon — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:50:00 EDT

The Gadget: Kensington's new docking station is the first to offer wireless USB connectivity. A DVI external monitor (DVI-to-VGA adapter included) and up to five peripherals spring to life when your WUSB-enabled laptop PC comes within a 15 foot range.

The Price: $219–$230

The Verdict: I'll be dammed—it works. If you are one of the few people out there running a WUSB-enabled notebook, Kensington's new docking station makes it fairly easy to wirelessly connect USB devices so you are not constantly plugging and unplugging them as you move in and out of your workspace.

First off, I was impressed with its size. The whole device was about as big as my hand, so it will not take up much desktop real estate. Getting things up and running was easy enough, although it took a little fiddling to get the settings the way I wanted them. However, once all of that was behind me, my external 20-inch monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse all synced with a Lenovo T61 laptop fairly quickly when it was brought within range.

Don't expect miracles though—Kensington is very frank about what it's wireless docking station is and isn't capable of. For example: It is not designed to stream hi-res videos. YouTube quality is okay, but even launching WMP causes a bit of a lag. There are also some choppy transition issues with open applications. For example: if I open up a Word document when out of range, the document is minimized awkwardly in the tray on a cloned external monitor when I transition back in range. Still, these shortcomings are not significant enough for me to override a recommendation. Just keep in mind that WUSB-enabled laptops are still pretty rare and I'm told that a WUSB adapter will work, but it won't give you the best "go" of the product. [Kensington]

Kensington's Wireless USB Docking Station Is the World's First, Supports Five Devices and DVI Monitor

Jason Chen — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Kensington's just released the world's first Wireless USB universal docking station, conveniently named the Wireless USB Docking Station. The thing suppports five USB devices as well as a DVI monitor, which can then be "attached" wirelessly to your notebook whenever it comes into range. Speaker ports round out the solution, and the whole thing is compatible with any Wireless USB notebook brands. You'll be able to pay $230 for one at the end of the month at Dell and Kensington. Is the convenience of not having to plug in five USB devices (or one, if you have a USB hub), a monitor and a speaker every time you sit down worth $230? We say yes. [Kensington]

Reader Designs: MacBook Cooler and Docking Station

Jason Chen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Reader Olivier came up with this pretty interesting design for a form-fitting MacBook cooler that attaches to the bottom of your laptop and provides card readers, more USB ports and a gigantic fan to cool it. It might not look as slick as the Zefyr, but it's pretty damn functional despite being called the "iCool". On the other hand, Olivier's just some dude with Photoshop, so don't expect this to be coming out anytime soon. [Thanks Olivier!]

Touch 360 Tablet Stand: An Easel to Your Digital Canvas

Mark Wilson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:45:00 EDT

Tablets are great to work with when you're walking around like you're too good to use a normal computer, but sitting at a desk can make things tricky. This stand/docking station from Touch 360 is an elegant solution to sometimes awkward tablet ergonomics. Well-stocked with USB ports and power, the stand can either make your tablet into an all-in-one PC, or it can tilt/swivel/raise into a sort of Microsoft Surface Light. Good stuff, but no word on price or availability. [Touch 360 via Gizmowatch]

Apple Docking Patent Works Perfectly with Ultra-Slim MacBook

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:30:05 EST

This Apple docking station patent shows a screen base in which you can slide in a MacBook through its side. While this would be difficult to do with current MacBook models, it fits perfectly with the idea of the ultra-light, ultra-slim MacBook that allegedly will be presented at MacWorld. Basically, the patent shows an iMac-like unit with all the necessary ports and components, with a slot-loading right bay. The system works similarly to the old PowerBook Duo and its DuoDock base station, but vertically instead of horizontally. The complete patent text and diagrams, along with our own step-by-step rendering, leave no doubt about how this works:

While this concept would have been impossible with the current Macbooks, which are too big and heavy, the rumored ultra-slim, ultra-light portable could work perfectly in this kind of configuration. [USPTO via PC Joint]

Wireless Docking for iPhone, iPod Coming?

Charlie White — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 09:25:21 EST

In yesterday's patent application Apple filed for its multi-orientation docking station for the iPhone, there was even more tantalizing information: Apple may be preparing wireless docking for its iPhones, iPods and other devices. The technique will use voodoo called induction, and involves hiding coils underneath the surface of a device and its cradle, with the ability to wirelessly transfer data and power.

Here's the evidence:

From the patent application:

"The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively... Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize."

We saw similar technology at CES demonstrated by Fulton Innovation with eCoupled, using inductive coupling to transfer power across thin air. Even though Apple mentioned a similar technique in its patent application, this part of the equation already exists. Expect to see this wireless juju showing up on Apple products and many others in the near future. – Charlie White

Apple may turn to induction for iPod docking, charging [Apple Insider]

iPhone Docking Station Patent Application Shows Multi-Orientation Design, Possible Table PC Compatibility

Charlie White — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 08:35:05 EST

Two designs for Apple iPhone docking stations have just surfaced in an Apple patent application, showing cradles that allow the iPhone to be docked and viewed in either horizontal or vertical orientation. The patent application describes "Methods and apparatuses for docking a portable electronic device that has a planar like configuration and that operates in multiple orientations."

An intriguing aspect of the illustrations is the possibility that one of the cradle designs is not only intended for the iPhone, but also might encompass a tablet PC. Here's another illustration of a slightly different method, one that would also be appropriate for a tablet:

The patent application even mentions the term "tablet PC."

"The portable electronic device may correspond to a tablet, and the base may serve as a location for accessing the Internet or connecting to peripheral devices such as printers, fax machines, scanners, and the like.... In cases such as these the portable electronic device may correspond to a monitor, tablet PC..."

It works in a similar way to rotating LCD monitors, letting you dock and view the iPhone in whichever direction you prefer. – Charlie White

New iPhone Docking Station. Apple tablet next? [Unwired View]

Archos Reveals Road Map, Includes 700 TV Portable PVR

Charlie White — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 12:50:19 EDT

Archos launched its 404, 504 and 604 players a month ago, and now here's a bit of information about its upcoming 700 TV model, a fine-looking porto-player that promises over-the-air digital television using the Freeview format. It's equipped with a 4.3-inch screen, WiFi, GPS and a cellular modem. Maybe all that connectivity is why the thing needs four ugly antennas sticking out the back; we're hoping that's just a preproduction model.

In the company's "Investor Kit", there are some intriguing technologies, including a digital video recording docking station into which you can place this 700 TV player, resulting in an MPEG-4 TV recorder for your time shifting enjoyment. The docking station can also record video from a satellite-based PVR-equipped set-top box. However, talk is cheap. These products aren't available yet, and the company didn't say when they would be. – Charlie White

Q2 Investor Kit [Archos]

Zen iPod Docks

Noah R — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 11:41:04 EST

A monk saw a turtle in the garden of Daizui's monastery and asked the teacher, "All iPod docking stations cover their bones with plastic made of white. Why does this being cover its flesh and skin with stones?" Master Daizui took off one of his sandals and covered the i-Stones Wabi with it.

One day Gizmodo and Chuang-Tzu were walking along a riverbank. "How delightfully these USB 2.0 docking stations are enjoying themselves," Chuang-Tzu exclaimed!
"You are not a docking station," Gizmodo said. "How do you know whether or not the i-Stones are enjoying themselves?"
"You are not me," Chuang-tzu said. "How do you know that I do not know that the i-Stones are enjoying themselves?"

A monk asked Chimon, "Before the i-Stone Sabi has emerged from the water, what is it?"
Chimon said, "A stone."
The monk pursued, "After it has come out of the water, what is it?"
Chimon replied, "iPod docking station."

i-Stones [Product Page]
(Thanks Michael!)