A Docking station and port replicator provides a simplified way of “plugging-in” an electronic device such as a laptop computer via common peripherals. Port replicators (also called passthroughs) are functionally identical to a bundle of extension cables, except that they can be plugged in and unplugged all at once, saving time.

Docking stations and port replicators both add connections or ports your laptop may not have built in. They allow you to use peripherals such as full sized keyboards, mice, printers, monitors, scanners, etc without having to deal with the cable spaghetti common when connecting so many devices at once.

You just have to place the laptop into the dock and connect via a single connection (on the bottom or rear). To disconnect you just pop a latch or press a button to release and off you go while leaving everything in place for when you come back.

These days you may be wondering if you need a docking station or port replicator since many laptops today already have the same functionality built in. The exception may be for small laptops or sub-notebooks which do not have room for many ports or lack bays for optical drives.

With the wide range of hard drives, optical drives, keyboards, and mice available for USB or Firewire, the large docking stations which include expansion slots or bays are now hard to find (if even available) while more compact port replicators are commonly available.

When considering a docking station or port replicator there are a few types available:

• universal - which use USB ports

• manufacturer/model specific - available for HP, Compaq, Dell, IBM, Toshiba, etc

• and some that may connect through a PCMCIA card

They all do the same thing and differ mainly how they look or how many features they offer. Manufacturer specific may blend well when connected to a laptop it was designed for but may not be useful if you have more than one laptop from more than one manufacturer.

Many devices work with only one or a few specific notebook models, so make sure the device you're buying works with your notebook.

Usually, if you're configuring a system online, you're automatically given the option to purchase a port replicator or docking station specifically for your device.

In essence, a docking station is designed to transform a notebook into a desktop computer. The smaller and lighter your notebook, the more likely you'll need a docking station.

Look at the list below to find the right laptop port replicator or laptop docking station.