Ab Work Outs: Toshiba Dynadock V, Universal USB Docking Station with Video Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Purchased this docking station to use with my new Toshiba Qosmio X500, and so far it's been very impressive.In the past, I had always purchased laptops with a dedicated docking port, and the matching docking station to go with them.While this has the advantages of being a more direct connect to my peripherals and makes it much easier to undock the laptop for travel, those docking stations cost 2-3 times as much as the Dynadock V, and I've always ended up having to get a new one every time I replaced my laptop.The Dynadock V has all the same ports as my old docking station, but connects to the laptop through a USB connection instead of a dedicated docking port (something fewer and fewer new laptops have these days).

In comparison to a dedicated docking station, the Dynadock V has several advantages, as well as a few minor disadvantages.Advantages include (1) it's cheaper - a lot cheaper, (2) it's much smaller and takes up a lot less space on the desk, and (3) it will work with just about any laptop that has a USB port.In other words, you won't have to buy a new one every time you upgrade your laptop.The only disadvantages I've noted so far are that (1) you can't power or charge your laptop through it, and (2) video performance is somewhat degraded by pushing it through a USB connection.The power issue is prominently displayed on Toshiba's advertising materials and shouldn't surprise anyone.Basically, you'll have to plug the Dynadock and your laptop in separately.This is only an issue when you need to unplug the laptop to take it on the road.I'll probably just get an extra power supply to stash in the travel bag.

Video performance is also less than perfect.The Dynadock includes an onboard video card to help with the graphic performance, and for most applications this works just fine.However, I did notice that HD video performance was affected when using the Dynadock.The Dynadock only has a DVI port, but also comes with a VGA-to-DVI adapter if you need it.Using a VGA cable to connect to my external monitor, I did note choppy video performance, although this might have been affected by the fact that I'm running the laptop's monitor and an external monitor simultaneously.Since my laptop also has an HDMI-Out port, the simple solution was to run an HDMI cable from the laptop directly to the external monitor and bypass the Dynadock.It's one more cable to unplug when I want to travel, but the increase in video performance is definitely worth the minor inconvenience.It would be nice if the Dynadock had an HDMI port, but there really isn't any room on the unit for any more ports.

Overall, it's a great product and a real bargain, too.Highly recommended!

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Product Description:
Prepare to multi-task like a pro at a fraction of the price! The dynadock V, universal USB connect docking station, links all your desk space accessories, external monitor and sound system with one single USB cable into your computer. No need to plug in multiple cables every time you return to your desk. The dynadock V has a built-in HD video card to connect an extra VGA or DVI monitor with resolution up to 1920 x 1080, enabling you to view up to 3 displays simultaneously. The dynadock V includes four USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet LAN connectivity and 3.5mm audio in and out for headphones, microphone, headset or speakers. In addition, the upright slim design saves precious desk space while providing fast access to a true multi-screen desktop environment. Now with one simple cable connection you can surf the Internet while you listen to music, check your email or social networking Account, watch streaming videos, write a paper, work on a presentation, print out an important document, or whatever else you can imagine. Undocking and docking is easy with the dynadock V. To undock, click on the dynadock icon, select undock, and all your accessories will properly shut down. Then simply unplug the single USB cable and go. To re-dock and activate all your desktop accessories, simply plug in the single USB cable to your laptop. Virtually any brand of Windows-based computers with a USB 2.0 port is compatible with the dynadock V, and it works with all versions of Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 7. Check out www.dynadock.com for the latest updated Windows software driver support and product information.

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