Kensington sd100 Notebook Docking Station K33419US

As other reviews have stated, this isn't a true docking station, and I couldn't be happier by that fact. True docking stations are made for specific laptops, usually corporate styles and cost well over $100, I work in IT and I see them often. They charge the laptop, give it Ethernet, and also provide video out. I have yet to find any decent USB docking stations that can support high resolution video out, as the USB 2.0 spec can't handle that kind of bandwidth, maybe when USB 3.0 becomes more mainstream will it become a reality.Pros: Worked out of the box, hooked it up to my Acer Netbook and Windows 7 Pro found all the drivers except the Ethernet driver, I changed my settings for Windows Update to search online and it found the Ethernet driver and installed it automatically. All USB ports work and the audio port works. I have not had a chance to test the Microphone port.Cons: None really, my only wish is that they were to provide a higher quality USB A to B cable for the connection from the Dock to the computer, as with too much movement (although I don't plan on moving it at all), the USB A side of the cable will fall out, something I've experienced with many USB A to B cables.Great "Dock", not an actual dock, read the specs and know what you're buying and it's a great deal compared to other options out there. I purchased this item at $[...], when Newegg was selling it for $[...], free shipping on both. Great quality in the actual dock piece, doesn't feel flimsy of fragile.

For laptops that sometimes need to function as desktop machines, this makes the transition easy. As a USB hub, this functions better than any that I ever used. One critical example is that with other USB hubs, my scanner often has to be disconnected and connected directly to the computer before it is recognised. With this tool, every device is visible as soon as docking station is connected to the computer. The network connection also seems to function fine but is slightly slower than a direct Cat-5 connection to the laptop.

This docking station does not support netbooks without CD/DVD drives. You need a CD/DVD drive in order to download the software and the website does not have the software available to download so without an external CD/DVD drive you are SOL.Also, NO port for external monitor which was the main reason I wanted a docking station. My netbook is tiny, which I love for school but when I get home I wanted to be able to set up my netbook to a docking station that supported a keyboard, mouse and monitor. This IS NOT the docking station for that.

The only reason I purchased this was to get some wiring out of the way. While it does that well, you must note:1. The sound integration does not work. In order to get sound from the computer or external speakers, you must UNPLUG the dock and hook up to normal computer outputs. If you try to hook up sound to the dock directly it will fail all the time and cause you headache.2. When unplugging the dock, many times the sound from the computer will fail since it tries to send sound to the dock. When this happens, you must restart your computer to get sound working properly. Happens all the time.I also use it to keep my computer cool by using it as a stand. For this, I give it 2 stars since stands are usually $10-$15 anyways and it adds a couple extra USB ports.DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN $15 ON THIS

Installed no problem on Vista Home Premium and a Win 7 Professional 64 bit system. NOT a true Docking Station.Just a port replicator: Provides multiple USB ports and if connected by wire to a Wired ethernet connection provides USB connectivity. (Why you would want to do this is beyond me, as connecting the ethernet cable to the laptop is just as easy.)

This is not quite a docking station, it is only a powered USB hub and has a fast ehternet port. However, compare with other devices that have the same function it is superior. It also functions as the laptop riser. The price is good, most sellers price it around $18 but I got it for $6.96 + $5.99 shipping through Amazon.

The Kensington sd100 Notebook Docking Station should probably be called the "Notebook usb Port Replicator" because it is not a true docking station. That being said, this is a fine product what will fulfill the needs of most laptop users.The device plugs into your laptop with one usb cable and offers sound, network, and five usb ports. It does not power your laptop (because it is a port replicator, not a docking station). It also does not offer ps/2 keyboard/mouse ports, so you will need to use a usb mouse and keyboard. It does prop your laptop up to a very nice angle to type on, so an external keyboard is less of a concern.Overall, this is a very nice product for most people. (Just read the instructions.)

I purchased the Kensington Docking Station SD 100 in November 2011. While the docking station worked flawlessly upon startup, within two weeks, two of the five ports had already died. When I called Kensington to report the problem, they said that they had since replaced the model with the SD 120 and sent me the new model. Within two days of receiving the SD 120, two ports on the new docking station failed as well! Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any Kensington products in the future.