Gizmo and Gadget News

You Might Need a Notebook Port Replicator

"Port replicator" may sounds like it came from the SiFi movie. But in reality, it's just a gadget that provides an easy way to connect peripheral gizmos to your laptop notebook.

If you use a laptop as your chief computer, and are likely to take notebook  on the road frequently, then it's time to consider a Notebook Port Replicator. You may not be ready to take my advice just yet at face value. So let's tackle some questions you my have.
What Is a Port Replicator, Exactly?

Although you will find some variations, a typical notebook port replicator is a gadget that contains common computer ports such as serial, parallel, USB and PS/2. It may also include such features as an headphone jack and Ethernet controller.

Here is the complicated part! Not really, all you do is connect your peripherals gizmo to the port replicator, instead of the ports on your laptop, then attach your notebook to the notebook port replicator. When it's time to run out the door, just disconnect your notebook from the port replicator. Instead of detaching multiple gadgets from your laptop, you just unplugging the one, thus minimizing wear and tear on your notebook's ports and saving time.
Is a Notebook Port Replicator like a Docking Station?

For the most part a docking station does the identical job as a port replicator. Nevertheless a docking station may also  contain slots for storage device bays, expansion cards, CD/DVD drives, ect.

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. That's because the manufacturer had to leave a fair amount of features (such as a DVD-ROM/CD burner) out of the computer to make it so thin and light.

A notebook port replicator is generally meant to make connecting gadgets (peripherals) to your laptop more accommodating.