For most of the routine laptop users a Dell laptop docking station would rarely ever ring any bells. However, for the tech savvy types and those who want the level best from their laptops would sure enough understand what a docking station means. Basically, with the reduction in size, the amount and the types of ports available on a laptop too reduced. However, this meant that a laptop became incompatible with several devices. You don’t face this problem with a desktop PC since the area available for placing ports on a desktop’s CPU is quite large compared with that of a laptop. However, it is equally arduous to carry a desktop PC with you anywhere you go.

With this advantage, the docking station really does pay for itself over and over again by saving you time and energy in the long haul.  With this said, how can you know if your Dell laptop supports a docking station?  Unfortunately, not all laptops that Dell makes have the docking station connector.  You might need to refer to your owners manual for assistance.  However, an easy way to tell is to simply look underneath the unit.  You should be able to see a port with two plastic doors. The port is about 1 inch wide by 4 inches long.  The two plastic doors slide to the side exposing the docking station port connector underneath.

A Dell laptop docking station more often than not costs $150 plus. However, the basic models have limited number of ports and therefore less preferable. Also, the cost will vary from one model to another and not every model of Dell laptop docking station will be compatible with your laptop. So, before you purchase a Dell laptop docking station cross check with your vendor whether or not the particular docking station is compatible with your laptop.

Apart from that Dell laptop docking stations are also available in wireless models. One of the most popular models and one of the cutting-edge docking stations from Dell is the Wireless Docking Station (make Dell). No wires committed, all that one has to do is install it and configure it to connect it with your laptop. You can add devices like external audio-video devices, printers, memory devices etc. The range though is not much and this device is missing an Ethernet port. It works well within a range of 2 meters from the laptop.

In addition to this one the regular wired Dell laptop docking stations are also available. However, you must be careful while choosing one and make sure that it is compatible with your Dell laptop. Also, make sure it has all the ports that you need. Some of the other popular models Dell D/Dock Expansion Station for Dell Latitude D series (for latitude range of laptops) and Port replicators for the Inspiron series.

While there are hundreds of vendors selling these products, it is extremely important for you to identify the genuine Dell laptop docking stations from the fake ones. One of the best ways is to ask for a guaranty on your part. A genuine seller will extend at least 6 months warranty on a brand new Dell laptop docking station. Also, in addition to that ask for a proper bill which mentions the part number clearly. Don’t be fooled a by seller who offers to sell the same Dell laptop docking station for less without a warranty card or bill since the part that he is selling could very well be fake or a used part.

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