Bobs Tech Talk News and Reviews

We have been using Kensington Notebook Docking solutions for a number of years and they have just released a new docking station with video at a very good price point, $139.95. The Kensington sd200v Notebook Docking Station has (1) video VGA port, 5 USB 2.0 ports ( (4) on the back and (1) easily accessible on the front of the unit), microphone in and stereo out ports.

With a single USB connection you can connect to all of your peripherals, including your monitor. The video output supports up to 1440 x 900 on widescreen monitors and 1280 x 1024 on standard 4:3 monitors. It is Windows Vista compatible and comes with a 2 year limited warranty. The only drawback that I see is that it doesn’t include a network adapter but you already have wireless in your notebook so that shouldn’t be a problem unless you don’t have a wireless router or access point available at your location. But, if you are running around with the notebook in your home you probably have this in place already.

What I do like abut the unit is its form factor. Being in a slim pedestal configuration really fits in when you have multiple devices lined up on your desk. In my area I have the cable modem, router, a NAS drive, and two USB drive units all sitting up in this upright configuration. It all seems to fit together rather nicely. Product Tour

Features Include:

DualView lets you expand your work area across your notebook screen and an external monitor in copy or extend mode
DualView Switch and Smart Connect/Disconnect technology manages the dual display settings for you
Gain instant access to your keyboard, monitor, mouse and all peripherals with one USB plug
Stereo out & Microphone In port lets you connect 2.1 stereo speakers or Internet chat headsets
Mini tower design reduces desktop footprint
Plug-n-play and hot pluggable, so you can connect to the dock and swap devices without shutting down
Front USB port makes connections quick and easy
Works with any Windows XP or Vista notebook. Now works with MacBook computers via the beta version of the Mac driver!