Before we start looking at laptop docking station models, let's explore their general features. A docking station quickly enables a laptop to become a substitute for a desktop computer - without sacrificing the mobile computing features of the machine.

Usually, there are four categories of docking stations: port replicators, breakout docks, converter docks and hybrid docks. The port replicator is usually the most popular.

Let's take a look at 3 good laptop docking station models now.

The Targus ACP50US Docking Station comes with a USB connection to allow you to easily connect your laptop to fixed hardware. If you have an external monitor, keyboard or mouse, the Targus ACP50US Docking Station gives you one-touch, easy access to these peripherals.
 

The Targus ACP50US Docking Station

The IBM (250410U) ThinkPad Docking Station is made specifically for IBM ThinkPads. What's interesting about this laptop docking station is its left corner alignment for easy system attachment. There are also step-by-step LEDs and convenient buttons for quick system ejection.

You also get a nice integrated key lock, optional cable lock to secure your laptop. There is also a 90W AC adapter that recharges the ThinkPad system battery whenever it is plugged in.

The IBM (250410U) ThinkPad Docking Station

The Belkin DockStation (F5U216) Docking Station is a great choice for those who need to connect to parallel, serial, VGA, Ethernet and USB 2.0 devices in one single dock. No need to connect all your peripherals (e.g. printer, scanner, external hard drives) individually, just connect them to the docking station.

All you then need are two cables to instantly connect all your devices to your laptop using Plug-and-Play. The Belkin DockStation (F5U216) has two USB 2.0 ports, one parallel port, one 10Base-T/100Base-T Ethernet port, one VGA pass-through port and one RS232 serial port. Amazing laptop docking functionality at a very reasonable price.

The Belkin DockStation (F5U216) Docking Station