Targus USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video ACP51USZ

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.2 x 10.6 inches ; 11.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002Y2SMUW
• Item model number: ACP51USZ

By : Targus
List Price : $159.00
Price : $91.50
You Save : $67.50 (42%)

Product Description

The Targus USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video is a USB based docking station with video output capability. The "One Touch" interface enables users to quickly connect to an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers or other peripherals often used at home or in the office. The docking station provides an ergonomic tilt for a comfortable typing angle and also keeps the laptop elevated, providing ventilation while in use. The device features two "always on" USB ports which allow users to power or charge peripherals such as a Blackberry, iPhone/iPodor camera even if the laptop is powered down or in sleep mode. The Targus Docking Station with Video allows users to make the most of their workspace with an easy connection and seamless connectivity for all of your accessories.

Technical Details

• USB 2.0 single connection to numerous peripherals including a monitor (DVI), network, audio and up to four USB devices
• Two "always on" USB ports enable you to keep charging USB devices even when the docking station is no longer connected to the laptop
• Supports monitor resolutions up to 2048 x 1152; Windows XP and Vista Compatible; AC adapter required
• Raised laptop platform provides typing comfort and improves airflow for cooling
• Limited One Year Warranty

 

Targus USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video ACP51USZ

 

Costumer Reviews

I'm an I.T. Professional and will try to review this item from the perspective of an average computer user. I bought a new Dell Inspiron Laptop running Windows 7, Dell 21.5 inch monitor, Logitech wireless mouse ; keyboard, and this Targus USB docking station.

My very first attempt to set up the device went like this: I followed the instructions by installing the software that was included with the device first, then rebooted, then attached my laptop to the Targus USB docking station. The result: Audio, network, and wireless devices worked. The display on my monitor worked except when I launched a video game called "World of Warcraft." Once I launched the video game, the display became blurry and the text illegible.

I spent about two hours troubleshooting this issue. I finally found out that the Targus website has, what it considers, the very latest software that controls the audio, networking, and USB components of the Targus docking station. However, the displaylink.com website has, what it considers, the very latest graphics software for the Targus device. So in short, I had to go to two different places to find the correct software for my Windows 7 computer.

Now here's where things started to really frustrate me about this device. Once I installed the latest graphics software for the Targus docking station and relaunched the game "World of Warcraft," the display worked perfectly but I lost my networking. So, I spent another hour trying to figure out what happened to the networking component of the docking station. Finally, I gave up and decided to start all over again by completely removing all the displaylink software and reinstalling it. This took me another 30 minutes or so. Once I reinstalled all the software (which included both pieces from the two different locations I mentioned earlier), the networking component of the docking station still did not work.

So I went back to the Targus website and found something called the "Corporate Only Windows 7 Ethernet Driver." Now, I'm not 100% sure what "Corporate Only" means but if I had to guess, usually a corporate listed software install has some additional corporate related security additions to the software but it should function normally otherwise. So I downloaded this driver and installed it. Rebooted. Now all the components of the Targus USB docking station work.

Summary: My job is to repair computer problems for a corporation I work for 5 days a week. The process I had to go through to get this Targus USB docking station to work was tedious, frustrating, and time consuming. I can't imagine how much time and effort it would take the average computer user to get this device to work properly (and as promised by the advertising for this device). After my experience with trying to get this device to function properly, I'm not surprised to see other reviewers here have varying problems with one or more of the components in this docking station. My suggestion is to look for another device and skip this one all together. In retrospect, I should have looked at the Kensington USB docking station with video.

I hope that this review helps others.

Purchased the station to support my Sony VAIO VPCEB. Followed the instructions (several times) for set up. No matter what I try there is no support for connecting an external monitor. Targus icon that should be in the Windows tray is not there. If you are using Windows 7 or a Sony computer I would stay away from this item.