docking station or other for Inspiron 9300?

I recently purchase an Inspiron 9300 laptop (my first laptop). I would like
to use a normal sized keyboard, mouse, and monitor when at my desk (which is
most of the time)and so am trying to sort out the options.

My first thought was a docking station, but noticed that Dell doesn't carry
a docking station for this laptop model (at least none I could find) . Are
there third party products that would work for this? Is this a good way to
go?

Alternatively, the laptop has built-in bluetooth wireless. Would a
bluetooth keyboard and mouse work with this, and (assuming so) perform
reasonably well? If so, I'm not sure there would be much advantage to a
docking station.

With regard to the monitor, there appears to be connectors on the back for
an external monitor (both DVI and analog). Will the laptop automatically
recognize it if I plug one in, or are there some software settings that need
to be made also?

I apologize for the basic questions. I'm new to this so it's not all that
obvious (yet).

Thanks for any help.

Pat

 

Targus makes several models of "Universal Docking Station" that connect
via USB, ranging from $50 to $150.

Personally, I would prefer the reliability and security of a hardwired
connection over Bluetooth.

It'll automatically recognize the monitor if it's plugged in when you
power on the laptop. If you plug in the monitor after power-up, you may
need to hot-key to it (Fn-F8 on most Dell laptops)

Generally, you don't *NEED* any special drivers or software for the
monitor. Windows will either have the specific drivers or will install
it as a "default monitor" or "Plug and Play Monitor" and work fine.

However, I usually *DO* like to go to the Monitor's website and install
their drivers rather than "default monitor", just to have the latest-
and-greatest color profiles and refresh settings.

- FM -

 

ell sells at least 2 docking stations for the I9300. Both
are
Kensington's. One with a stand and one without.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

The thought of being cord free is appealing, but not if it's going to be
unreliable.

One other (dumb) question. Right now the laptop shuts off when the lid is
closed. Can it be made to operated with the lid closed (and docked), or
this something hardwired in?

Thanks again for the help. Pat

 

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Pat

 

Yes, that's just a change in the power options. I also don't really agree
that bluetooth would be unreliable.

Tom

 

My concerns would be PARTLY reliability and MOSTLY security. I don't
like having bluetooth (or ANY wireless protocol) enabled unless needed.

Reliability - Just the general opinion that ANYTHING hardwired is more
reliable. Plus, wireless keyboards and mouses have batteries to keep
fresh, wired keyboards don't - No big deal but just one more thing to
keep track of.

Security - Sure, I can lock down Bluetooth and other wireless protocols.
And that's great for today. But maybe tomorrow, somebody has a device or
technique for defeating what I've done today. Is it LIKELY ? No. Is it
POSSIBLE ? I can't say "No", So I'll take the more conservative
approach. Just one less thing to worry about.


Given that the cost of buying a bluetooth keyboard and mouse are more-
or-less in the same ballpark as buying a docking station, these two
factors would lean me towards a docking station.




- FM -

 

Thanks Tom. I thought there had to be some way to do it.

Pat

 

Thanks Fred for the additional thoughts and opinions.

I work out of a home office, and so am less concerned with the security
issue in this case.

The main reason I was considering the wireless though is that I need to buy
a new keyboard and mouse for this anyway (I don't have any old ones that
aren't being used) and since it seems like the cords on these things are
always getting snagged or in the way, I though it might be a good solution.
I wasn't entirely sure of compatibility or performance though. I read there
are different bluetooth protocols and so not all devices will work with each
other. Also, some of the wireless controllers I've used (on game system)
have a noticeable lag. That would certainly be annoying. And as you
pointed out, battery life is another issue, although I've read the latest
devices are pretty good in this regard.

So those were some of my concerns with this approach. I think cost is about
the same in either case.

Any other thoughts or opinions are very welcomed.

Thanks again,

Pat

 

I thought the 9300 was a docking station in itself. The sucker weighs
close to 10 lbs. Can't you use a USB keyboard or mouse, plus a
flat-screen with a DVI output? I'm not sure but I think a DVI output
is located on the back of the 9300.

Dan