posted on September 4, 2003 04:02:40 PM
I'd like to know if anyone has purchased a universal port replicator on eBay. I've seen one called "TheBUS" and a liquiditor-type seller has them inexpensively. Another one is a Targus (more expensive) but it plugs into a USB port instead of using a card. Is one better than the other?
posted on September 5, 2003 06:26:55 AM
If this is the same as a USB port splitter I like em just fine! I didn't buy one off of ebay but did get one at retail at the local office supply chain. Works great. I would suggest that you get a powered splitter though, as they seem to work better with fewer or no glitches.
posted on September 5, 2003 06:48:39 AM
Port replicators are nice if you use your laptop as a desktop, that way you do not have to connect everything up all the time, just either plug in the card or USB connection.
It also makes networking your laptop easier.
Personally I would like the USB connection better, but that is because I like USB.
PCMCIA cards are good also... Targus has a good rep, so if the price is not much more, I would go with them.
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
posted on September 5, 2003 07:25:53 AM
Please *begging* don't flame me, but what does a port replicator do? We have a laptop and a desktop, and when we went on vacation I wanted to work on the website design on the laptop, but it didn't have the right programs and the disks that I burned didn't work (I hate computers). My husband also has a music program on his laptop that I would love to have on my desktop. Is that what a replicator is used for?
posted on September 5, 2003 07:42:08 AM
In a nutshell replicators "replicate" the ports on the back of your laptop, you plug in all the devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, network ) into the replicator and then plug your laptop into the replicator
When done just grab laptop and go, no disconnecting all that stuff each and everytime.
A port replicator plugs into your computer either with a PCMCIA card or into a USB port. A basic one will have 2 PS/2 ports (for mouse and keyboard), and parallel, monitor and serial ports. A fancier one will also have a one or two extra USB ports, and some have an ethernet connection. The idea behind it is that you use a port replicator and plug all your peripherals into that. When you want to take your laptop with you, simply unplug the replicator and you're good to go! Much simpler (and less messy) than unplugging all the devices individually and reattaching them when you get home.
My main reason for needing one is that I might be purchasing a Toshiba laptop to use as my sole computer, and it doesn't have a PS/2 port--but I would need to plug in a mouse and keyboard to use it at home (due to the configuration of my computer armoire). Since I don't go out of town that often, it's not too much of a hassle unplugging stuff--so I might end up going with a dual PS/2 to USB adapter just to be able to plug in my mouse and keyboard ($8 including shipping on eBay). A Targus port replicator would run $30 or more with the shipping (retail price is $80 to $100). I just wanted to see if anyone here was happy with a replicator so I could decide whether to do the cheap fix or if it's worth it to pop for a good replicator.
sword
Thanks for letting me know that a powered splitter works better! I'll keep that in mind when looking.
