Choosing a Docking Station

Posted on 17. Oct, 2011 by in News

We offer 2 models of Universal Docking Station, and often get questions about which one to buy. Here’s a side-by-side comparison. Let us know if you have any questions!

Both enable adding an extra monitor, speakers, and other devices to any brand of laptop (no more expensive proprietary docks!) with a single USB cable to dock and undock.

If you’re a user of Windows Multipoint Server or Userful Multiseat Linux, these same docks can also act as a low-cost USB terminal to enable many users to share one computer.

Product Plugable DC-125  USB 2.0 Docking Client Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station
Model number DC-125 UD-160-A
Host Interface USB 2.0 USB 2.0
Graphics DisplayLink DL-125 DisplayLink DL-165
Resolution Up to 1440×900 or 1280×1024 Up to 1920×1080 or 1600×1200
Video Interface VGA DVI or VGA with adapter (included)
Free USB ports 2 4
Ethernet No 10/100 Base–T Ethernet RJ-45
Audio 1 ea. 3.5mm stereo Headphone and stereo Microphone Jack 1 ea. 3.5mm stereo Headphone and stereo Microphone Jack
Power USB bus powered (devices share 0.5A) 2.5A External Power Supply (included)
Special features Includes both VESA mount for back of monitor, and desktop mount; includes extra-long 5 meter USB cable; Eliminates clutter with a single USB cable delivering both power and data to the dock — the trade-off is the 2 free ports have enough power for wired keyboard, mouse, or self-powered devices only Separate power adapter enables daisy-chaining, charging, and connection of devices which require maximum bus power

Where to buy

Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Laptop Docking Station and Multiseat Thin Client – VGA up to 1440×900 / 1280×1024, Audio, 2 USB ports Product Details $64.95
Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station with DisplayLink DVI/VGA up to 1920×1080, Audio, Ethernet, and 4 Available High-Speed USB 2.0 Ports Product Details $79.00

The Celluon Magic Cube Laser Projection Keyboard Is Amazing

Posted on 04. Oct, 2011 by in Windows

There are a bunch of exciting things about the new Celluon Magic Cube Laser Keyboard:

  • It’s shocking to see a keyboard projected onto any table, and be able to type in thin air (that was also true of its predecessor, the Celluon LaserKey CL850)
  • You can connect to any PC or mobile with either with USB or Bluetooth. It uses a battery in wireless mode. That battery charges via its included USB cable
  • It now has a mouse mode with multi-touch support for Windows 7 (Doesn’t support Mac or iOS multitouch)

But the really important thing about the new Magic Cube is it’s now driverless: It uses the standard Bluetooth HID profile and standard USB HID class, so for whatever you connect it to, it just sees a standard USB keyboard or mouse (which have always used HID). No drivers, no fuss.

That makes the new Magic Cube work with nearly all devices out there that can use a standard Bluetooth or USB keyboard: iPad, iPod, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux, and lots of other mobiles and devices.

iOS devices, in particular, are well-matched because the built-in auto-correct is a great help for improving accuracy (which is the main remaining downside of a projection keyboard — it takes getting used to).

If you’ve never had the chance to try a laser keyboard, take a look at this video to see it in action.

Celluon Magic Cube Laser Projection Keyboard and Touchpad Product Details