Lately, a number of Web sites have been advocating replacing
desktops with notebooks. As I sit writing this on my iceBook, my primary machine, I
agree that a lot of people can be happy doing most of their work on a
laptop. Other than the slow speed of my CD burner and the necessary lag
of processor speed behind today's desktops, I am quite happy. But there
is something that can be improved: comfort.
How many laptop users would like to use a full-size keyboard, mouse,
and look at a regular monitor? Wouldn't this make sense if a notebook
were to really replace a desktop? You can do it - you can to plug in a
USB keyboard and mouse. Then you can plug in a monitor adapter.
Finally, plug in your ethernet and/or modem cables and power adapter.
That's a lot of things to plug in, and I know that I don't/won't do
it.
Those of you familiar with PC laptops know that they have "docking
stations." Basically, these replicate the ports on the notebook by
using a large plug that connects to the back of the laptop. Docks
usually have PS/2 ports, USB ports, an ethernet port, power adapter,
video out, and some have a printer port. When you want to work at home,
put your laptop into the dock, close the latch, and power on. When you
are ready to go, turn off the machine, open the latch, and pull out
your laptop.
Newer Technology made a similar product for the G3 PowerBooks before
they went out of business. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't seem to think
this idea is important. I can't even close my iBook without it putting
the display to sleep while using an external keyboard and monitor.
You could almost build your own port replicator using available USB
technology. USB keyboards and mice are easy to come by. Eskape makes
video out possible with MyView [link not working
when article posted] (though it doesn't support resolutions greater
than 800 x 600). Belkin and SMC makes USB ethernet adapters for
PCs(Belkin says they won't write drivers for Macs because every Mac
already comes with ethernet). Just hook these into a hub, then plug ii
into one USB port. Perhaps someone could integrate the video and
ethernet circuits along with a plain USB hub into a small box, and
there is a docking port. Make it FireWire, and I know they would sell
(and Apple fix, or someone write a hack for, the video sleep while the
cover is closed).
The technology is available. Apple or someone else just needs to
realize that notebook users want some place to easily plug in their
laptop so they can work easily at their desk with the comforts of a
regular keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Note: Please read What's Wrong
With PowerBooks by Jonathan Ploudre.
Editor's note: BookEndz currently makes docks for the iceBook (
iBookEndz, $160)
and the pre-2002 TiBook (
BookEndz
Titanium, $245). They also have docks for the 1999 and 2000 G3
PowerBooks ($230). Not cheap, but one solution. BookEndz may be also
available on
eBay and from dealers.
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