If you use your notebook on a desk everyday, chances are you’re finding it a pain in the back. Well, peripherals-maker Targus may have something to help you. The Express Card Laptop Docking Station is a docking station that will connect with any laptop via the notebook’s Express Card slot.

The docking station itself is equipped with Gigabit ethernet, 4 USB-A ports, a microphone input, Toslink S/PDIF 5.1 sound output, front, rear and centre analogue audio outputs and of course a serial port. Two of the USB ports are “always on” regardless of what state the docking station is in which make them perfect for charging phones and PDAs.

The most useful feature is that it actually behaves just like an ordinary docking station and allows you to plug in an external monitor using either DVI or VGA connections. It’s even designed to prop up your notebook to a more usable angle and allow better air flow under the case.

If Express Cards don’t play nicely with your laptop, they have a couple of USB connecting docking stations which would be perfect for connecting your netbook to a monitor and bigger keyboard.

The Targus Universal Notebook Docking Station with Video is the first USB based docking station with true video output capabilities. This “One Touch” interface allows users to quickly and easily connect to an external monitor, keyboard, Ethernet, mouse, printer, speakers or other devices in a matter of seconds. This product is also the first docking station to allow users to connect through a single USB connection. The Universal Docking Station provides greater flexibility to commercial users and consumers because it is not notebook platform dependent. It provides a low cost alternative to traditional OEM docking stations and port replicators.

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