Toshiba Dynadock Docking Station (PA3927U1PRP)

I wanted a small-ish docking station for my new HP Envy, which has USB 3. I also wanted the docking station to accommodate the HP's HDMI port, as well as the TV I use as a monitor. This Toshiba satisfied all of those requirements, and gives additional worthwhile features, like supporting two monitors. (A nice touch was a supplied adaptor, which connects my VGA monitor cable to the DVI port of the Toshiba). The docking station connects to the laptop via a supplied 3-foot USB cable. I chose this type of connection over Bluetooth or IR for security (because of the work I do, I prefer wired connections) and ease of operation. This connection works great. However, I wish the cable were longer so I could keep my desktop clear of peripherals (I'll replace it soon). I wanted my notebook to sit on my desktop and remain uncluttered with wires, so I rejected other docking station designs, including HPs, which elevate the notebook, or plug into a physical mount. With the Toshiba, only the notebook is in the work area of the desktop, so I use its keyboard (no wireless keyboard needed) and the USB ports are available for multiple flash drives. A wireless mouse would be convenient. The Toshiba sits over on the edge of my desktop, with all the wires connecting to my peripherals neat and nearly out sight. The Amazon price was discounted, and I received the Toshiba in 2 days.

Flawless upgrade to my prior USB dock!! Have had a Kensington sd400v dock for several years. I run two screens off the computer (laptop, flat panel) and a third portrait screen off the dock. The Kensington always had issues with video (speed, video errors) but otherwise worked fine. I upgraded to the Toshiba Dynadock hoping the 3.0 speeds would result in error-free video. Was a little apprehensive about the negative reviews here, so I'll comment directly on some of the issues that others have experienced. 1. No problems with installation - ran the CD, the drivers updated themselves twice when the dock was plugged in, and it works with no issues. Toshiba uses a version of the same DisplayLink software that I used with the Kensington, however I note none of the errors I had with the sd400v. For example, the Win 7 drivers for the sd400v were notoriously difficult to get to install correctly. 2. No problems restarting the computer with the USB 3.0 connection. This problem is usually due to the USB 3.0 drivers and chips between the computer and the attached device. For example, I have had problems with a particular USB 3.0 hard drive causing the computer not to boot up. But no problems with this dock. I have a Clevo computer rebranded from Mythlogic with a Radeon graphics card, Win7 64bit (BTW a great company if you want a high-end laptop, much better price/performance than any of the "regular" brands) 3. The video has worked perfectly. No problems with video, response time equal to my other screens. No issues when I move windows back and forth to the screen (which used to cause problems before) 4. All of my USB devices on the dock work with no issues. I do not use either the audio or ethernet ports on the dock, so I can't comment on performance there. All in all, very pleased with this dock!!

I bought the Dynadock (a port expander) to go on my wife's Sony Flip 13 to support a USB hard drive (with confidential information that stays home), a USB keyboard/mouse, and an exernal VGA monitor when working at home.. The Sony has 2 USB 3.0 ports and a single HDMI port. Using the Dynadock means she only has to unplug/plug two connections (Sony power and the USB to the Dynadock) when she travels and returns. Fortunately for me, she decided she didn't like the standup form factor, so I stole it and hooked it up to my little Samsung np300u1a-a01us, which actually has 3 USB 2.0 ports (one with optional sleep power), a VGA output, and an audio jack. Nevertheless, with the Dynadock, I can keep my USB hard drive(s) and USB CD/DVD drive connected to the dock, and I only have to undo two connections to take my PC elsewhere. The vertical, narrow form factor actually works well on my table. Installation was almost straightforward. I installed the software from the included CD, along with an update, and was off and running. I clicked on the notification icon for the displaylink, and saw the "check for updates" item, which I then clicked. The menu went away for about 10 seconds (with no evidence of activity) and then a notification bubble popped up with the message "Cannot Update Displaylink Sofware, Unable to connect to Microsoft Windows Update Server". I Googled "displaylink" and got the pointer to their download page, from which I was able to retrieve and install the latest update. (The notification menu item for update still doesn't work, and the "displaylink manager" item just gives you the current version number.) The audio and video setup items do work. As far as performance goes, I'm quite pleased, given that I'm driving the whole mess via a USB 2.0 port and my PC has an I3 processor. Keyboard/mouse and video response are indistinguishable from direct attachment of the monitor. I tried playing a DVD onto the monitor and separate speakers (all on the Dynadock), and the motion and sound were smooth and synchronized. I leave the Dynadock powered up, and I worried that this would leave the USB hard drives powered on as well (if you plug one into the Dynadock while the PC is not connected, it powers up and seems to stay up.) However, the Dynadock appears to shut down the drives if the PC is shut down while connected. I haven't tried this with either of the sleep/power USB ports on the front. Overall, I'm quite pleased with the device. I'd think it would be essential for some of the windows tablets that only come with a single USB port.

We have a busy office with multiple monitors and our staff work on site and in the office. It is a quick disconnect and go.