<p>I just purchased an HP dv6t Select Edition. I want to be able to hook up my external 22" monitor as well as a desktop keyboard/mouse, printer, speakers, etc. so that I have a fairly decent "desktop" experience in the dorm but a nice, portable laptop experience on the go. </p>
<p>I remember old Dells used to have those Port Replicators that would allow you to set the laptop on it and all of your ports (monitor, ethernet, USB, sound, etc.) would already be plugged in and ready to use; and you'd be able to take it off and go. I don't think the HP has this "docking" feature so I'm wondering what everyone else uses for docking their laptops in the dorm without having to plug in each port every time you work in the dorm: power, monitor, USB, sound, keyboard, mouse, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m going to be a freshman next year.</p>
<p>I’ve gotten the hp envy 14 and a 21.5" lcd monitor. I plan on just hooking the HDMI cable in to the laptop and monitor (it does picture and sound), the power cord, and my wireless keyboard and mouse combo thing (it’s one receiver unit). I don’t think 3 cables is too much of a deal, so I’ll probably just do that every time I want to use it, unless I’m just sitting on my bed or something…</p>
<p>Oh, and the ethernet. 4 still isn’t bad.
edit again: I’m only going to hook up the printer when I need it</p>
<p>Thanks. My dad has one of those Dells with a Port Replicator and it is extremely easy to keep everything plugged in and just set it down/pick up it up whenever needed. It’s too bad they’ve gotten rid of something this easy.</p>
<p>I’m going to try and get away with just two cables (power and HDMI). The wireless kb/mouse combo is a great idea and Logitech has that extremely small adapter so that I don’t need to plug/unplug each time. I’ll also see how much I can get with the campus WiFi-N (fastest internet in the nation!) instead of Ethernet.</p>
<p>actually, after googling, I’ve found out that hp does make docking stations.</p>
<p>here: [hp</a> docking stations for laptops - Google Search](<a href=“hp docking stations for laptops - Google Search”>hp docking stations for laptops - Google Search)</p>
<p>Most newer laptops don’t seem to have the “port replicators” for docking stations. They are very nice. Some of the expensive business ones still have them.</p>
<p>I just plugged all the cables into mine. Wasn’t bad - I ran all the USB devices to a hub so I only had one USB cable to plug in. Then I just had to plug in power, VGA, and ethernet, and audio if I wanted it. I kept the cables bundled together with a ty-rap (except for power, so I could take the adapter with me if I wanted).</p>
<p>Using binder clips also helps stop the cables from sliding down the back of the desk.</p>
<p>[Neat</a> Hack: Binder-Clip Cable-Keepers | Gadget Lab | Wired.com](<a href=“http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/03/neat-hack-binder-clip-cable-keepers/]Neat”>Neat Hack: Binder-Clip Cable-Keepers | WIRED)</p>
<p>Oh, wow! I’ve never thought of that binder clip idea! It looks great :)</p>
<p>Are all of those cables hot-swappable? I’d like to be able to easily pick it up and go and not have to worry about shutting down and restarting just to unplug everything. </p>
<p>And that binder trick is neat. :)</p>
<p>I hooked my 13’ Macbook Pro up to a 26’’ monitor. Worked pretty well, although plugging everything in eventually got old.</p>
<p>redfirex67 - Yeah. You shouldn’t have to shut down to unplug any of those connections.</p>