Dock / Port Replicator Compatible with OSX & Windows

[BzowK]

Good Afternoon All -

We have a customer who has both a MacBook Pro and a Dell E-Latitdude (Windows 7) laptop. He only uses one at a time on his desk.

What he's requested is a type of docking solution - preferrably universal. I know they make them for laptops, but I don't know if any are cross platform
Here are the specs I'm looking for...

A Port Replicator / Dock which has the following:
- A Network Interface
- A Video Interface (VGA/DVI)
- USB Ports
- Audio

This device would connect to both the MacBook and/or PC Laptop via USB 2.0 or USB 3.0.

I've found the BookEndz site for OSX and there are plenty for PC, but don't know if any would work with both.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[wrinkster22]

If I understand correctly there are none. Why?
there are know windows laptops that have the same form factor as the MBP.

You could run bootcamp on the Mac, and use a bookend.

 

[shootist]

Have no idea what the other poster is talking about in his last sentence.

But not there are no universal docking stations that I know of. For one thing you need to connect 3 different ports on the MBP, power, USB and Thunderbolt which is also the Mini Displayport.

On the Dell E series, if he has a E63xx, 64xx, 65xx, there is an actual docking port connector on the bottom of the notebook. Which make all those connections at once. Along with giving you access to the port on the sides of the notebook.

Tell him to sell the MBP and stick with the Dell and get him the Dell Docking Station.