Sony VAIO VGP-PRSZ1 - Docking station
The VAIO SZ laptops are, without a doubt, the most luxurious bits of kit on the market. Running Windows XP or Vista, these laptops come equipped with cutting edge technology and looks to die for. The latest incarnation, the SZ4 (soon to be replaced by the SZ5) is no exception. With aluminum/carbon fiber chassis, a wafer thin high contrast 13 inch widescreen LCD, dual core technology, DVD-RW, and all the connectivity you can imagine - at under 1.7kg - this Windows laptop takes on the Macbook for style, at under half the weight ... but, at around £2k, almost double the price.
So what about the docking station? I must admit, it is difficult to drum up much enthusiasm about a docking station - although having now used one, I cannot imagine being without it.
Solidly built at just under a kilogram with rubber feet that prevent the unit from sliding around, it presents an elegant addition to your desk. Docking is seamless with guides that steer the connector into the base of the shuttered slot on the underside of the laptop. The keyboard then presents a slight upward tilt - ideal for prolonged typing.
Once docked you are instantly connected to everything IT related in your office via the 3 x USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, DVI-D port, Gigabit Ethernet LAN port and DC socket. That 21 inch widescreen LCD hanging on your wall, printer, Ethernet access and back up hard drive are ready to go. The undocking button towards the back of the slab allows you to pick up your laptop and rush for the train in under 5 seconds.
Of course it is a luxury and terribly overpriced - especially when you consider the need to buy that second AC adaptor (another £90), but if you can afford this laptop then I suppose you won't mind spending £340 on two docking stations (of course you will need one for the office and one for home). If you own this laptop, money is obviously not an issue - knock yourself out: buy the docking station(s)!
