Easiest Way to Dock a MacBook Pro

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Easiest Way to Dock a MacBook Pro

I am a Computer Science major and recently purchased a MacBook Pro (15"). I will need to bring it back and forth between class and my dorm room a good deal.

In my dorm I have a monitor (using DVI), USB printer, keyboard/mouse, iPod, external hard drive (firewire), and speakers.

Thats a lot of wires on my desk that I have to plug in EVERY time. I know that there are not any Mac Docks (and Bookendz hasnt made a MBP one yet), but what will be the easiest way for me to dock my notebook every day in my room.

Just to get started, is there a firewire hub that also has USB ports (ie I plug one firewire inbetween the mac and the hub, connected to the hub would be both a USB keyboard/mouse, USB Printer, and a Firewire hard drive)? Maybe one that supports audio too so I would only have to plug in the hub, power, and monitor.

MacBook Pro 2.16GHz -- 2GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.7)

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0GHz - 1.5GB Mac OS X (10.4.4) Dual screen, GL2 Camcorder

Posted on Aug 16, 2006 11:42 PM

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Answer 1

jplem

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Aug 16, 2006 11:55 PM in response to Themorioles

Hi, I have a problem with large ammounts of wires being scattered accross my desk as well, and am also moving into a dorm this term. I find using a USB 2.0 router takes the clutter down quite a bit. I use the Belkin TetraHub and have been quite happy with it, it has 4 usb slots, which I use for iPod (yes it's powered), mouse, printer, and external hdd. However I am not using an external screen. And as for the speakers I don't believe there is much of a work around besides plugging it in every time you sit down. I am awaiting a dock for the mbp!!! Why doesn't Apple make these things?

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Answer 2

Aug 17, 2006 2:34 AM in response to jplem

for audio use, Griffin iMic - USB Audio Interface, about £25. you can then plug your speakers into the hub, via USB.

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Answer 3

KB650

Level 1

5 points

Aug 18, 2006 10:41 PM in response to Themorioles

I use an airport express to eliminate ethernet, the printer, and speakers (if youre listening to music with itunes/airtunes). Network attatched storage would eliminate the external drives, and a bluetooth keyboard/mouse (logitech dinovo). Unfortunately theres no good fix for the DVI 😟

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Answer 4

Aug 18, 2006 10:53 PM in response to Themorioles

A company called BookEndz makes docking stations for Apple laptops. They don't have one for the MacBook Pro yet, but their site says they're in the process of producing one.

As other users before me said, you can easily get rid of a couple wires by buying an Airport Express (or Extreme), but you'll still have to plug in some wires.

Good luck finding a solution!

eMac 1.25 Ghz (SuperDrive, BT), iBook 14'' 1.42 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.7) 5G 30gb iPod, 4GB White iPod nano

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Answer 5

Aug 19, 2006 7:11 AM in response to Themorioles

There is no official docking station. BookEnds does not have support at this time, so cannot help you.

You're unfortunately stuck plugging in, and unplugging everything.

I understand the inconvenience, but realistically, is it that time consuming to disconnect everything?
Annoying, yes, i couldn't agree any more, especially if you take your laptop to go with you on a frequent basis. But as for time consuming, it really only takes about 30 seconds to disconnect and/or reconnect. What you can do to make it easier, and nicer, is to get some cable ties and tie together the ones say on the left side of your computer, and on the right side, so that they are easily accessed.

Though it would be another investment, look into getting the Bluetooth Mighty mouse and Keyboard. No wires means less hassle.

Good luck, though it sounds like waiting for book ends is the only solution you want.

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