I'm an I.T. Professional and will try to review this item from the perspective of an average computer user. I bought a new Dell Inspiron Laptop running Windows 7, Dell 21.5 inch monitor, Logitech wireless mouse & keyboard, and this Targus USB docking station.
My very first attempt to set up the device went like this: I followed the instructions by installing the software that was included with the device first, then rebooted, then attached my laptop to the Targus USB docking station. The result: Audio, network, and wireless devices worked. The display on my monitor worked except when I launched a video game called "World of Warcraft." Once I launched the video game, the display became blurry and the text illegible.
I spent about two hours troubleshooting this issue. I finally found out that the Targus website has, what it considers, the very latest software that controls the audio, networking, and USB components of the Targus docking station. However, the displaylink.com website has, what it considers, the very latest graphics software for the Targus device. So in short, I had to go to two different places to find the correct software for my Windows 7 computer.
Now here's where things started to really frustrate me about this device. Once I installed the latest graphics software for the Targus docking station and relaunched the game "World of Warcraft," the display worked perfectly but I lost my networking. So, I spent another hour trying to figure out what happened to the networking component of the docking station. Finally, I gave up and decided to start all over again by completely removing all the displaylink software and reinstalling it. This took me another 30 minutes or so. Once I reinstalled all the software (which included both pieces from the two different locations I mentioned earlier), the networking component of the docking station still did not work.
So I went back to the Targus website and found something called the "Corporate Only Windows 7 Ethernet Driver." Now, I'm not 100% sure what "Corporate Only" means but if I had to guess, usually a corporate listed software install has some additional corporate related security additions to the software but it should function normally otherwise. So I downloaded this driver and installed it. Rebooted. Now all the components of the Targus USB docking station work.
Summary: My job is to repair computer problems for a corporation I work for 5 days a week. The process I had to go through to get this Targus USB docking station to work was tedious, frustrating, and time consuming. I can't imagine how much time and effort it would take the average computer user to get this device to work properly (and as promised by the advertising for this device). After my experience with trying to get this device to function properly, I'm not surprised to see other reviewers here have varying problems with one or more of the components in this docking station. My suggestion is to look for another device and skip this one all together. In retrospect, I should have looked at the Kensington USB docking station with video.
I hope that this review helps others. Targus USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video ACP51USZ
I got this docking station for my daughter's birthday. She has a dell laptop and wanted to set it up in her new office with a larger (21 inch) monitor. I read all the reviews (on Cnet) and picked this one because I was SURE it would run the video portion for her flat screen monitor. Well, she loves it and it works just great. The only reason it isn't five stars is that the ports aren't powered so the laptop has to have its own power source. Just a minor inconvenience. Everything else works just great! Now she can actually find the smaller hidden objects in her games. This dock works with windows vista and a samsung monitor. I don't know why the other folks are having problems but it works great for her.
Purchased the station to support my Sony VAIO VPCEB. Followed the instructions (several times) for set up. No matter what I try there is no support for connecting an external monitor. Targus icon that should be in the Windows tray is not there. If you are using Windows 7 or a Sony computer I would stay away from this item.
This docking station works fine with my brand-new Gateway laptop. All peripherals work -- printer, wireless mouse, external monitor, speakers and USB keyboard. Only minor hassles with installation.
I'm not a high-powered graphics user (no gaming), so can't speak to that issue, but standard video feed (You Tube) works fine. In fact, I think the graphic display on my external monitor is far superior to what I got through my HP dock.
Two things that could be better:
--As another reviewer noted, you'll still need to plug in a power source (unlike my old HP dock).
--I haven't yet found a way to bring it back from Sleep state without opening the laptop lid. Hitting enter key on USB keyboard doesn't do it.
Installation challenges were minimal:
--Searches for Windows updates and after a while, the audio install reported as "failed." But speakers worked fine, as soon as I plugged in the jack.
--During setup, it reset the resolution on my laptop screen to a lower setting. I resolved it by unplugging the USB connector and rebooting; seems to be just a first-time issue. As with any added monitor, it takes some effort with the Windows display setings to get the two displays to both work as intended.
Be sure to shop around for best price. Changes frequently. - Dynadock - Displaylink - Notebook Dock - Laptop Docking Stations'
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