Question 1

Have an Hp Pavillion dv6 laptop.  Was dropped by my son at school.  Left rear hinge was broken but was "repaired".   Long term viability of repair is suspect (case has to be glued).   So I want to use a docking station and an external monitor.   Important requirements are to
(1) NOT have to open the laptop lid to turn on the power.  I need a switch/button on the docking station device to turn on the laptop.
(2) NOT require the wide connector that plugs into the left side of some Pavillion laptops (mine dv6 version does not have that connector.
(3) Ability to change laptop through the docking station is a BIG plus.

I like the fact that this can be a wedge under the rear to vent hot air and improve circulation.   But there is no mention of whether there is a power switch that can turn on the laptop.   Photos of sides and back seem to indicate that the wide docking station cable is not required.   Please confirm - will this device will work with my HP laptop?

Accepted Answer

Jim,

You cannot start the laptop from the docking station.

This docking station plugs into the laptop via USB.

You need to load software onto the laptop before you can use the docking station. After the software is loaded and the laptop is setup you can leave the laptop screen closed. Except to power on the laptop.

Based on what you have described I don't think this will work well for your needs.

Have a great day,

Jeffrey W.

Question 2

Does the dock power the laptop as well?

Accepted Answer

No. But that is a really good idea. Making a dock with universal plug with a variable length set right next the USB 3.0 port.

What I do, is use Velcro to fasten the cables from my HDMI KVM and the USB dock together as one.

As far as I am aware, you need a laptop with a port replication port built into it to get a dock that takes care of the power and the connection.

Question 3

Would this work for a Dell Inspiron 5721?

Accepted Answer

I'm pretty sure the Targus is compatible with ANY computer running Windows with a USB port.  Make sure you're plugging it into a USB 3.0 port.  The required software should automatically begin installing shortly after plugging in.  Once installed, you should be able to take advantage of the additional video output(s), USB ports, sound jacks, and Ethernet connections.

Question 4

can this doc a macbook air?

Accepted Answer

Targus' web site says that it both Windows and Mac compatible - specifically: OS X 10.7, 10.8, 10.9 and 10.10 (Yosemite).

Question 5

Does the Docking Station also power/charge the laptop?

Accepted Answer

No. It doesn't charge the PC, but it's a good unit. I have one at home and one at work, and my Surface switches between them without any problems, even though the devices and layout are different. At work I use an additional USB video adapter to drive a third monitor in addition to the two driven by the dock.

Question 6

Does anyone know the specific type of AC adapter required for this unit? I purchased but misplaced the power adapter.

Accepted Answer

The specs are on the unit.  The power brick puts out 19.5V/6.15A and uses a round 4-Pin keyed connector into the docking station and may be proprietary (i.e. only available from Targus).  The cord into the power brick is a standard 3-pin clover configuration that you should be able to find at at Newegg.  This one looks like it would work: StarTech Model PXT101NB3S on Newegg.

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