Also available in black for you black MacBook owners—or you can mix and match colors.

 

The Docking Station for 13-inch MacBook sits on your desk waiting patiently for you to connect your MacBook. It’s a time-saver if your MacBook splits time between on-to-go duties and as a desktop Mac.

 

The Docking Station is a well-built device—it feels solid, and all the connectors fit properly into the MacBook’s ports. The device offers pass-through connectors for all the MacBook’s ports, plus a couple of bonuses. First, it has five USB 2.0 connectors, so you get three more USB ports. The Docking Station also has both DVI and VGA connectors for an external display, which means that you don’t need to spend $19 on a mini-DVI-to-DVI or mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter (which aren’t included with the MacBook).

 

You can easily find a five- or seven-port powered USB hub for 50 bucks. Add that to the cost of the video adapter, and you’ll spend half the money. The Docking Station’s biggest benefit is that it lets you keep your peripherals plugged in: external hard drives, printers, scanners, and so on. You can leave those items connected to the Docking Station, and when it’s time to go, just slide your MacBook out of the dock instead of pulling connectors out of every port. When you return to your desk, just dock the MacBook, and your peripherals are connected instantly.

 

The bottom line. The Docking Station is a quality device that makes it easier to transition your MacBook between its home on your desk and its travels out in the world.

 

COMPANY: BookEndz

CONTACT: www.bookendzdocks.com

PRICE: $159

REQUIREMENTS: Core 2 Duo MacBook

Provides 3 additional USB ports. Has full-sized DVI and VGA video connectors.

Pricey. More a luxury item than a necessity.