Discussions

Why are laptop docking stations so dejected? While docks for MP3 players and cellphones get more anthropomorphic and colorful every year, the laptop dock is still the same depressing hunk of black technology that’s been darkening your desk since the '90s.

Just look at it:

You can almost hear its despondent, Eeyore sigh.

Meanwhile, we literally have Miffy the bunny shaped MP3 player, whose greener-pastured docking station probably smells like bubblegum hugs:

And then there’s the iBoo, the friendly ghost iPod dock with speakers for eyes.

If we can go to cute-overload extremes for other docks, how hard could it be for laptop docking stations to at least offer a little more elegance – something like West Elm’s sophisticated lacquer docking station

Like this “space-saving way station,” I’d also want somewhere to plug in my phone, MP3 player, and camera. However more integration would be nice. Imagine photos, music, contact info, appointments, and notes all syncing up with your laptop in one, fell swoop.

Only I don’t want a mass tangle of wires – there should be individual drawers with gratifying slots for all my gadgets. And like GBear’s idea for a streamlined dockbook, my dream docking station would connect to my laptop via a single, elegant plug.

Simple and clutter-free to the eye, my docking station would also have muscle, with heavy peripherals like DVD burner/player or secondary processor all built directly into the station, which means my laptop can be ultra light, petite, and purse-friendly.

And while we’re at it, let’s simplify the extrication process. This is 2009 – do I really still have to put my laptop to sleep or press a special button until it stops flashing or some other shutdown song and dance before I’m allowed to pull the plug? Please, please, please: Can’t we find some way to skip the scary red “Device Removal” exclamation and the file sync churn and let me eject my laptop in peace?

Or maybe just a vintage toaster modified to accept my laptop and pop it into the air when I'm finished.

That would be cool too.