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8600 & the Port Replicator

post #1 of 13
4/23/04 at 12:10am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone,

Next year's schooling is what I really needed to get the laptop for in the first place. I'll be needing to take it to class every day, so I was figuring I'd at least get a 2nd AC adapter. I had considered the port replicator at time of purchase but the $170+ pricetag was a bit much for me. Currently I've got it set up to just plug a USB hub in and out of the computer, my AC adapter, and my speakers. That's not a big deal, but I don't take it away from my desk too often at this moment. Next year it will be every day.

So, in hunting on eBay, the best deal I could dig up was $100 or so for the replicator and the AC adapted. Not bad, but still pricey. So, my questions are: for those of you that have the APR, how do you like it? And second, can anyone recommend a place to get a better deal?

Thanks!
Tim
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post #2 of 13
4/23/04 at 12:19am
Tim -- If you plan on taking your 8600 to class on a daily basis, the port replicator or a good USB hub is gonna make things much easier on you. I've got the PR and I think it's worth the $$, although I'll be listing my whole system on eBay within the next 7-10 days. I never saw the PR anywhere except at Dell and on eBay. If the $$ is too high for you, try using just your USB hub for awhile. It might work just as well for your situation. Good luck in school!
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post #3 of 13
4/23/04 at 12:20am
I think I have come across the APR "D-Port" for about 70 or 80 lately. I am a college student with a D800 and the D-Port, and believe me, it is well worth it. I bought it back in August when the prices on these things were still at about 150 on Ebay and even so, it has been great. I say go for it!
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post #4 of 13
4/23/04 at 12:44am
Thread Starter 
I may wait and see what happens to the prices. The problem is with those $70 ones is that hardly any listed come with the required AC adapter.

jswriter: would you be interested in selling your PR and AC adapter separately? If so, how much? Let me know!

Thanks all for your replies thus far. I think the PR will work out be just because I can leave the speakers, AC adapter, and USB hub plugged into the PR and then just have one thing to dislodge/reengage each time. I'll watch this summer and see if the prices drop some more. As bigshloss said, they used to be quite a bit more.

Tim
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post #5 of 13
4/23/04 at 2:05am
The port replicator is awesome. I'm glad I spent the extra money and got one. Makes life so much easier. I use mine at home and undock it and take my laptop to work with me every day.
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post #6 of 13
4/23/04 at 2:11am
didn't someone have heat issues with the port replicator?
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post #7 of 13
4/23/04 at 8:45am
I got the APR and view stand with my 8600 and it was great.............when it was working. Unfortunately, after a week, my laptop stopped recognizing the thing and I was put through Dells' incredibily effecient tech. support cycle. Bottom line: after hours of phone "help," numerous reformats and re-installs of Windows, they have determined a faulty motherboard and I must return the machine for service.
Until I am certain the docking port on the laptop is well designed and I wont have to go through this again, I'm not that thrilled.
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post #8 of 13
8/9/04 at 2:29am
bigshloss,

are you still looking to sell your port replicator, i remember you mentioning something about it in another post. Anyways let me know, I am going to need another one for my sisters laptop.
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post #9 of 13
8/9/04 at 2:43am
Well that wasnt to hard to find it at a lower price... Look at this link, it has it for $58, plus it even has the 90w adaptor you need... Total price with shipping = 73

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

It isnt the best deal, but for a quick search, one time I found one cheaper than you have... Oh may I mension I paid only $50 shipped for mine, I also bought it off eBay and it works great... Heres what I all got, the APR with 90w adaptor, a metal monitor stand, and a modular battery for an extra $20... So you just have to keep your eye out, and sooner or later the deal might come up again... Oh and I highly reccomend them, they are so convient and easy, I can't say enough about them; I love em.... LOL

Hope this helps,
Striker
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post #10 of 13
8/9/04 at 9:12am
^yea, keep looking for a deal. I payed under 50 for mine, and it works great. totally worth the extra charger alone.
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post #11 of 13
8/9/04 at 11:22am
hmmm...not a bad deal i might bid on this...however i see one for 110 shipped and it is brand new still in box with a mouse...might be worth the extra 40 but im not sure.
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post #12 of 13
8/9/04 at 11:25am
well... its just a port replicator, so there really shouldnt be any wear and tear on a used one, but if u wanna be sure, obviously go for the new one.
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post #13 of 13
8/9/04 at 11:29am
Only reason I got a new one is lack of availability of second hand in Australia. Shipping from the US was gonna end up costing too much (plus the fact that the power adapter will have a different connection and rating, so I'd have to get a converter as well). But if it suits you over there a second-hand one will save a lot of money, and as Evo mentioned, because of it's deskbound nature will have suffered very little wear and tear.
stu
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