I first reviewed the Motion Computing LS800 in August 2005 and I’ve been using the one for about 6 months now and I am a big fan of it.
I’ve purchased some accessories for it – though I realise I never reviewed those. So I’m going to start putting that right with this review of the Motion Computing LS800 Mobile docking station.
From the Motion Computing Website:
Key Features:
- Three piece design to accommodate different usage models:
- Docking Cradle/Port Replication
- Desktop Dock Base/Port Replicator
- Notepad Travel Stand
- Wall/Arm/Cart Mount
- When docked, will convert LS800’s 10/100 Ethernet to Gigabit* Ethernet automatically
- Replicates and expands ports
- VGA
- 2 USB
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Microphone/Headphone
- Headphone/Speaker
- Motion Accessory Port
- Power
- Lightweight and compact
- Dock Base includes VESA compatible holes for wall or arm mounting
- “Grab and Go” design
- Supports landscape viewing
The back of the port replicator looks like this:
Like the LS800 itself the docking station has been designed to provide incredible flexibility and with mobility in mind. The package includes (Top to bottom):
· The port replicator
· A travel stand
· A desktop/wall mount stand
· A right-angle VGA connector and various screws etc. (for use when wall mounting the port replicator) (Not Pictured)
This gives you a number of options for how you use the docking station. I’ve snipped some of the photos from the product pictures PDF as they looked heaps better than my photos.
Firstly you can mount the port replicator vertically in the desktop stand like this:
Alternatively you can mount the tablet in note taking mode like this.
In note taking mode you can still make use of an external monitor by using the supplied right-angle VGA adaptor. The other ports on the back of the port replicator are accessible, if a little cramped.
Likewise you can wall-mount the docking station and rotate the port replicator 90 degrees so the tablet screen is vertical. Again you need to make use of the VGA adaptor to connect a monitor and the access to the other ports is a little cramped.
My preferred modus operandi, however, is to use the travel kickstand.
The replicator and the kickstand together are eminently portable. Because of the modular design the kickstand can be easily removed from the port replicator for transport. Together the port replicator and the stand are about the size of a chunky remote control and are very light. They easily slip into a standard laptop bag with the tablet, a USB hard drive, lunch and space to spare J
If you are going to use a very small tablet such as the Motion LS800 as you primary machine then you will probably be using it in conjunction with external accessories such as a full-size keyboard, external monitor and mouse at some point. The Mobile Dock is a well thought out docking solution and is a worthwhile addition if you are an LS800 owner.