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White Paper: Docking StationsAndre Bower, Theo Goguely and Jason Slaughter
25 March 2009
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White Paper
Docking Stations
Author(s)Andre Bower, Theo Goguely and Jason Slaughter
Document NumberNR-104147-MM
Save Date25 March 2009
DisplayLink Limited
Mount Pleasant House
Mount Pleasant
Cambridge CB3 0RN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 8707 66 11 10
Fax: +44 8707 66 11 13
This entire document is copyright 2008 DisplayLink Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Registered in England and Wales no 4811048 VAT No. 823 4695 17
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Contents
1 Introduction 4
2 Docking Station Benefits 52.1 Convenience and Comfort 52.2 Display Enhancements 52.3 Ergonomics 6
3 Types of Docking Stations 73.1 Proprietary Docks 73.2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Docks 83.3 Wireless USB (WUSB) Docks 10
4 Future of Docking Stations 104.1 USB3 and WUSB1.1 114.2 Handheld Devices 11
5 Conclusion 12
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1 IntroductionAs computer users attach more value to mobility and power efficiency they increasingly prefer notebooks (laptops) over desktop computers. As a result the sales of mobile PCs is growing faster than that of desktop PCs. DisplaySearch forecasts that notebook sales will exceed desktop PC sales in 2009, as shown in figure 1.
Figure 1. Notebook Sales versus Desktop PC Sales (DisplaySearch Q1’08)
While away from the desk, mobile PCs offer the convenience of having access to all files and applications without the need to carry around all the computer peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, and monitor. However, while at the office, computer users would still like the experience and efficiency that comes with sitting in front of a desktop PC with its large monitor, keyboard and tabletop. In particular, it is difficult to do “real work” with the native display of a notebook because activities such as cutting-and-pasting and document editing quickly crowd the space available on a notebooks small display.
Figure 2. The Problem: Trying to do real work on a crowded notebook screen.
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This problem is exacerbated with netbooks, ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), and other hand-held computing devices such as smart phones. While such portable devices have the capacity to store and manage documents, they are limited by their small screens and keyboards making it difficult, uncomfortable, and ergonomically incorrect to use them for active document creation or editing activity.It is for these reasons that docking stations products are often used with notebook PCs. Docking stations provide an efficient and ergonomically-correct user experience that a portable computer cannot offer, and provide a single connection to essential peripherals. Docking stations effectively transform a notebook, netbook, UMPC, MID or smart phone into a full-featured desktop computer. The peripherals that are typically made available by a notebook docking station are:
Keyboard Mouse Monitor Ethernet Headphones Speakers USB Hub
Note that Docking Stations differ from Port Replicators in that they provide the notebook with features and connections that it didn’t previously have. Port Replicators merely allow multiple peripherals that would otherwise have to be independently connected to the notebook to be connected with only one connection.
2 Docking Station Benefits
2.1 Convenience and ComfortA docking station eliminates the inconvenience of unplugging and replugging all the various peripherals into the notebook when leaving and returning to the workplace. It also provides a tidier workspace by moving the wiring clutter associated with numerous peripherals away from the notebook itself. Docking stations also allow maximum comfort, correct body posture, safety, and ease of use of the peripherals on the desk. Some docking stations have integrated notebook stands allowing the screen to be adjusted to the user's correct viewing height. Swivel bases are also available to allow different viewing angles.
2.2 Display EnhancementsOne of the main advantages of docking stations is to add a single or multiple large screen displays to the notebook. Studies have shown that multiple large area monitors
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significantly increase productivity for editing tasks1,2 as well as higher data retention rates3.Several different graphics interfaces may be used to connect to a display. These include the conventional analogue interface (DSUB15 connector), the Digital Visual Interface (DVI), the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and DisplayPort. Docking stations may include one or more of these interfaces for the purposes of connecting to an external monitor.When connecting a large area monitor to a notebook using a docking station the user has the option of closing the lid of the notebook or leaving it open. In the latter case the user can take advantage of the multiple displays to increase his or her productivity.Universal docking stations (USB or WUSB) that use DisplayLink technology provide additional display connections to a notebook, something that is otherwise not possible.
2.3 Ergonomics Ergonomic factors in the workplace have become an increasingly important requirement. From an ergonomic point of view, notebooks are not ideal to use for long periods of time. Because of their smaller screens, most notebook users tend to hunch over their notebooks while working, and are confined to small, flat keyboards. This working environment can cause visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and, for some users, pain and injury if sustained over prolonged periods of time4.To address this, the European Community (EC) published a directive entitled theHealth and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 992 which went into effect from January 19995. Regulation 3 requires employers to ensure that workstations comply with certain ergonomic requirements, including:
Screen should be about 50 to 70 cm from your face with the top of the screen at approximately eye level.
Forearms should be approximately horizontal when using the keyboard and mouse.
Mouse should be placed close so it can be used with a relaxed arm and straight wrist to support the arm, for example on the desk surface.
1 Productivity, Screens and Aspect Ratios, James A. Anderson, University of Utah. http://www.necdisplay.com/gowide/NEC_Productivity_Study_0208.pdf
2 Productivity and Multi-Screen Computer Displays, Janet Colvin, University of Utah. http://www.humis.utah.edu/humis/docs/organization_951_1147817063.pdf
3 Microsoft Research “Two Screens Are Better Than One” by Suzanne Ross.http://research.microsoft.com/displayArticle.aspx?id=433&0sr=a4 According to the Working with VDUs booklet published by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2001 around 1.1 million people in Great Britain suffered from MSDs caused or made worse by work and an estimated 12.3 million working days were lost due to work-related MSDs.HSG90 HSE Books 200 ISBN 0 7 76 2602 4 5 Work with display screen equipment. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002. Guidance on regulations L26 (Second edition).HSE Books 200 ISBN 0 7 76 2582 6
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Full size angled keyboards are recommended for long term use rather than notebook keyboards, as is a normal mouse rather than notebook pointingdevices.
It also states that design features on portable computers, such as small keyboards, can make prolonged use uncomfortable, unless steps are taken to avoid problems by, for example, using a docking station. The ISO standard relating to the subject is ISO 9241-5:1999.In addition, FIRA, the Furniture Industry Research Association (www.fira.co.uk), tests office equipment against the requirements of the appropriate British and European Health & Safety regulations as well as the FIRA specifications. They advocate the use of docking stations and advise against the use of notebooks as replacements for desktop computers.
3 Types of Docking Stations
3.1 Proprietary DocksPC manufacturers have traditionally offered docking stations which connect to the notebook through a proprietary connector on the bottom or back of the notebook PC. These are sometimes referred to as “hard docks.”This proprietary connector adds additional cost to every notebook that must be recouped through higher margins on proprietary docking stations. As a result, a notebook model typically requires a 30%-50% connect rate to justify the additional cost of the docking station connector. This proprietary dock connector is sometimes removed to save space in thin-and-light and ultralight notebook models. As a result, many notebook models cannot be used with a traditional proprietary docking station.A common characteristic of proprietary docks is that they are typically only compatible with a narrow range of notebook models. For example, the Dell Latitude C series has a different connector than the Latitude D series. That is, a C series dock cannot be used with a D series notebook, and vice versa.
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Figure 3. Two distinct proprietary docks from the same manufacturer
The model-specific reality of the proprietary dock adds additional complexity to asset management, particularly in IT environments. Different docking station models need to be tracked, stocked, and procured by IT managers. Docking stations that become damaged can be difficult to replace if the notebook and docking station are no longer in production. And a proprietary docking station must also often be replaced whenever a notebook PC is replaced, adding additional procurement cost when upgrading.For consumers, the wide array of different docking stations can also be confusing. This complexity, coupled with the generally lower attach rate to docking station for consumer notebooks, means that most consumer notebooks ship without a proprietary docking station connector and cannot be used with a proprietary docking station.
3.2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) DocksUSB 2.0 connectors are now ubiquitously available on every computer. They provide a simple and cost effective way to connect computer peripherals to any notebook. A docking station that uses USB to connect to the notebook can therefore work with any model of notebook from any vendor, as the USB connector is a standard connection available on all notebooks. An example of a USB dock, the Toshiba Dynadock, is shown in figure 4.
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Figure 4. Toshiba Dynadock6
The universal nature of a USB docking station – compatibility with every notebook PC –opens up new opportunities for docking station connectivity.
For instance, Notebook PCs that are designed without docking station connectors can now be connected to a docking station where no proprietary dock option exists. For IT administrators, this opens up new possible models, such as thin-and-light notebooks, that would otherwise be unavailable if a docking station was a hard requirement. For Notebook OEMs, this opens up a purely peripheral up-sell option to sell universal docking stations into the installed base of legacy notebooks from any vendor, opening up a new source of high-margin business.
Universal docking stations also enable a large aftermarket docking station market by targeting consumers and small office/home office users through retail channels.
Universal USB docking stations also provide IT departments with a more manageable and cost-effective solution for docking stations. The universal compatibility with all notebooks enables:
simplified inventory management by allowing standardization on one docking station throughout the organization.
lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by providing a single docking station that can be negotiated in higher volumes, as well as a longer lifetime for the dock that can survive the notebook upgrade cycles. End users do not need to
6 Toshiba Dynadockhttp://www.dynadock.com/
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upgrade their docking station each time they upgrade their notebooks to a new notebook PC.
“hot desk” options for mobile workers by providing a docking station set-up compatible with all notebooks.
USB Plug-and-Play connectivity that automatically recognizes the presence of peripherals without having to reboot the computer, for true hot-plugging.
a typically lower price point than proprietary docking stations.
While USB 2.0 has been available since 2000, its use in docking stations has been limited by the fact that monitors could not be connected via the bandwidth-limited USB 2.0 connection. The relatively recent introduction of DisplayLink USB graphics has now made high-performance monitor connectivity over USB 2.0 a possibility and has enabled the growth of the universal docking station market.
3.3 Wireless USB (WUSB) DocksUniversal USB 2.0 docking stations allow multiple peripherals to be connected to a notebook with a single physical connection, and it is possible to extend this simple connectivity wirelessly through the Wireless USB 1.0 standard. Existing notebooks can use a Wireless USB adapter – through USB 2.0 or ExpressCard – to add Wireless USB functionality, and many new notebooks are already available on the market with integrated support for the Certified Wireless USB standard7. Such notebooks can connect wirelessly to their docking stations thus eliminating the need for any physical plugging or unplugging to the dock or to computer peripherals.WUSB uses ultra-wide band (UWB) radio technology known as WiMedia to carry the USB signal over short distances while maintaining a high throughput. This high throughput significantly exceeds the typical speeds of a WiFi internet connection, enabling speeds that are typical of wired USB 2.0 devices.
Figure 5. Kensington Wireless USB Dock8
Wireless USB docking stations, through their compatibility with the USB 2.0 standard, can use the same USB 2.0 peripherals currently on the market, including DisplayLink USB graphics technology for wireless video and graphics.
7 PC Pro: News: USB 3.0 and Certified Wireless USB 1.1 announcedhttp://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/131198/usb-30-and-certified-wireless-usb-11-announced.html8 Dell Corporation, Wireless USB Docking Station for Laptop Expansion, http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Docking_Station/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A1983022
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4 Future of Docking StationsWith continuing innovations in technology and ergonomic design, the next generation of docking stations promises to truly enhance the user experience, computing and communication capabilities, as well as safety of the travelling worker.
4.1 USB3 and WUSB1.1In August 2008 Intel release the draft specification of the next generation of USB, called USB3.09,10. USB3.0 offers data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbits per second (Gbps), compared with 480Mbps available in USB2. Other features include optical interfaces and much lower power consumption. As such USB3 will enable docks to provide more functionality such as multiple display connectivity and a higher network bandwidth.The WUSB1.1 standard is set to allow transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps. Among the features of the WUSB 1.1 is the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, which is a proximity-based approach that allows users to easily introduce devices to their PCs through touch-and-go action.
4.2 Handheld DevicesNew classes of handheld devices, including Netbooks, Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs), Tablet PCs, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), and Smart Phones, also benefit from the use of a docking station to increase the available screen and keyboard size11. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a product concept that allows a large display and keyboard to be attached to a smart phone to facilitate document editing, as well as providing access to enterprise services.
9 PC World - Faster USB 3.0 Is Cominghttp://www.pcworld.com/article/id,137551/article.html10 Macworld, “Intel releases draft USB 3.0 spec”, 18 August 2008. http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=2244411 New iPhone Docking Station. Apple Tablet next? » Unwired Viewhttp://www.unwiredview.com/2007/02/15/new-iphone-docking-station-apple-tablet-next/
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Figure 6. A Smart Phone Docking Station
5 ConclusionAs mobile computers have become more common and powerful, they’ve also become smaller, unfortunately making them less comfortable to use. Most of the usability problems of small notebooks are inherent to their designs, and therefore, docking stations are needed to provide the user with a desktop-like experience.
While proprietary docking stations have long dominated this market, universal docks are gaining in popularity thanks to their wide compatibility advantage, ease of use and upgrade savings as end-users do not need to upgrade a universal docking station each time they upgrade or change their mobile computer.Universal docking stations with DisplayLink technology provide notebook users with all the elements needed to have a true desktop experience, all through either a single USB 2.0 cable, or a Wireless USB connection. This also provides a clear growth path for the docking stations and their abilities with future technologies like USB 3.0 and WUSB 1.1 providing the throughput needed for more demanding tasks.
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