Apricorn Intros NetDock Docking Station for Ultrabook PCs

[btarunr]

Connectivity and optical drives are some of the first casualties of Intel's notebook slimming operation to come up with the Ultrabook specification. As a result, a new market is created for external connectivity solutions such as docking stations, which give users additional connectivity when at their desk, while maintaining the added mobility of Ultrabook, when on the move. Japan's Apricorn introduced one such product. Called the NetDock, the device holds a slimline DVD writer drive (included), provision for a 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD, and a 4-port USB 2.0 hub.

The NetDock draws power from an AC adapter, and connects to your Ultrabook over a USB 2.0 connection. Its DVD writer is capable of writing discs at speeds of up to 8X. One of the four downstream USB 2.0 ports is a high-current port for charging other portable devices (such as smartphones, media players, tablets, cameras, etc.). Both drives (the DVD writer, and the added 2.5-inch HDD/SSD) are visible to the host as USB mass storage devices. The NetDock measures 158.8 x 146.1 x 54.0 mm (WxDxH), and supports Windows 7/Vista/XP, and Mac OS X. It will be priced at 7,980 JPY (US $99.99).



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[NC37]

I get it now. Why they are pushing this Ultrabook craze onto consumers...

They want to sell docking stations. There I said it...I've revealed their master plan!

 

[miks]

Well I think the idea is to make the battery last longer by removing the things we dont use while on the move and reduce weight.

 

[Deleted member 3]

A few weeks ago Aldi sold an USB DVD burner that could hold a 2.5" SATA drive and had a USB hub as well. €25, I wanted to buy one but they sold out really fast. Apart from the shape of the plastic around it it's the same device, $99 is too much.

 

[PLAfiller]

Yeah it's a mixed product. I would prefer this: SilverStone SST-TS06 Plastic with diamond shape ex... . You can easily add another 2.5 inch drive in the slim dvd slot.

 

[OneCool]

USB 2.0?

 

[Fourstaff]

Still waiting for my Thunderbolt enabled external graphics card for Ultrabooks, Sony Vaio Z style.