Purpose of the docking station. All about docking stations. Expanding the functions of the laptop

What are Android docks? Many people use their smartphones and tablets as media players: they listen to music, watch movies, and so on. But at the same time you have to hold the device in your hands or look for a stand for it. Moreover, during operation, the gadget’s battery charge decreases and you need to connect a charger.

What is a docking station

This is where docking stations come to the rescue. With their help, you can conveniently and securely mount your Android device on a special stand. So, let's figure out what a docking station for Android is and what they are like.

Essentially, this is a device into which your smartphone (tablet) is installed. It can be of several types:

• A regular stand - without microUSB port and charging.
• With charger - when installed, the smartphone is connected to the USB port and charged.
• Multimedia - not only performs the functions of a regular stand and charger, but also allows you to play video and audio files on the speakers built into the docking station.

The first option is nothing more than a very ordinary stand. Its only function is to place a phone (tablet) in it for convenient viewing of movies. In this case, the sound will come from the built-in speaker of the smartphone.

The second option, in addition to increasing convenience, serves as a charger (charger). In other words, the station itself connects to the power supply and charges the smartphone (tablet).

It is worth noting that options without a charger can hold the phone in a vertical or horizontal position (depending on the model and design). At the same time, the stand with a charger can hold the phone in only one position, since the phone is connected to a microUSB port.

The most functional is the third option - a multimedia docking station for devices on the Android platform. It performs the functions of the two previous versions and at the same time has built-in speakers for playing sounds. Thanks to this, a quiet smartphone (tablet) can play loud enough. Moreover, there are stands with fairly powerful acoustics and a sound amplifier. They are in no way inferior to ordinary speakers.

Multimedia stands can also control your Android gadget via a USB connection. In simple words: you install a special application on your smartphone, launch it and install the gadget on the docking station. Then, using the remote control, you can turn on music, adjust the volume, open a video file, and so on.

Selecting a docking station

The choice is quite simple. First of all, you need to decide which features interest you. That is, if you are looking for a simple and convenient stand and nothing more, then you should pay attention to models that can hold your phone in a vertical and horizontal position.

If you are interested in the memory function, then everything is even simpler here. You only need to focus on the external design and power output of the power supply. Remember that the current output power must match the requirements of your smartphone. If the voltage is too high, there is a risk of burning the USB port and charging controllers.

As a rule, for more modern and powerful tablets and smartphones, a charger with an output voltage of 5 volts and a current of 2 amperes is used.

For older and weaker models, less powerful power supplies with an output current of 1 ampere are used.

If you're looking for a multimedia docking station, then things are a little more complicated. First of all, you should pay attention to how the connection to microUSB is made. There may be two options here:

• Fixed connector - the port is always in one position and you cannot rotate or move it.

• Wired connection or flexible USB interface. In this case, you can place the smartphone vertically and horizontally, and connect to USB using a cable.

There are also options that are equipped with both types of connections.

The second point is the power of the built-in speakers. Often, cheap options use weak and low-quality speakers. Because of this, the sound, even if loud, will be of very poor quality. On more expensive stands with powerful and high-quality speakers, there should be special holes on the back side for bass amplification (bass reflex).

It is worth noting that not all multimedia stations provide the ability to control a connected phone. In other words, some of the stands simply produce sound. But you will have to turn on this sound manually on your smartphone. Also, do not forget to check with the seller what set of functions the model you like has.

It is also recommended to avoid cheap Chinese models, since the voltage at the output of the charger may differ from that stated in the documentation. This, in turn, negatively affects the operation of the phone, even to the point of breaking it. Don’t forget about the presence of additional USB connectors that allow you to connect flash drives, a computer mouse and keyboard, as well as charge additional devices.

Docks for Android: Video

A docking station (from the English Docking station - docking station) is a structure with connectors for electronic devices, which can be used to charge a gadget or, for example, to transfer data.

The simplest docking stations for smartphones began to appear immediately after the first iPhone was introduced. It was a small structure into which you could insert a smartphone and it would start charging. The advantage of such a device is that the smartphone itself is in a vertical position and is convenient to use when charging. This is what such a dock looks like:

Docking stations for other devices appeared much earlier. For example, for the legendary iPod, there are a huge number of types of docking stations that allow the player not only to charge, but also to play the music that is in the device. Very convenient - you can turn on the music at full volume and enjoy it.

There are docking stations for tablets as well. As a rule, they are small structures that allow you to charge the device. They often have additional functions.

At the same time, docking stations can also include an additional keyboard that connects to the tablet. Some of them have a built-in battery, which increases the battery life of the tablet itself.

Of course, there are docking stations for most Android smartphones. Here's an example from Nexus 5:

Today, many smartphones support wireless charging, but this requires a docking station. The smartphone itself just needs to be charged.

Let's not forget about vehicle drivers - a car holder for a smartphone or navigator can easily be called a docking station.

According to recent studies, a modern person unlocks his smartphone on average 110 times a day. It’s been a long time since we use these gadgets just for calls: smartphones contain most of our lives. At work, we use instant messengers, calculators, transfer files, and use the gadget as a storage device. Smartphones, tablets and smart watches help in our hobbies: sports, games, travel. Portable devices store part of our memory: photos, videos, audio recordings. Smartphones and tablets have long replaced players. All this makes gadgets necessary every day.

But not all of their functions are quite convenient. For example, to listen to music in good quality, we need to connect separate speakers, and to synchronize with a computer, we need a cable. At the same time, typing on the touch keyboard is not convenient enough - this requires a separate keyboard. It turns out that it’s unlikely to be possible to transfer files to your computer, listen to music, type text and make calls at the same time. And in our era of multitasking, this is often necessary. A special device will come to the rescue - a docking station.

A docking station is a special design designed to connect portable devices and expand their capabilities. With its help, you can charge gadgets, transfer multimedia traffic to external playback sources, for example, to speakers built into the docking station or a computer. Docking stations are usually made in the form of a stand for the device with a built-in charger port, as well as outputs for various connectors. Using a docking station, for example, you can charge your phone, tablet or smart watch and simultaneously play video or music by controlling it remotely with a special remote control. The gadget can also be connected to a monitor or even a computer and work through it. Essentially, a multifunctional multimedia docking station will turn the gadget into a full-fledged computer.

How do docking stations differ?

Compatible gadget models

Universal docking stations have either multiple ports or removable ports. Often, such gadgets can charge several devices of different types and models. The downside of universal docking stations is the lack of functions such as connecting to a computer or keyboard. Most often, such models only provide charging.

Dock stations for Android or iPhone only gadgets have more functions. For example, they can be used with keyboards and monitors, play music on external speakers, and synchronize with a computer. When choosing such a docking station, you just need to make sure it is compatible with your device.
Device-specific docking stations are ideal for owners of gadgets that are compatible with them. They not only provide all the capabilities of docking stations, but also add new functions, such as special applications on the device and computer, connecting a variety of devices. There are also separate docking stations for smartwatches.

Functions

Device charging is a function found on almost all modern docking stations. Some models have more than one port for simultaneous charging of several gadgets. On different models, charging is carried out both from the network and from the battery built into the docking station. The second option is especially convenient for travelers.

Audio playback is possible if the docking station has built-in speakers. Their power, frequency range and quality depend on the model. There are docking stations with multi-way speakers and even a subwoofer. For better sound, you should purchase just such a device with separate speakers and a bass-reflex subwoofer (with a hole on the side or back).

Video playback is not possible on all models. To do this, the docking station must have a special connector for connecting to a monitor or TV, for example, HDMI. Such a gadget will be able to transmit videos, photos or pictures directly to the big screen.

Data transfer is possible when connected to a computer. However, this may not only be a wired connection: some models have wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth or Android Wi-Fi.

The storage function is the presence of built-in memory at the docking station. You can store data from the device in it: photos, documents, recordings.

Some models have a local network connection function. To do this, they are equipped with Ethernet ports, through which you can connect a cable and access the network. Alternatively, the docking station can be connected to a network of devices.

There are models with a keyboard function. There are docking stations with both a built-in physical keyboard and the ability to connect an external keyboard. This feature is especially useful for those who use a gadget for work instead of a laptop.

The presence of a remote control makes it possible to switch tracks, start and stop videos, and scroll through photos without going near the device.

When connected to a docking station with the maximum number of functions, a smartphone or tablet can be used as a full-fledged computer: edit documents, listen to audio files, watch video content, surf the Internet, edit programs.

Appearance

Selection criteria

For easy charging and music playback from your smartphone or tablet You should choose among docking stations with a minimum number of functions and a built-in speaker.

To connect multiple devices simultaneously It's better to pay attention to universal docking stations with multiple ports.

If you want use the docking station as a full-fledged computer, it is better to purchase a model with the maximum number of functions for connecting a keyboard, monitor, Internet, or computer.

Smartphones, laptops, tablets have become an integral part of our lives. We no longer notice how small devices with a bunch of useful functions are instantly at hand, no matter where we are: at home or at work, in the city or hundreds of kilometers from civilization. However, the modest dimensions of smartphones or tablets do not allow them to fully demonstrate the excellent quality of music, video and data transfer, and the necessary connectors are often not available on the case. In this case, a docking station becomes a useful addition for portable electronics. Let’s look at the question of what a docking station is and what exactly it is intended for below.

Is a docking station really necessary? On the one hand, this is not a mandatory device, but it greatly simplifies the life of owners of various devices. A docking station is a special design that connects to your gadget using a group of connectors or wireless connection technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and expands its capabilities. Once the gadget is connected to the docking station, together they form a single media device.

“Docking station” translated from English means “docking station”. Imagine docking spacecraft for further flight in the vastness of our Universe. This is done for longer orbital operations, increasing spacecraft life support resources, and facilitating further flight and piloting. In a narrow sense, a docking station for devices does the same thing - it allows you to recharge a gadget and make it more functional.

Depending on the functions and capabilities of the stations, there are several types of them.

Docking stations for mobile devices

Dock stations help open up much more of a smartphone's capabilities to the user, allowing not only to comfortably charge the phone, but also to turn it into a high-quality media player. All this applies to both Android and IOS devices. There are three types of telephone stations.

Android based

For Android smartphones, the most interesting and useful is the third type of docking station. Today, the market for electronic gadgets offers a wide selection of them with many functions, connectors and built-in speakers. Good speakers with powerful bass will turn even the quietest smartphone into a real music center. In addition, among modern models there are docking stands with powerful acoustic sound and a sound amplifier.

A gadget based on the Android operating system is controlled via USB connection. To do this, you need to install a special application for the docking station on your smartphone (read the instructions and follow the installation rules). After launching the application, connect the smartphone to the docking station. Next you can use remote control for greater convenience: you can easily turn on the audio, adjust the volume and equalizer settings to your liking, and watch your favorite movie.

Most docking stations are universal for all electronics on Android OS, because they are equipped with the same USB port for all, and also do not have strict restrictions on the size of the connected smartphone.

IOS based

Dock stations for iPhone also often help out their owners. They are necessary both as a stand (which, for example, will protect the smartphone from falling on the floor) and as a charger. Another useful feature is simplification information synchronization process(data, audio files) in iTunes on PC and smartphone. Also, using the docking base, you can connect your smartphone to your TV or music center at any time.

It is worth choosing, first of all, those stations that made directly by Apple, however, there are also universal ones. The only problem is that if you buy a docking station from another manufacturer, you automatically lose the warranty on your iPhone. Cheap docking stations may malfunction or even cause the device to burn out. Apple docking stations are usually produced in the same colors as the smartphones themselves - this will look stylish.

Not all iOS stations are universal: some of the devices produced are designed for a specific iPhone. If you purchased a universal docking station, then you can easily synchronize with any of the gadgets based on iOS.

Almost all docking stations for Apple products have three basic connectors: Lightning plug, port for connecting to a personal computer and a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack connector.

Expanding the functions of the laptop

Very often laptop owners encounter lack of connectors, ports, card slots. Buying a docking station solves this problem. To help the user, additional USB connectors, PS/2, several types of video outputs (VGA, S-Video and DVI), analog and digital audio ports, PCMCIA, ExpressCard, COM slots are added to the standard set of ports in the laptop. The laptop docking station may also include a power supply, which will slightly speed up the process of charging the device.

Some models are additionally equipped with another battery and a large hard drive slot.

Depending on the laptop manufacturer, there are different types of connectors for connecting the docking station. Therefore, as in the case of smartphones, it is better to opt for a docking station from the same company as the laptop. However, there are docking stations with standard connectors, and the connection occurs via the USB interface.

By synchronizing a laptop, netbook or PDA with a docking station, you actually become the owner of a full-fledged computer that performs the same functions as a desktop PC. Using the station, you can connect an external monitor and keyboard, optical mouse, network cable, modem, office equipment - scanner, printer, etc. Thus, if you are in doubt about what to choose: a stationary PC with all the components or a mobile and compact laptop, you can come to compromise option and use a docking station. It is not necessary to purchase a laptop with a wide diagonal and a full keyboard; it is much more profitable to connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard, if necessary, using a Docking station. At the same time, the laptop will remain light and comfortable to use; you can take it with you on a trip and use it to perform everyday tasks.

If you often need to transfer data are you using a hard drive?, then a portable docking station can also be useful for more comfortable and efficient work. In this case, it connects directly to the PC. All you have to do is insert the hard drive into a special slot on the dock body. The most important thing to consider when purchasing a storage station is the required hard drive, or form factor, as well as the interface and connection type.

There are docking stations that allow you to connect several hard drives at once. Their cost is certainly higher, but this more than offsets the convenience of transmitting large amounts of information.

Docking stations for tablet computer

For a tablet, the most convenient and popular are “docks” in the form of a keyboard. They became widespread with the release of Windows 8, which meant comfortable work on both the tablet and the user’s computer. At the same time, transformable computers with a keyboard stand were released. A tablet was connected to this stand, and some stands were also equipped with an additional battery.

Docking stations are very convenient when working with a tablet - they weigh much less than the same standard laptop. The tablet and docking station are convenient for people who frequently travel on business or just relax away from home. Entering text in the editor is not very convenient even using the virtual touch keyboard - it takes up a lot of space on the screen. A portable keyboard is indispensable here.

Apple, for example, released the iPad Pro, to which you can connect a keyboard.

A docking station for a tablet significantly expands its capabilities - it functions as speakers, a charger, a keyboard and a design with all the necessary connectors - the choice is entirely up to the user.

Thus, if you intend to improve your gadget, then feel free to go to the nearest store for a docking station. This is the optimal solution for extending the battery life of the device, recharging the battery and providing all the necessary functions. Docking stations have a different price range depending on the specific manufacturer, but in any case you will definitely not regret this purchase.

It is difficult to imagine the modern world without personal electronic devices that are always at hand. One of the manufacturers, namely Apple, has long won the hearts of many caring users. iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets, iPods - all of this is used in various aspects of everyday life. Of course, you cannot do without the process of charging the device’s battery, but few people know that this can be done not just by “tying” the device to a cable, but also with pleasure and benefit at the same time. All you need for this is an iPhone docking station. This article will tell you what types there are, what they are needed for, and will allow you to decide on the choice of the most useful and convenient charging device.

Some statistics

It is not possible to count the exact number of smartphones that are used daily by almost every person on earth. Most often, figures showing the production volumes of certain devices are classified or simply not disclosed. In addition, even counting devices sold off store shelves, you can find out completely incomplete information. And all because there are online stores, sales of “gray devices” and other factors that are not covered.

Thanks to independent researchers such as GSMA Intelligence, you can find out that in 2014 the number of activated and used SIM cards exceeded 7.2 billion! It is not difficult to imagine that (again, according to independent estimates) Apple occupies a large niche in the competition. Actually, for that part of users who live in Europe and other continents, the use of such a device as the Apple docking station in everyday life has long become commonplace.

What is a docking station for?

Translated from English, dock station sounds like “docking station” (popularly they are also called “cradles”). Its main goal was initially to provide users with the opportunity to expand the original functionality of the device. Docking stations in their original form had a larger number of connectors for connecting several devices and simultaneously charging the main one.

In addition, along with charging, it became possible to transfer multimedia data and traffic from the connected device. Convenient and very functional. But time does not stand still, and now docking stations can become entire portable audio systems and simply beautiful accessories that match the interior design of even the most sophisticated owner.

Practical Application

So do you need a docking station for your iPhone? This question was easily answered by Apple experts when the iPhone 2G appeared. The first devices were supplied complete with a similar device, which caused a flurry of positive emotions and responses from Apple fans. When the Cupertino company realized how popular docking stations were, the latter were removed from the standard configuration of iPhones and began to be sold separately. Of course, this was done because of the thirst for profit. But this did not reduce the popularity of the devices, and the number of satisfied customers continued to grow with the release of new models of smartphones, tablets and players.

Types of docking stations

Every self-respecting manufacturer of accessories for Apple equipment does not shy away from creating high-quality chargers. Actually, a docking station for an iPhone is a charger, and that is why the variety of these devices has long exceeded all conceivable and inconceivable limits. As described above, the main difference is the ability to charge, play music and decorative functions. Very often, special mount holders are assigned to this category, which help fix the device in a car or on any surface. Such devices have only mechanical functions and are not equipped with charging connectors. This is why docking stations should not be confused with mounts.

Compatibility

Most often, cradle designs are designed for use with certain device models. But there is such a thing as a universal docking station. It’s clear that when purchasing one or another charging stand, you want the cradle to continue to perform its function when changing an Apple smartphone, for example, to a Samsung one. But in this case, the uniqueness of the accessory is violated, which is not very beneficial for the manufacturers of the stations themselves. There’s no need to think about it, because it’s more profitable to sell several different products, albeit with a time difference, but getting a big profit. But on the other hand, the buyer can opt for lesser-known brands that produce universal stands. However, this statement is only true if the brand of smartphone or tablet is changed. But devices from the same manufacturer most often retain their standard connectors, and there is no need to change the cradle. For example, a docking station for iPhone 5 can easily accommodate newer 5S and SE models, and in some cases larger 6, 6S, 6 Plus and 6S Plus.

Popular brands

Of course, there are quite a lot of manufacturers of accessories, including docking stations, so much so that you can no longer count them on your fingers. But still, some of them are relatively more popular among competitors in their price segment.

For example, if you need to be able to charge your smartphone and listen to music at the same time, names such as Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, JBL, Bose and Philips most often appear. Entire portable audio systems are capable of reproducing high-quality sound and providing pleasure from listening to your favorite songs. If the cradle is needed simply as a beautiful stand that matches the interior, and at the same time charging, then the docking station for iPhone from Juice, Twelve South, Belkin, HengeDocks and the like will be of quite high quality.

Branded cradle from Apple

For those who are very seriously passionate about the Apple brand, there are also branded stands. Of course, recently their variety has been reduced to almost zero due to low sales. But if you visit the manufacturer's website, you can see that a couple of models are still on the market. Of course, the Apple docking station will not show cool functionality, but it will be able to guarantee full and unhindered charging of the device. At the moment, small cradles with an 8-pin connector are offered (standard Lightning, used since the iPhone 5). The color scheme is quite boring - stations are offered in black and white.

But, in addition, Apple guarantees full compatibility and excellent performance of the above-mentioned brands Belkin and Twelve South, which is confirmed by their presence on the official website.

iHome iDL46gc Lightning Dock Station

It would be fair to describe the functionality of several cradle. The first device is a docking station with speakers, a built-in FM receiver, as well as an alarm clock and calendar. IHome iDL46gc is a great option not only for charging your favorite Apple gadget, but also for listening to music from it. In addition, the functionality of the station provides for the presence of 6 cells for saving FM frequencies, if suddenly in the morning you want to listen to the news or enjoy new compositions on your favorite wavelength.

The cradle automatically syncs and charges any device with a Lightning connector. But this is no ordinary docking station. Charging a second device becomes possible thanks to the presence of an additional USB connector, which will allow you to fill the batteries of devices with Type-C and others if you have the appropriate cable. The relatively low cost (around $100) makes this device an indispensable center for entertainment and time management on your desktop.

OnBeat Mini

You can’t ignore the compact device from the US manufacturer JBL. The cradle is equipped with a Lightning connector in conjunction with a 3.5 mm TRS stereo connector. Originally planned as a docking station for the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S, OnBeat Mini pleasantly surprised owners of newer Apple models, because the latter also fit perfectly into the niche for the device.

A modern acoustic system equipped with wide-range proprietary speakers produces deep, high-quality sound. This can hardly be expected from such a “baby”. In addition, JBL has equipped the docking station with a built-in battery that will allow you to play audio offline for up to 8 hours. A nice addition is the presence of an energy saving mode, which is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity. It should also be noted that the on/off and volume control buttons are equipped with the docking station. The price, by the way, is quite high - $150, which is logical, because you always have to pay for quality.

Fuz Designs EverDock

The developers from Fuz Designs did not bother with cool audio systems, alarm clocks and other, in their opinion, unnecessary functions. All they have done is a very comfortable and functional cradle that allows you to place almost any device on you, even if it is wearing a case. The design of the stand is quite stable thanks to the material from which it is made - solid aluminum.

The device comes with special silicone pads, replacing which you can fix cables with almost any connector - Micro USB, 30-pin, Lightning and others. The latter allows you to forget about changing the docking station for a long time, because when purchasing new devices, you can always use the functional EverDock. The extended version with the Duo attachment will also allow you to simultaneously charge several devices without taking up much space on your desk.

A docking station for iPhone is a fairly convenient and useful accessory. Strong fixation in a visible place is the key to the integrity and safety of your smartphone or tablet. Well, if in addition you have a portable audio system, a pleasant pastime is guaranteed. And finally, a little advice: in order not to ruin your device’s battery, you should beware of counterfeits and unknown manufacturers. There is no need to skimp when purchasing such an accessory - and then with peace of mind you can forget about unexpected breakdowns.