On my old personal laptop (Dell 5150), I have been using an XBrand Universal Docking Stand for years with an external keyboard and mouse hooked up to it. It works OK for Windows XP, giving me USB ports, ethernet and speaker out. It also works great as a stand to raise up the screen to eye level. Also, at work I used a Dell laptop with a docking station so I am spoiled.
For my next home computer, I am planning on getting a new ThinkPad W500 with Vista 64 (and the free upgrade to Windows 7), and would like to continue to benefit from the docking station. The XBrand website still mentions the "upcoming" Vista release, so I don't think the drivers will work with Windows 7. If I want to spend around $200, the W500 has some nice options (USB Port Replicator, Port Replicator, Advanced Mini Dock). I need the extra USB ports and like the ideas of the external DVI and VGA ports for when I want a second monitor. Also, I wish there was an eSata port, but there is not.
Question: Does anybody have any other suggestions, or do I just buckle down and buy the Advanced Mini Dock? Will that be my best bet for Windows 7 driver upgrades?
