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Getting a docking station from the maker of your laptop is expensive.  One way to get around the high price is with this: the Startech.com USB to VGA 4-in-1 Docking Station.  Small and tidy, this simple device requires only you to plug in one USB cable to make all the magic happen.

And what magic is that?  Dual monitor usage is the rage, so why not use the unit’s VGA out which supports 1680x1050 and 1600x1200 displays and has three distinct video operating modes allowing you to easily extend your laptop’s workspace.  There are the 4 USB ports so you can keep your mouse, keyboard and other gadgets waiting for your laptop when you are away.  Upon returning, simply plug in one USB connector and you are up and running.  The unit also has a USB Mini B port, one RJ45 10/100Mbps network port, and two 3.5mm audio (mic, line out) ports that all feed off that one USB input. 

How’d the Startech docking station work?  How much does it cost?  Keep reading.

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Product: WattSmart 850W EPS12V 2.91 Power Supply
Price: $204.99 (retail)
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Easy to install, dual cooling fans, many long and well-protected cables and promises to be more environmentally friendly by using less power.
Cons: A little pricey and the dual fans can cause a little extra case vibration. Long and thicker cables might be hard for large-handed modders with small cases to handle.
Overall: A good buy for an environmentally-conscious gamer building a rig who also needs a couple hundred extra watts.

Click through to Gamertell for the full review…

• Review: StarTech’s 850 watt WattSmart power supply
• Gadgetell Review: Ditch costly laptop docks with this