The Oyster docking station from Sherpaq Mobile Products enhances portable computing by simplifying laptop docking, improving comfort, and managing cable clutter. While traditional docking stations connect the laptop to peripherals such as a desktop monitor, the Oyster repositions a laptop so that it it's perpendicular to your desk and thereby better positioned for comfortable viewing of laptop's very own LCD screen. The Oyster also offers a handy four-port, high-speed USB 2.0 hub--a real improvement over the many minimalist docking stations out there. The Oyster's slim profile and tidy cable-management system not only look nice, they conserve space, too, leaving sufficient real estate for your full-size keyboard. The station conceals all cables associated with Internet access, power, printing, and keyboard use in its rear storage bay. For use, simply open your laptop, slide it into the Oyster, and connect your power and USB cables.
If you have an extra laptop power supply, you may want it inside the Oyster's protective shell. Wireless transceivers will also fit nicely. It has posts for wrapping your cables around. The USB hub comes with two extension cables in case you want to connect devices outside the Oyster.
The Oyster was built to accommodate most laptop designs, both PC and Apple. There are very few laptops which won't work with the Oyster, but keep in mind that it's necessary for your laptop's monitor to open approximately 170 degrees to ensure optimal viewing. The following computers do not meet this specification: Toshiba Satellite 2430, Toshiba 5005-S507, Compaq Presario 1200, the white/"ice" iBook (the older "clamshell" iBooks are compatible), and the 17-inch Powerbook G4 (though the 15-inch Powerbook G4 and G3 series are compatible).
The slot into which you slide your laptop is slightly larger than 1.5 inches, so in order to use the Oyster your computer body's height from base to top (not including the screen) should measure something less than 1.5 inches.
The Oyster comes with an AC power adapter for situations where multiple USB devices which don't have their own power are connected to the hub. If additional USB devices pull too much power from the computer, one or more of your peripherals may stop working. This will not harm your peripherals. If this happens or if you'll be using more than three non-USB-powered peripherals, insert the supplied AC adapter into the right side of the USB hub, pull the cable through one of the cable slots located at the base of the Oyster, and connect the cable to a power source.
What's in the Box
Oyster base unit with USB hub, outer shell, rubber cable guide, two USB extension cables, Velcro straps, AC power adapter, and user's manual.
