Sherpaq Oyster Laptop Docking Station

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.

Worried if your laptop will fit? So was I, especially since I have one of the thickest laptops out there, the Dell Inspiron 5100 model which is considered the closest you can get to a workstation machine. It fits with rooms to spare, and the stand is so sturdy, that there's simply no way the weight of my laptop could tip it over.

I use a regular ergonomic keboard and mouse and keep my laptop stationed in the Oyster full time. The only time I remove it is to go on a business trip, and even then, all I have to do is pull out my cables from the laptop and close it up, too easy. Did I mention that it's easy to turn the entire stand from side to side with the laptop in it because of the swivel feature on the back?

It's refreshing to find a company that makes a quality and well-thought out product these days. I wish I'd thought of it. I am satisfied beyond belief.


The best addition to my workspace ever!   August 27, 2004
Computer Guy (Seattle, WA USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I love my Oyster.
I use a laptop at work and when I get back to my desk I love the Oyster for the simplicity of connection. I had used the PC manufacturers' docking stations before and they do not work as well, since the connectors often break and you have to change docking station every time you upgrade your PC. And the Oyster's look is way cooler!
If you use Windows XP you can activate the dual screen feature, I have my email inbox on one monitor and the stuff I'm currently working on the second monitor. Great multi-tasking.
In summary, the Oyster has become completely part of my working habits and I can highly recommend it.


Great device and a huge money saver   March 4, 2005
Dexter Brisbane (Los Angeles, United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Okay the ONE poor review on this item complains that it is overpriced and plastic. Well it is both... but any slight overpicing is well worth it for the overall brilliance of design and amazing functionality. And the plastic is very nice! What else would it be made of? Metal would interfere with the 802.11 g connectivity. It's just a killer idea, this thing. I was all set to waste another $500 on yet another piece of obsolescent technology for my crowded desk... a flat screen monitor for my Fujitsu C series desktop replacement. Did tons of research and then stumbled on the Oyster. Not only did it save me 400 bucks but the screen is at an excellent height.. one that could not be achieved with most flat screen monitors! At that height I can lean back on the Aeron, and have my gaze and my hand position in the best possible ergonomic position (the one recommended by those HR drone types). When I've got to take my laptop on the road, I just slip it out and unplug a couple cables... the Oyster is all set up for my return and makes for an easy re-dock. This is not a true docking station, but it does have a bunch of USB 2.0 ports for a quick unhitch. And of course the Oyster is a beautiful piece of design... really clean and good looking on the desk. With the Oyster my faithful laptop attains the recognition and superstardom it deserves!


A great idea   August 8, 2003
Russ Blahetka
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is one of those products where you smack your forehead and ask, "Why didn't I think of that?" It's such a simple concept, and the implementation is elegant. I use my laptop as my office system and I have very little desktop real estate. Also, I prefer using a full size keyboard. Unfortunately, using a full size keyboard would mean pushing the laptop even further away, causing even more crouching and squinting to read the screen. The Oyster moves the screen up to normal monitor height where the screen is easier to see. Further, I can organize the cables so I no longer need to worry about them falling behind my desk. Having access to a full size keyboard makes my work easier, faster, and I have less eyestrain and neck pain.


Great docking station!!   August 19, 2004
K. J. Krispin
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I've had the Oyster for a while now, and love it. I saved money by not having to purchase a flat panel monitor as the Oyster elevates the laptop's screen to eye level. It also looks great and is easy to set up. Great idea!