docking station compatibility

[Ted141]

I'm getting ready to purchase either a HP 17-x061nr or a HP 17-bs051od and would like to know which specific docking station is compatible with these laptops?  Is it possible one docking station will work for either one?

[Huffer]

There are no true docking stations for HP consumer laptops any more. True docking stations are "snap-down" and power the laptop. Now you have to use a "port replicator" which attaches to a usb port and does not power the laptop. You still need to use the laptop power supply. However, you can have ethernet, video out to a monitor or multiple monitors, mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. which are connected to the replicator and then just require one cable to attach to the laptop when you are ready for it to be a desktop CPU.  

The good news is the compatible port replicators would be the same device(s). 

http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-3001pr-usb-3-port-replicator-p-f3s43aa-abl--1?jumpid=cs_con_ac_nm&p...

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[Ted141]

Is it not at all possible to get a snap-down and power the laptop style unit that is compatible with these laptop models?  That is one of the key functions I am looking for.  I will use this in a mobile office set-up in my truck with a laptop desk.  I am wanting to leave the docking station power supply connected to the power inverter and not have to remove it from the vehicvle and take it into the house every night.  Would my best option be to simply get a second power supply for the laptop?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes snap down docks have to be designed and made specifically for each model or series of models. They are highly proprietary with unique connector plugs. There is no generic solution. Either the laptop maker designs and offers one or there isn't any. In other words the laptop has to have a special docking port and those are no longer present on HP consumer laptops.  

I assume you have a 2-plug power inverter for the truck? You will have the replicator power supply (which is small and does not draw much current) and the laptop power supply plugged into the inverter and when you put the laptop in the truck you connect the extra power supply power supply permanently located in the truck and the usb plug from the dock and it activates all the other peripherals you have connected to the replicator.   

Snap down docks were expensive and your total cost for all this will be much less than docks used to cost "in the day". 

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[Sara555]

Would you please inform me of a docking station that is compatible with a HP Noteboob-17-by1061st?