The DockKingStation

The DockKingStation

ICY BOX IB-DK2241AC USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station, 2x USB 3.0, 2x video (HDMI + DVI), 1x Gigabit LAN, 4x USB 2.0, audio (IN / OUT) (Accessories)

Customer Review

Hooray it's finally here!

So open package, unpacked device plugged and running.

Only the driver installation for the display outputs had to be carried out. It should be noted that one (8.1 64-bit Windows) can use both the drivers from the included CD, and the automatically detected driver.

The only problem that has occurred was that my network card could no longer be configured after installation - This error, however, seemed for some time to pass and is probably this only came to light. So no penalty.

So easy I had not imagined it. Plugging and is good, unfortunately, does not always work so smoothly. In addition, the device has a very simple, yet elegant look (see photos) - So now, but on the individual components.

USB ports (2.0 & 3.0):
The USB ports make simply said their work. All USB ports are working as expected. Super is that the two fast USB 3.0 ports located on the front and are thus easily accessible. The other four USB 2.0 ports are located on the back and have enough in the vertical plane distance (about 1 cm) in order to connect a bit wider USB devices.

As a very positive, I feel that the lower of the two USB 3.0 ports for charging smartphones, etc. is suitable and therefore provides a higher current.

HDMI / DVI (DisplayLink):
Advance let me say that we must not expect miracles here. It is transmitted via USB to the screen - DisplayLink is called the procedure. Who does not yet know about the DisplayLink technology that can check the manufacturer's website about it.

Again, I was very happy with the result. Apart from small by the algorithm and the transmission delays caused via USB - which occur mainly in the mouse operation and little image updates - the picture is very smooth and sharp. Compared to the port on the graphics card, I noticed that the image is displayed slightly less contrast - but this is totally within the normal range.

The fact that only the contents of the screen compressed is transmitted via USB, it is even possible to play games on the connection - unless interfere with the minimum delay. The actual graphics computation remains the task of the internal graphics card of each computer.

Headphone / microphone port:
Both ports are working and provide a reasonable sound quality. Unfortunately, it was to test me by lack of microphone is not possible to input more thoroughly. I have only to test a line-in signal, so I can not report on the quality and the level of microphone gain.

Network:
Now for the Gigabit LAN port. Here I had my biggest doubts about the speed, because we must not forget that the transport medium is a USB port. Rein of the bandwidth ago, the USB 3.0 standard, however, should not be an obstacle - and that he does not.
Following test results speak for themselves:

1 File Copy (5GB) Windows release -> tester (Download): ~ 96 Mbit / s
2. File Copy (5GB) tester -> Windows share (upload): ~ 98 Mbit / s
3. copy at the network level (1 copy process, Download): ~ 440 Mbit / s
4. copy at the network level (1 copy process, upload): ~ 520 Mbit / s
5. copy at the network level (10 copying processes, Download): ~ 920 Mbit / s
6. copy at the network level (10 copying processes, upload): ~ 820 Mbit / s

The measurement results are net data rates and are of course also affected by the second endpoint. In addition, the data rate is limited in the file copy with the data throughput of the hard drives on the test systems.
But all in all very respectable values ​​for a USB docking station.

LEDs:
There are two LEDs on the front (blue & green). The blue LED signals via the function of the dock (power supply), the green, the connection to the computer
USB 3.0 host port.

more points (which I noticed during the test):

- The packaging is simple to open and one quickly arrives at the content - Optically I think it is no eye-catcher. Here one could have put on a bit more simplistic time looser style. Especially color speaks the package in my opinion, not the target audience - Pink is more feminine.

- What I'm missing is a "power button" on the device itself.
Off is unfortunately only possible with the disconnection of the power supply.

- Room for improvement even at the power supply.
As can be seen clearly in the pictures, the power supply comes with a direct plug-power connector - which is designed for operation in different countries is also very beneficial. However, provides direct plug on the power supply - due to the power supply size - quickly a hurdle if you want to connect it to multiple sockets, as this more connections are blocked. Here is a separate power supply via cable desirable.

- The USB cable could be longer
Putting the device stationary sets quickly became apparent that the USB cable (length: 1m) is quite fast too short.
Here I would have liked one or two meters longer - probably the length for a good transmission quality of DisplayLink is designed.

Conclusion:
Those looking for a solid, visually appealing, comprehensive and functional docking station that dominates even plug & play without compromise, which is the ICY BOX
IB DK2241AC good hands.

The device offers a host of applications and is also very compact and portable. Especially owners of ultrabooks without appropriate connections should think about buying the ICY BOX as a port expander.

Apart from a few small improvements, which in no way affect the functionality, from, one can conclude by saying that with the RaidSonic
ICY BOX IB-DK2241AC a great device at a good price (RRP: 95) offering.

Scope of supply:

ICY BOX IB-DK2241AC
Stand for vertical installation
Power supply with two connectors (Euro plug & Commonwealth Connector)
USB 3.0 connection cable
DVI to VGA adapter
Operating instructions
Installation CD

Genial 7 128 6 58 Rank: 5/5
May 13
Super 1880 1753 Rank: 5/5
June 1
Really disappointed 5 1 Rank: 1/5
September 5
Super 1880 4329 Rank: 4/5
January 10

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