The AMtek  UD01 docking station is designed to add an extra drive bay and  few extra ports to any notebook or mini-laptop. In fact, it probably adds a few more ports than you need. Here’s a list of what you get:

• 2.5″ SATA HDD or ODD bay
• 6 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 Ethernet 10/100 jack
• 1 DVI-D output
• 1 VGA port
• 1 Serial port
• 1 Parallel port
• 1 line/headphone output
• 1 mic input

The docking station connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 cable. While there are no dimensions listed on the AMtek web site, it doesn’t look as small or portable as some other netbook docking stations. But if you plan to leave it on your desk and plugged into an electrical outlet for use when you’re around the home or office, maybe the size doesn’t matter so much. There’s no information on pricing for the AMtek UD01 yet.

via NetbookNews.de

NU and Brando are each pushing new docking stations for netbooks. The NU Netbook Docking Station features a Super Multi DVD burner and a 2.5 inch hard drive enclosure. The docking station also includes a 2 port USB hub and fan. While it would have been nice if NU had included a few extra USB ports, the docking station has a nice angle to it which could make typing on a netbook keyboard a bit more comfortable. There’s no word on pricing or availability yet, but this NU dock might be worth keeping an eye on.

The Brando dock, on the other hand, is a little less impressive. It features a 2.5″ hard drive dock (not an enclosure, but a dock), and a cooling fan, plus a 3 port USB hub. But it looks like it was designed for a 7 inch netbook at best. Gizmodo has a few photos of the Brando dock with what looks like an 8.9 inch Acer Aspire One, and the netbook looks like it wants to fall off. You can find a picture after the break and a few more images at Gizmodo.

via Engadget

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Good Way DU2781 Docking Station

Several of the companies showing off netbook-related products at CES 2009 weren’t demonstrating new computers, but accessories to extend the functionality of these low power laptops. Good Way Technology and Glory Mark Electronics are two Taiwanese companies offering docking stations that add audio, video, and USB connections to notebooks and netbooks.

The Good Way DU2771/DU2781 docking station offers a 4 port USB hub, an Ethernet port, a VGA or DVI output, mic and headphone jacks. It supports vido resolutions of up to 1680 x 1050 and will allow you to either clone your netbook desktop on a larger display or set up an extended display with separate content showing on each screen.

Good Way is an ODM, which means you may see this docking station show up under a different brand name. A Good Way rep told me the docking station typically retails for between $160 and $180. The company also sells a line of USB hubs, USB VGA and DVI adapters, and data migration cables for syncing files between your computers.

Glory Mark, meanwhile is pushing its GDS-5120/GDS-5160 docking station which adds a DVI port, a PC to PC link, 4 USB ports, and 5.1 channel audio to notebooks. The GDS-5120 supports monitors with display resolutions up to 1400 x 150 pixels, while the GDS-5160 supports screens up to 1680 x 1050 or 1600 x 1200. Glory Mark also makes a line of tiny media player boxes, USB hubs, and flash card readers. A Glory Mark rep at CES said the docking station retails for around $120 to $150.

Honestly I’m not convinced most netbook users need these types of docking stations. Most netbooks come with 2-3 USB ports and if you need more you can pick up a cheap 4 port USB hub for a few bucks. And most netbooks also have a VGA out port. If you have a monitor that needs a DVI connection you can usually find an adapter for much less money than one of these docking stations. But if you’re still interested, you can find a few more pictures after the break.

Update: DisplayLink also has a USB docking station with support for audio, video, and LAN connection. I didn’t get a chance to see it in person, but you the press release is online.

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