Toshiba Dynadock Universal USB Docking Station manual Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dynadock?

Dynadock is a universal docking station with video output to easily connect to all of your workspace peripherals, including an external monitor, with only one USB cable. The dynadock is available with either a VGA or DVI video port.

What are the differences between the DVI & VGA video port versions? Which version should I get?

The signal into a DVI monitor is digital while the signal for VGA is analog. DVI monitors are able to display a higher video resolution than VGA. The maximum video resolution for DVI is 1600x1200 at 32-bit color, the VGA is 1280x1024 at 32-bit color. You should purchase the dynadock that matches your existing monitor input. Please note that the DVI version of the dynadock includes a VGA adapter giving you flexibility to connect to either a VGA or DVI monitor.

Video capabilities through a USB cable? How do you do that?

The dynadock has a built-in graphics controller and video drivers to control the video stream.

Can the dynadock be used with all computers?

Yes, the dynadock is universal so it can be used with any manufacturer’s brand of Windows-based computers with a USB 2.0 port. dynadock uses the drivers in your computers operating system to run. Included with dynadock are some specific video software drivers that are Microsoft certified. These are updated on a quarterly basis at www.dynadock.com as technology advances.

Is the dynadock easy to set-up and use?

Yes, simply load the menu driven software and connect the single USB cable into your computer. Then connect all of your desk space peripherals into the dynadock and you’re set to go. When you’re ready to undock, click on the dynadock icon in your system tray for a smooth transition.

Is it compatible with all Windows operating systems?

Dynadock is compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista. You will enjoy full functionality with Windows 2000 and XP. At this time, due to limitations from Microsoft on how Vista interacts with graphics chips, Vista will automatically switch to Vista Basic mode when connected to the dynadock.

If I’m running Vista, should I buy the dynadock now?

Yes, since dynadock is software driven, it is not necessary to upgrade the firmware, we will have updated software drivers on a quarterly basis that will give you the latest features and video performance for Vista. Updates are available at www.dynadock.com. We have a good working relationship with Microsoft to ensure the best Vista performance possible in a few short months. Also, remember that you will enjoy the convenience of dynadocks’ one-cable-connection to all your desk space peripherals.

What products can be connected to the dynadock?

You can connect everything you currently connect into your computer now, plus the dynadock gives you additional ports not found on most computers, such as more USB ports, digital audio port, LAN and serial ports to name a few, to expand your capabilities. The dynadock also gives you the ability to view up to three displays.

How do I view three displays?

Your laptop screen is the first display. Most laptops have a built-in video port enabling you to connect an external display, that’s number two. The third display connects into the dynadock. The video software included with the dynadock lets you set the displays in mirror-mode or extended-mode.

Can you explain what mirror-mode and extended-mode are?

These are different video settings that you can choose to optimize your viewing. In mirror-mode (also known as clone mode), the external display is the same as (mirrors) what is shown on your laptop, i.e., whatever you see on your laptop screen, will be displayed on your external monitor. Extended-mode enables you to display different views on each display. For example, you can surf on one display while showing a DVD on another display and have your email on the other display, or you can spread an Excel worksheet across all 3 displays to see as many columns as possible.

Are there any limitations I need to know?

As with any new cutting-edge technology, there are bound to be some limitations based on personal preferences. Since dynadock is software driven, there will be updated software drivers that you can easily download from www.dynadock.com to keep your dynadock in line with the technological advances.