For agents who want to go tech but don't know whether to start with a notebook or desktop, trainer/agent Stephen Canale suggests a way to have the best of both worlds. Power up with a notebook for on-the-go computing and presentations, and when at home, dock your hardware at a port station to take advantage of a bigger screen, as well as printing and scanning capabilities.

Canale says, "One of the most powerful and least understood accessories available today for the notebook computer is the 'port replicator.' Sometimes called a 'docking station' or 'port expander,' the function of these adapters is to allow notebook computer owners to enjoy all of the conveniences of a desktop computer, too.

"The easiest way to describe the value of owning one of these accessories is to simply tell you about my own desk," he continues. "On my desk is a simple rectangular box that is about as wide and tall as my notebook [when closed], but only a few inches deep. Attached to the back of this thing are all of the cables and wires you would expect to see plugged into a desktop computer. There are cords for power, the scanner, my printer, the tape backup, my 15-inch monitor, a keyboard, and mouse. When I am home, I simply slide my notebook into the front of the port replicator, turn on the power, and close the lid. The most important thing to understand about this arrangement is that it eliminates the need to own two computers. This way, I have the portability of a notebook and the creature comforts of a desktop -- without buying both.

"Not only is owning two computers more expensive and unnecessary for most people, but it also creates the hassle of needing to manage and synchronize the files between the two systems," Canale says. "I'm often asked if today's newer notebooks are really powerful enough to serve someone who wants to own just one computer and use a port replicator. The answer is: Absolutely. A port replicator is not much more than $100 or $200 for most computers."

Published: April 1, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Stephen Canale only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.