• Some docking stations allow your laptop to charge while docked.laptop image by martini from Fotolia.com
  
  One of the biggest hassles about dealing with laptop computers is having to either worry about their battery life or haul a cord and transformer around whenever you dock to another workstation. Several docking stations eliminate the power-source problem by providing charging capabilities that recharge your laptop's battery while docked just as if you connected them directly to a power cable.
  
  

Vantec Laptop Docking Station with Video Output

• Vantec's USB-based docking station doesn't look to impress the picky as much as it's designed to simply get the job done. A single USB connection immediately links your laptop to any USB-based desktop peripherals you have, as well as allowing for the use of a secondary monitor in operating systems capable of supporting a secondary monitor. Don't spring for an expensive secondary monitor, though; Vantec's docking station only allows for resolutions of 800x600 when engaged.
  
  

HP USB Media Port Replicator

• A USB-based docking station compatible with all laptops with screens up to 17 inches, the HP USB Media Port Replicator allows users to charge their laptop's battery while docked, while transferring connections to all exterior peripherals. The video out performs much better than the Vantec dock, delivering high definition video at 1920x1080. A five-speaker audio system is also integrated into the stand, including a two-inch subwoofer, and an Ethernet port allows users access to networks at speeds that surpass WiFi.
  
  

Dell Latitude Z

• Dell's Latitude Z laptop ships with a wireless docking station that may be upgraded to provide wireless charging of the laptop's batteries through induction. A completely wireless docking station, the Latitude Z allows users to simply set their laptop on top of a laptop stand and instantly dock to their peripherals without fussing with any sort of connection at all. Although the wireless docking capabilities aren't universal for all laptops---you'll need to purchase a Latitude Z laptop to get them---and the induction charging option adds an additional $200 to the price of the laptop, there isn't a docking station that connects easier than the Latitude Z's pure wireless connections.