The C/Dock I and II, but you will have to remove the Metal block from the hook slot, and then ForceFlash with the C840 BIOS. The Inspiron 8200 BIOS does not support using a full Dock, only an APR

Thanks for the reply.
What is the difference between an Advanced Port Replicator and a Docking Station?
The C Dock I and C Dock II are APR's or Docking Stations?
Which one is "Dells's" supported APR for an I8200?
Thanks again,
James

The APR simply replicates the ports on the rear of the Laptop. I really could not ever see much sense in those. The C/DOCK II has two PCI slots inside for half length PCI cards, a built in LAN card and another Modular Bay for the C-series Floppies, CD Drives or even a 2nd Harddrive Module; it also replicates the ports I also could never see much sense in Dell setting up all the Inspiron clones of the Latitudes, with the metal block in the hook slot and a BIOS that did not support the Full dock, but rather only the APR. I know Dell slanted the Inspirons toward Home Users and the Latitudes toward Businesses, but I am a Home User, and the ability to use the Full dock is very useful. Also small Business owners frequently buy Inspirons.

The C/Dock I is also usable, but has only 1 PCI slot and the hardware is shaped differently.

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@leduke30 wrote:

The APR simply replicates the ports on the rear of the Laptop. I really could not ever see much sense in those. The C/DOCK II has two PCI slots inside for half length PCI cards, a built in LAN card and another Modular Bay for the C-series Floppies, CD Drives or even a 2nd Harddrive Module; it also replicates the ports I also could never see much sense in Dell setting up all the Inspiron clones of the Latitudes, with the metal block in the hook slot and a BIOS that did not support the Full dock, but rather only the APR. I know Dell slanted the Inspirons toward Home Users and the Latitudes toward Businesses, but I am a Home User, and the ability to use the Full dock is very useful. Also small Business owners frequently buy Inspirons.

The C/Dock I is also usable, but has only 1 PCI slot and the hardware is shaped differently.

---

sorry, i didn't mean to repeat what you stated...  my reply just took abit longer to post then yours.

speaking from experience [i own a c/dock II]...

 

APR [Advanced Port Replicator]:

incase you weren't familar, an APR is a hardware device that simplifies the reconnectivity of your laptop when you move from point A to point B.  You could have an external keyboard, mouse, monitor, internet cable and speakers attached to it.  basically it reduces the time, work, wear and tear of having to disconnect all the devices each and everytime you take the laptop from its primary location to a sub location.  the APR has no other available expansion options.

and ...

the C/Dock II:

though ment for the latitude, there is a simple work around that many Inspiron owners have done.  We force flash our system BIOS to Latitudes.  basically the only difference is the Dell power on screen says latitude and some Windows XP program screens state latitude.  the reason for the flash is because Inspiron BIOS doesn't support C/Dock.

the advantages over a regular APR [besides quick connectivity] is the addition of 2 PCI expansion slots and 1 Inspiron/Latitude media bay [for the Dell optional CD-ROM/HD Caddy/Floppy/zip caddys].  as an example of the possible upgrades i have added a 4 slot 2.0 USB card and a 4 slot firewire card to better expand my external hard drive and cd/dvd drive options.  I also put my Inspiron floppy drive in the media bay for the rare instances.  you can add your own options including sound cards ETC ETC.

 

i recommend EBAY as an option to better search for your necessary purchase.

 

C/dock II:

APR:

 

 

notice the size difference due to the lack of expansion of PCI and media bay. both APR and C/Dock II have the same connections on it [VGA, CAT5, Paralell, PS2, (2x) 1.1 USB, Seriel, and modem jack]  the C/Dock II also has a SCSI and audio line-in and microphone jacks.

 

 it is worth your while to purchase the C/Dock II to atleast keep up with upgrading through out the life of your inspiron.  Generally speaking, i got my C/Dock II and monitor stand for about 20 dollars plus shipping.

 

here is Dell's write up of the C/Dock II: 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

Dell didn't publish the other document on a webpage, but according to the webpage you can download a PDF:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/acc/latcport/en/index.htm

 

 

when you price and purchase make sure it is the C/Dock II and not the earlier version.

 

i hope this helps...

 

:smileywink:

Thanks for the great info Leduke30 and RobAtPace!

Not a problem. I figured that was the reason when I saw the length and the time differential.:smileyvery-happy:

A lot of search results on ebay list the APR and Dock by part number. Can you please tell me the different part numbers for the forementioned APR's and Docks?

Also, when searching for an "Inspiron Docking" is searched for a bunch of APR's (C Port's) come up with starting prices of 50 - 100 bux.
When searching for "Latitude Docking" a bunch of C Docks come up with starting prices at $1.
Why is the C Dock so much cheaper? It seems to be the one I want over the C Port.
Is there any difference between the C Dock II PDX, C Dock II CPX CPI?

Thanks again!
James

Message Edited by jamepc on 10-17-2005 10:09 PM

Don't have a clue for Dell's P/Ns, since I ordered the 3 I have had from Ebay. This seller has a bunch for $11 shipped. They are compatible with any C-series or L series Latitude and of course the Inspiron clones if you use the Latitude BIOS.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Latitude-C-Dock-II-Working-Docking-station-2-99_W0QQitemZ6812132243QQcategoryZ42177QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Message Edited by leduke30 on 10-17-2005 09:23 PM

Have there been any cases where flashing the Latitude BIOS to an I8200 cause problems with other hardware in the Inspiron? Is there a specific Latitude BIOS to use or just the latest?

i concur with leduke.

 

i would assume the more expandable C/Dock II is cheaper is because alot of these used docks come off of lease from major companies and there is an overflow of "latitude" c/docks.

 

the APRs are expensive because unknowing folk purchase the feeble APR thinking an inspiron can only use this model.  i would guess since there is a "demand" for them they are more money.

 

 

Hi, does anyone know the part number for the correct 8200 apr?  I don't want to have to change the bios or buy a dock with a metal tab that has to be removed.

I have a simple need to have an apr with keyboard, mouse, video, and use of the 1.1 USB ports. 

Appreciate any infor you have on the part number and if there is an ebay vendor that sells them cheap that you would recommend.

Thanks,

Kevin

Message Edited by Filostud on 12-09-2005 08:40 PM