Jim,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

There is no Port Replicator for the Inspiron 5100.  The Targus USB Port Replicator will replicate many of the parts, but not a video port.

 

The fact that you have to use a generic USB port replicator with a 5100 series Inspiron was a very bad judgement call on Dell's part IMHO.  This machine is billed as a "Desktop Replacement", yet you can't even connect video or power through a replicator!  Also a poor substitute is having to use a USB connection for the replicator, because that is limited to 12mbps.  If I send my ethernet through the replicator, I'm instantly handicapping myself with a much slower transfer rate!

It's too late to change this now for the current line, but Dell needs to know that customers are not happy with this situation!

Barbara,

Actually, the Inspiron 5100 supports USB 2.0, so if the USB Port Replicator is USB 2.0 you should be able to get a faster Ethernet connection.

Unfortunately, I do get a say in how systems are designed or marketed, and I am sorry if you are disappointed in your system.

 

I ordered the computer and accessories through Dell on the phone. The port replicator I got is the one the sales rep selected when I requested a "docking station".  It's a Targus port replicator, and the interface is USB 1.1.  I searched around on the Dell site, and couldn't find anything more appropriate.

BTW, one thing I have sent an e-mail about, and I've never heard back on, was that I'd like to purchase an additional power supply for my Inspiron 5150.  Would you know anything about that?  I couldn't find power supplies on the web site either.

Barbara,

My point was that the restriction on the network card connection speed is a function of the Port Replicator being USB 1.1, and not the system.  Targus, or other manufacturers of USB Port Replicators would have to upgrade their products to USB 2.0.

I would suggest that you try calling Spare Parts (800-372-3355) to purchase an additional AC adapter.

Yes, I realize the transfer rate is a limitation of the port replicator, but my complaint to Dell is that this is the best port replicator that's available for my notebook.  Because Dell doesn't make a docking station for this machine (because they made this machine without a docking port), I have no choice.  Not exactly what I'd consider a "Desktop Replacement".

Greetings - have you, or any forum members heard of anyone using the Mobility EasiDock USB 200 with the 5100 running XP Pro? The Mobility site claims compatibility but I am looking for 1st hand consumer experience with the two products.

Thanks ....

http://www.laptopbattery.net/un0749-10.htm

http://www.laptopbattery.net/un0742-12.htm

Unfortunately I think these two are usb 1.1 but they are interfaced through the pcmcia bus so are lightning quick, and they leave you with both your usb ports free. Only started looking at these when I read your post mentioning the targus is only 1.1

Shame on you dell, the 5150 and 5100 expandability was slashed in comparison to other notebooks and then you dont even offer a docking station and then the port replicator you offer runs only at the usb 1.1 speeds!!! I'm disappointed in this and you should really update the port replicator you offer, any peripherals for new machines should not be 1.1 all of them should be 2.0 if the machine comes with usb 2 as standard

Barbara,

If you do a search on E-bay for Dell 5100 Power Supply you will find several hits on the power supply you are seeking at reasonable prices.

Good Luck,

Frank

Had to get in on this string so registered and here I am.   I believe I have read every post concerning a dock replicator for the 5100 and am offering this input.   The Targus you buy from Dell  is a 1.1 as Targus does not make a 2.0 but are working on one.   The 1.1 will work on some peripherals but not all and speed is drastically reduced.  Personally I think it is a rip for Dell to sell this for the 5100 knowing there PC is USB 2.0.  They could simply say they do not have a port replicator for the 5100 but they are in the sales business and know full well that there is a certain percentage of users who will keep it and do or live with anything to make it work.  I am looking for a good replicator also and have a couple to read the spec's and check them out.  For what it is worth.

Does anyone know for sure if the EasiDock 1000EV port replicator works on ther Inspiron 5100 laptop? If so does it work pretty well or any other suggestions for a docking station?

Here is some information which I hope a lot of you want.  There is a port dock for the 5100 and it has Ethernet capability.  I had one overnighted to me and it works like a charm.    Check it out:  33055 Portable Universal Docking Station
Manufacturer: Kensington
This dock is the first and only (presently) that is 2.0 and supports Ethernet. For what it is worth.

Correction to my previous post about the Kensington.  It is a Port Replicator and not a Dock.  Sorry about the mistake.  Must of had my head on the south end when I wrote it and did not do a preview.  

Egads already.  To answer those who emailed me let me explain exactly what the Kensinton is and you can call it what you want.  The unit is a Hi-speed USB 2.0 Docking Station ACCS.  It has 2 USB 2.0 Port Replicators, 1 Serial Port (DB-9), 1 Ethernet Port (RJ-45), 2 PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard Ports, and 1 Parallel Printer Port (DB-25).   Hope this information helps to clear up any confusion. 

Actually, even if Dell did make a good docking station for the 5100, I'm not so sure you guys would even want to use it...

I have two Inspiron 8000s and I got two separate "PRX" docking stations.  I've since stopped using both docking bays and have resigned myself to just manually plugging stuff in when I sit down at a desk.

The 3Com 3c920 (3c905c-tx compatible) network card in both docking stations is 10 Mbit.  Why / how Dell managed to avoid putting in a 10/100 ethernet card into a docking station? - I have no clue. 

Also, in both cases, the sickly monitor stand that is available does not clear the top of the Inspiron's chassis.  Watching your monitor crush the top of your laptop to the point where you cannot use the left-side ejecting DVD tray is much more frustrating than having to manually plug in a VGA cable, mouse, PCMCIA ethernet and power source.  I tried to support the little legs of the monitor stand on small rubber boots, but that didn't work out so well.

Unfortunately for me, I have no exprience with the docking options i nthe 8500 or 8600 series computers... but I'm pretty sure that it'd be silly to waste the money on them.

I'd stick with the option that Chondo brings up and spend a few extra seconds hooking up a VGA wire and power cable.

If anyone is really interested, I can provide pretty pictures to supplement this post.

Message Edited by DonutDude on 10-25-2003 12:46 PM