Challenge Port Replicator for 8200

Joeearl,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
The port replicator for the I-8200 is not listed on the sales page, that is why you cannot find it.
Don't ask me why the page does not work or why certain parts are not listed on it, I don't know.
So, lets get to the helpful information then.

The Inspiron 8200 uses the identical APR that the 3700, 3800, 4000, 8000 and 8100 use.
This means that if you find an APR that is listed as compatible with any of the above systems,
it will also work with your I-8200. So now we must find someone selling the APR, which you have several options.

1.Call Dell Spare Parts.
Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Part#........Description:
1E530........APR assembly only with Ethernet.
1K572........APR Kit, Inspiron Dock, includes AC Adapter and Tray.
7499P........APR Monitor Stand only.
7C205........APR Plastic Tray with APR Monitor Stand only.

2.Search Google for "Inspiron Advanced Port Replicator" to find a site selling it.
Here is is such a site.

3.Search EBAY for someone selling the APR as well.

Here is a question.  If I remove the metal block from the back of my INSPIRON 8200 and plug it into a C/Port II APR will it damage the laptop?  Or per chance will it solve this APR issue?  PLEASE advise.

Mrakr,

No, attaching the Inspiron to the C/Port II will not hurt the system.
The most that will happen is that you will get an error message and the system will not boot up.
Besides the physical differences, the C/Port will not work because the Inspiron bios will
prevent you from using it. There are ways around this, such as flashing your Inspiron bios with a Latitude system bios.
But, Dell does not support this in any manner and doing so will void your system warranty.
There have been several posts by other customers on how to use the Latitude Docks with your Inspiron system.
Simply search the forum and you will find the information you are looking for.
But again, Dell does not support using the Latitude Docks with the Inspiron systems.

On that site, it states that any drivers needed can be obtained free from Dell's site.  If so, where should I look for the free drivers for this replicator, and do I really need a driver?  I'm having problems with the replicator I currently have and need to know this before I buy another one.  My problem I'm currently having is the replicator won't see my printer through the usb port.  Any suggestions?

Thank,

Mike

The solution I settled on was to change my bios so now the INSPIRON thinks that it is a Latitude C840.  It was simple and straight forward and so far I have no issues with the machine.  I will caution as did a Dell moderator that my warranty is voided since I modified the BIOS.  Of course my thought is if I need to use the warranty, I will just flash the BIOS back to a INSPIRON machine.  Dell makes some great products and sometimes markets the same configurations under different labels.

 

Complete directions for creating a Latitude can be found at http://home.comcast.net/~stonent/itol.htm

 

The only problem I had as booting my machine in DOS to flash the Bios.  After several attempts I ended up booting from a remote hardrive and forcing the flash.

If you have questions give me a holler and I'll try to help.

Mark

Karell

I received a 1K572 port replicator kit as a Christmas present but only got the tray..no 3.9 watt power supply.  I just called and to have it returned and a new one shipped. Hope the new shipment is complete.   Do you have a part number for the AC power supply just in case this is another mixup.   As someone pointed out this is not a regular notebook power supply.

Joe Landry

 

It is the same power brick that your computer uses. Call Dell Parts and tell them you need a 90 watt power brick for your 8200 and ask for the cable that connects it to the wall socket as well or you will just get the brick.

No it's not the same brick. I can tell by looking at the connector, and you need additional wattage.

 But thanks for cluing me in on the power cord.  I had a hard enough time communicating with them

as it was, it took me two tries.  It's awfully ineffiecient but if one can't understand you or vice versa if you know what I mean, then hang up and try again. 

JOE

You can use the computer power brick for the APR. You can run the 8200 on the APR with either the 70 watt brick for the older machines or the 90 watt forthe 8200, but the 70 watt brick will only allow the 8200 to run at a lower speed. I run almost exclusively on the APR and when I upgraded from my 8000 to the 8200, I initially used the 8200 brick to power the APR until I could order two new ones (one for the office and one for home).

Two questions:

1.  Is flashing back to the inspiron 8200 bios as easy as flashing from an inspiron 8200 bios to a latitude C840 bios?

2.  Will Dell be able to tell that I flashed my inspiron 8200 bios with a latitude C840 bios if I just flash it back if I need warranty work?

Thanks