Docking systems are common place for the iPhone, iPod and iPad but with the MacBook's it's a little rarer. Actually this the Henge Docks Docking Station for the MacBook Pro 13, 15 & 17 inch is the first docking solution I have ever come across.
It comes in white and is made from plastic. We'd expect a product priced around £55-£79 to be made out of something a little more extravagant such as aluminium. Although the plastic is surdy and the overall build is strong.
Currently I use a video cable to plug my MacBook Pro into my Apple Cinema Display. It works well but when I use my MacBook Pro like this I use it like a desktop as it's solely in one place. So I end up throwing USB's, Firewire, Ethernet, a Magic Mouse and a Bluetooth Keyboard into the mix. And things get messy and annoying very quickly when this happens. The Henge Docks Docking Station has cured all these problems. This product is perfect for those who want the portability of a notebook but the functionality of a desktop.
You do have to assemble the dock. None of the cables are pre connected. This stage takes around ten minutes to do and it does involve an Allen Key and some screws but literature guiding you through the steps is provided. The included cables will vary slightly depending on what screen size your MacBook Pro is and which Henge Dock you'll require. I was required to install two USB's, an Ethernet, An Audio Jack and a Firewire 800. The display connectors and MagSafe charging cable are for you to sort out with your current cables and it wasn't any trouble. Once you have all this done you won't ever have to do it again but it would have been better if all this was done to begin with.
Now you can slide your MacBook Pro effortlessly in and it's a perfect snug fit. Removing is just as easy and this design of easiness is very Apple like and will sit well with Apple owners. Especially with it's Apple blending sleek design. One thing I was slightly worried about was the fact that it docks vertically and the possibility of toppling over with the faintest push, this is not the case due to the big feet the dock sports. It's rock solid!
After just over a week of use I am very impressed with the Henge Docks Docking Station. It is one of those products that you don't think about using because it just clicks into your way of doing things. It's made the process of bringing my MacBook Pro to my desk so simple and effortless. I can just plug anything in straight away.
Overall the Henge Docks Docking Station for MacBook Pro is a useful solution. This could be the product to steer you away from buying a desktop Mac, as you get to live in both worlds.
