Docking station is similar to a box which contains slots to plug interface cards and hard disk. This box can be temporarily connected to a laptop. A port replicator is just a copy of the laptop ports which may be connected permanently to a PC.
To buy the Docking Station/Port Replicator it is important to know the type of the laptop for which the Docking Station/Port Replicator is required.
It is also important to know the included accessories bundled with the product. If it is a Kit it includes everything that is required for the part and if it is an assembly it includes only the dock. Some of the Docking Station/Port Replicator includes Monitor Stand, AC Adapter, Power Cord, Drivers CD and Documentation.
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