Customer Reviews

HP XB3000 Port Replicator XB3000

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I just bought HP Pavilion dv2000t; it is my first notebook ever after 15 years of desktop computers. So I want it to be a smooth move. One of my main concerns while choosing the notebook was the docking station. I was looking for a desktop replacement, and HP xb3000 covered almost 95% of my needs. It has 6 USB ports, Headphone jack, Mic jack, SPDIF Audio output, VGA port, RCA video, video components, S-video, Ethernet connection, Speakers, Volume control, Mute, and Power Switch. It has adjustable reclaim stand, where you can adjust the height of your notebook. In addition, it comes with wireless keyboard and mouse along with their receiver which should be connected to one of the USB ports (I used them for another computer since I already have my Logitech EX300). The xb3000 has a small compartment for optional HP 300GB harddrive kit which I think does not worth the price ($250), I prefer if HP sells the Harddrive kit alone without the 300GB hard disk so I can install my own capacity. Well, you can use an external USB Hard Disk anyway.

I connected 19" LCD to the station where I use it as primary monitor and my notebook as the extended, this way helps you viewing different websites or document simultaneously on both monitors.

Pros: All above mentioned ports connects to the notebook with a single plug. You can use notebook ports as well while docked. In addition, you can use the remote control that comes with the notebook. Also you can use any two video outputs together. The notebook charges while docked.

Cons: No AC adapter included, where you suppose to use your notebook adapter!! I don't know what HP were thinking, it is not practical to remove it each time you want to take the notebook with you!! So I ordered another adapter of course, (I think this what HP wanted). You can add its cost to the xb3000. Another disadvantage, there is no Firewire port, although it is not important to me, yet. But still you can use the one in the notebook. Another thing, while restarting the computer, the speakers make a high knock-like noise even if they were muted. One last thing, forget about connecting your LCD with DVI connection, neither the notebook nor the xb3000 have Digital input (DVI), so you should use the analog (the blue monitor connector).

I read in other reviews that if you unplug the docking station while using or viewing a file in an external drive, it would crash windows. This will happen also if the notebook hibernated while the file was open. I have not tried this myself so I am not sure.

Overall, I'm very happy with my xb3000. It made my office looks neat.

First off, this thing is huge! I bought it as the HP official Port Replicator for my TX1220 Tablet. It has a 12.1" screen and it sits on a back built for a 17". It's nice that HP wants to offer a PR that doesn't get outdated every six months but come on. Second there is no power supply; although, this is common. You have to shell out another $80 to get the desktop functionality you are striving for. Third there is not a drop in connection like Dell and Sony. They have a cable that is VERY hard to connect and will probably break with extended use. I don't even use the thing right now.

As far as quality goes, there is a very low end keyboard and an even lower end mouse. A total waste of money including these items as almost everyone would want to replace them with Microsoft or Logitech. The transmitter isn't even built in so you have to use one of the USB ports. It at least has a digital sound port built in but it is coaxial instead of optical like the computer. It includes very low end speakers, a VGA port etc. No digital video. It's just low end, expensive and difficult to use.

The HP XB3000 Port Replicator is a great solution for owners of the newer HP laptops who want to use their laptops more like a desktop system. I own two replicators; one for my office and one for home. I simply plug in the one cable to the side of the laptop and I am up and running with the wireless mouse and keyboard and all network connections, external drives, etc.

At work I use the laptop in the station alone but at home I add a 24 inch LCD panel for photo editing and an external drive for file storage of things that are not needed in the office.

The price on Amazon is an exceptionally good one.

This a great product when used with an HP notebook that is actually compatible with the expansion base. As for a power cord, use the one supplied your notebook given the fact that your notebook is compatible. I think people are too winey for their own good. When purchasing a product that is expensive, people should take the time to read the specs or research the product before buying. I purchased an HP product that performs like it should. I wonder how that happened maybe because I have an HP Pavilion Dv6000 notebook w/expansion 3 port whose A/C adapter can power the base.

This product is as close to perfect as I can imagine in the realm of computers and add-ons. First, a caveat to those who don't own a fairly new HP notebook: some of the features won't work. I happen to have an HP Pavilion dv9330us, which is not only a perfect match to the dock, but also looks like it belongs style-wise. Even the sound is much better than I expected. This docking station is just right if you plan, like me, to replace your desktop computer with a notebook. It allows me to keep my previous monitor as a primary or secondary monitor in a dual monitor setup and an external keyboard, and it has plenty of USBs and other connections. I highly recommend this product if you own or are planning to get a new HP Pavillion. While it's always possible to get a lemon, no matter what you buy, it appears that most or the complaints on this page arise from poor matches with older or other brands of notebooks.

A total nightmare. Gone through Two in a year and now this one same problems - when you re-connect the computer everything goes nuts. Printer drivers go bonkers. External monitor will not come back on. NOTHING but problems and HP Product Support (a oxymoron) has been, well ... utterly moronic. Many hours on the phone. Several escalations. No one at HP seems to have even a hint of a clue as to these problems which I have reported many times. I paid twice the price for both of mine so that they are now so cheap is telling. You do NOT get what you pay for. Indeed if time is money this will cost you plenty. Guaranteed to drive you nuts. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!!!!!!!

I'm an experienced computer consultant who shops for equipment and software for a long list of clients and sets up great computer systems and small home networks and small business networks with equipment purchased from all the popular manufacturers. Recently a customer had his 5 year old Sony VAIO die of old age and certainly was unworthy of investing in the repairs to get it working again.

I purchased a very hot HP laptop for him thru Best Buy, and then accessorized it so he had something similar to the setup he had been running with his old Sony, plus a few embellishments. The Sony had an optional docking station and it was great to have all those external connections that you just docked to without have to plug in or unplug and risk wear and tear on the ports eminating directly from the laptop.

I have one other client who purchased one of these HP XB3000 Port Replicators thru me about three years ago and she loves it.

So this was a must to go with Alan's new HP Laptop. It was delivered by the merchant, In and Out Computers as advertised, in pristine condition with all the documentation and even an unexpected adapter to fit a few different models of HP laptops, althought the connector from the Port Rep fit perfectly without the adapter. It was plug-and-play all the way with recognition of the ports, audio, and external monitor, external USB Backup Drive, and the included wireless keyboard and mouse. I bought the correct AC Adapter for the Port Rep from Brilliant Store on Amazon and it was a perfect fit as well. (This prevents you from having to use your laptop's AC Adapter to power the port rep. The port rep comes with no AC adapter.)

The experience with the purchase of the Port Replicator could not have gone more smoothly, delivered promptly, spotless condition, and met or exceeded the client's expectations.

I am hooked on hp products,bought new hp laptop,office,home,travel ,then hp xb3000 docking station,home ,office,setup easy,comes with cordless mouse,keyboard,speakers built in,hd expansion built in,every kind of hook up needed,this is not cheap looking junk,hp put work into this product,if you own laptop,need a docking station,this is the best.

The product works well but is not as sturdy as a dell dock. One is limited using this product to using the laptop screen, unlike dell which docks their laptop and has a stand for a full monitor, flat screen or early model CRT.

First things first, yes you will need to purchase an extra power cord if you plan to commute. The power cord issue is the only thing in my opinion that keeps this from being a 5 star product.

I bought two of these for my HP DV2000 so that I can commute from home, to my apartment near the university and to my university office. If they quit changing desks on me in my university office, I may buy a third dock. Maybe one of the disgruntled writers here will sell their's ;-)

These really work as advertised and I find no fault with them what-so-ever. The dock works the moment you take it out of the box and set it up. No instructions needed for most people - though clear instructions are included. HP deserves credit for a quality product that looks like it "belongs" with my notebook.

If you can get pass the power cord issue it is a great buy. Not a "bargain" item but the quality of the product makes up for the cost.