Sherpaq Oyster Laptop Docking Station

by Sherpaq B.V.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 13.6 x 9.4 inches ; 5.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00008BQVP
• Item model number: OYS-0011
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 10, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Oyster docking station from Sherpaq Mobile Products enhances portable computing by simplifying laptop docking, improving comfort, and managing cable clutter. While traditional docking stations connect the laptop to peripherals such as a desktop monitor, the Oyster repositions a laptop so that it it's perpendicular to your desk and thereby better positioned for comfortable viewing of laptop's very own LCD screen. The Oyster also offers a handy four-port, high-speed USB 2.0 hub--a real improvement over the many minimalist docking stations out there.

The Oyster's slim profile and tidy cable-management system not only look nice, they conserve space, too, leaving sufficient real estate for your full-size keyboard. The station conceals all cables associated with Internet access, power, printing, and keyboard use in its rear storage bay. For use, simply open your laptop, slide it into the Oyster, and connect your power and USB cables.

If you have an extra laptop power supply, you may want it inside the Oyster's protective shell. Wireless transceivers will also fit nicely. It has posts for wrapping your cables around. The USB hub comes with two extension cables in case you want to connect devices outside the Oyster.

The Oyster was built to accommodate most laptop designs, both PC and Apple. There are very few laptops which won't work with the Oyster, but keep in mind that it's necessary for your laptop's monitor to open approximately 170 degrees to ensure optimal viewing. The following computers do not meet this specification: Toshiba Satellite 2430, Toshiba 5005-S507, Compaq Presario 1200, the white/"ice" iBook (the older "clamshell" iBooks are compatible), and the 17-inch Powerbook G4 (though the 15-inch Powerbook G4 and G3 series are compatible).

The slot into which you slide your laptop is slightly larger than 1.5 inches, so in order to use the Oyster your computer body's height from base to top (not including the screen) should measure something less than 1.5 inches.

The Oyster comes with an AC power adapter for situations where multiple USB devices which don't have their own power are connected to the hub. If additional USB devices pull too much power from the computer, one or more of your peripherals may stop working. This will not harm your peripherals. If this happens or if you'll be using more than three non-USB-powered peripherals, insert the supplied AC adapter into the right side of the USB hub, pull the cable through one of the cable slots located at the base of the Oyster, and connect the cable to a power source.

What's in the Box
Oyster base unit with USB hub, outer shell, rubber cable guide, two USB extension cables, Velcro straps, AC power adapter, and user's manual.

From the Manufacturer

Oyster introduces a new approach to portable computing by redefining the docking process. With its unique styling, ergonomic design, and intuitive cable-management system, Oyster offers a simple, easy-to-use, coherent approach to docking a laptop computer.

Slip your notebook into the Oyster and you can view the screen at eye level and save space on your desktop. Taking up only a 9-by-13-inch space, it's a natural fit for the home and office, as well as public settings such as schools, libraries, dormitories, and hotels.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't someone think of it sooner?, May 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Sherpaq Oyster Laptop Docking Station (Personal Computers)

I love this thing! At first I thought this was a cool in concept but as it turns out, function exceeds form. I'm a complete slob and the Oyster goes a long way to cleaning up my desk and organizing a scramble of cables. It also puts my screen at eye-level. Duh!

It takes some effort to get set up but it's much easier than assembling anything from IKEA. Frankly speaking, it works like a charm and exceeded my expectations. Well worth it in my estimation and I'm getting one for work.

Pros:

-looks great
-solid construction
-easy to use
-puts screen at eye-level

Cons:
-no drive access when laptop is docked

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Product, October 17, 2003

By 

Jim Kukral (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sherpaq Oyster Laptop Docking Station (Personal Computers)

This is a high quality, sleek looking, usable and well-thought out product. This is not some flimsy stand that won't support your laptop. After much searching, this was the only thing I even considered ordering, and I was glad that I did.

Worried if your laptop will fit? So was I, especially since I have one of the thickest laptops out there, the Dell Inspiron 5100 model which is considered the closest you can get to a workstation machine. It fits with rooms to spare, and the stand is so sturdy, that there's simply no way the weight of my laptop could tip it over.

I use a regular ergonomic keboard and mouse and keep my laptop stationed in the Oyster full time. The only time I remove it is to go on a business trip, and even then, all I have to do is pull out my cables from the laptop and close it up, too easy. Did I mention that it's easy to turn the entire stand from side to side with the laptop in it because of the swivel feature on the back?

It's refreshing to find a company that makes a quality and well-thought out product these days. I wish I'd thought of it. I am satisfied beyond belief.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best addition to my workspace ever!, August 27, 2004

By 

Computer Guy "Computer Guy" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sherpaq Oyster Laptop Docking Station (Personal Computers)

I love my Oyster.
I use a laptop at work and when I get back to my desk I love the Oyster for the simplicity of connection. I had used the PC manufacturers' docking stations before and they do not work as well, since the connectors often break and you have to change docking station every time you upgrade your PC. And the Oyster's look is way cooler!
If you use Windows XP you can activate the dual screen feature, I have my email inbox on one monitor and the stuff I'm currently working on the second monitor. Great multi-tasking.
In summary, the Oyster has become completely part of my working habits and I can highly recommend it.