Customer Reviews

Sony VAIO VGP-UPR1 USB Port Replicator (Compatible with the CR, FZ, and NR series Notebook PC's)

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

 

 

I read the poor reviews on this product, but I bought it anyway. I'm happy to report I have been pleasantly pleased with its performance. Yes, you can't plug the laptop's power supply into it but as long as you're OK with that it performs up to what is promised. I would have given it 5 stars but it was a little pricey. Other than the price I really like this product. I'm not sure how you're able to get your network connect, speakers, microphone, printer, etc. through one USB connection, but you can. I recommend this product.

Totally agree other review re: power cord. I specifically asked too and was given misinformation. However, my real displeasure is reserved for the fact the the VGA port is only able to "extend" the laptop screen, not "clone." There is a big difference in functionality that is totally unknown to all SONY reps I've spoken with. Why would I want a replicator for a laptop to only extend...what a lousy piece of equipment matched by lousy knowledge of SONY reps both in the store and on the webchat.

Total rip off...does not power your laptop while plugged into docking station. AC Adapter that is included with docking station ONLY powers docking station. So,now I have to use laptop power cord in the office and on the road, which necessitates crawling under my desk to unplug. I am burned because I specifically asked in SONY store about charging capabilities and was told the port replicator would do it. Alternative is to pay SONY another $90 to get a second power cord. Grrrrr...Laptop is pretty but isn't as fast as it should be so I am just not that impressed - add the power issue and I am darn dissatisfied!

I read several reviews that stated clone monitor is impossible for this port replicator, not so. To clone monitor is bit tricky for this port replicator, but I have found a way to do it by Google How to setup clone monitor for Sony VAIO VGP-UPR1 USB Port Replicator.

I read the bad reviews but I knew the choice was to either buy this replicator or else not have one at all, so I bought it. It was easy to set up and it does the job. The bad reviews are true though, your laptop does need to have a separate power cord. So if you want to be portable in an instant, you have to buy a separate power cord for traveling so that you don't have to unplug your laptop power cord.

Also the port replicator is USB which is a problem for me because I have not been successful with the BIOS patch for fixing the USB at startup problem (for those of you who may not be familiar with this issue -- if you try to restart or wake up your computer with any USB devices attached the laptop will just crash and it will display a black screen, forcing you to power down, a very inconvenient reminder to unplug the USB devices before attempting another restart).

But really the problem is more the design of the laptop than it is the port replicator. There is no built-in docking station connector on Sony's laptop so the only work-around for Sony was to make a USB replicator. Next time I will buy a laptop with a built-in docking station connector. I might regret the laptop I chose 2 years ago, but I don't regret buying the port replicator as it is the only option for my laptop and it does accomplish the job.

It did its job and its really small. Good for someone needs to carry his laptop all day.