Toshiba Express Port Replicator with 90W Global AC Adapter (PA3508U-1PRP)

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Item Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000IHVI24
• Item model number: PA3508U-1PRP
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 15, 2005

Product Description

EXP PORT REPL W/ AC ADPT

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's fine if you don't need sound or a parallel port, November 2, 2006

By 

Silver Phantom (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba Express Port Replicator with 90W Global AC Adapter (PA3508U-1PRP) (Personal Computers)

I bought this for use in the office. The unit is hearty and well constructed. It includes both an analog video port and a DVI port, 4 usb ports, and gigabit networking.

However, it does NOT include a jack for external speakers, microphone, firewire, or a parallel port. I can understand skipping the parallel port, but the other three boggle the mind. They're small and arguably very necessary in many circumstances.

And it's not like they didn't have room for them on the back. Toshiba just decided not to include them. Unfortunately, if you own a Portege M400 like me, this port replicator is your only option.

I was going to buy a second one for home, but decided not to since it doesn't have all the functionality I need.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Convenience not worth the price, January 19, 2009

By 

Bernhard Haidacher "Gadget Lover" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba Express Port Replicator with 90W Global AC Adapter (PA3508U-1PRP) (Personal Computers)

I have been a Toshiba user for more than 15 years. I have gone through ups and downs. This is a down! I have a new Tecra M10 and am used to port replicators: dock and use external mouse, keyboard, monitor, network, speakers and microphone. It seams that Toshiba engineers think that corporate needs changed over time, but these rounded corners are not well thought. For starters if you plan to use an external keyboard you will not be able to use an FN key map. I called support; at first the level 1 technician didn't understand what was wrong: no docking station experience. Finally I got through to level 2 support. I had to suggest them that what might be wrong is that since older models didn't support the FN external key mapping with usb keyboards; this might be the case here too. A light bulb went on, on the other side of the line. So if you plan to use an external keyboard, no FN key mapping and you lose all FN Key functions (power, display, zooming etc), plus since the keyboard doesn't become active during the BIOS password request, forget about typing the BIOS password with and external keyboard. Forget also about the external audio and external microphone.

On the positive side, I have to mention that docking is easier now; there are two guides in the front of the docking station which make it a snap to align the notebook with the docking station. An improvement suggestion could be an airflow design to allow for cooling. This new design doesn't dissipate heat well.

What is the purpose of this express port replicator if you can only replicate USB ports and a network properly? The manufacturing of this port replicator is just the inertia of manufacturing a line without giving it much thought about what the corporate needs of a well designed port replicator are.

Expensive convenience - not needing to plug in a USB cable and power supply cord. USB port replicators are not for corporate use, but if this is the way... my next notebook is an Apple.

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid but could use some improvement, March 10, 2009

By 

A. Marotta - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba Express Port Replicator with 90W Global AC Adapter (PA3508U-1PRP) (Personal Computers)

I am using this right now - everything is great except for two things.

1. NO headphone jack so you can't use non USB speakers!

2. The only other negative thing is that my computer wiggles a little to the right and left - it is not completely locked in. Too bad :(