[OPLINTECH] Laptops for staff

[Chad Neeper]

My 2 cents:

Only a couple of the libraries I work with have library-owned laptops that
are dedicated to staff. I have a couple of directors that have their own
personal laptops that they use. However, speaking on my own behalf, I use a
single high-end desktop replacement laptop that goes with me when I'm
on-site. I also use it as my primary computer here in the office. I've been
using this same scenario for well over 10 years (not going to bother
figuring it out beyond that) and I find that having a docking station is
incredibly useful...mandatory even. I have, however, stopped using any sort
of docking solution that is unique to a particular laptop or brand and have
gone generic with a USB-based "docking station". The solution works very
well and doesn't need to get replaced if I change laptops.

You can buy (and I've used/liked) USB-based docking stations, but six
months or so ago I switched to just running a 10-port USB3 hub. I now have
everything plugged into the hub:  external USB->DVI displaylink converters
for my extra displays, USB->audio for my external speakers, external
USB->SATA hard drive, keyboard, a couple of label printers, barcode
scanner, etc. Just plugging in the USB hub (or docking station) and power
definitely beats having to connect up everything directly to the laptop
every time, or just work using the laptop's display/keyboard/etc.

Really, though, whether or not your staff need docking stations really
comes down to each staff member's workflow. For me, it's mandatory. For
someone else, however, perhaps not so much. My suggestion:  take a few
minutes to talk to the people you're getting laptops for to understand how
they are using (and how they *would like* to use) their devices. Don't let
what someone else considers passé guide you!

Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*

On Thu, Oct 23, 2014 at 11:44 AM, Fred Miller Jr. <millerfr at oplin.org>
wrote:

> Wanted to reach out to everyone and see what my fellow IT members are
> using to replace staff members laptops that are using docking stations.
> Some people I have talked to say docking stations are a thing of the past,
> but our for our staff it is a great extension when you have to take your
> laptop home. Thoughts?
>
>
>
> Many Thanks,
>
>
>
> *Fred Miller Jr*
>
> IT Service Manager
>
> Auglaize County Public District Library System
>
> p: 419-738-2921 ext. 1011
>
> f:  419-738-5168
>
> w: www.auglaize.oplin.org
>
>
>
> *Visit our Library Website! <http://auglaize.oplin.org/>*
>
>
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>
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>
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