Apricorn Aegis NetDock: An Affordable, Convenient Laptop Companion

The packaging for the Apricorn Aegis NetDock docking station ($89, as of 7/6/2010) only implies that there's an optical drive on board. But don't be fooled: Not only is there one--an 8X TEAC DV-W28S-V DVD burner in this case--but four USB 2.0 ports as well. Two of these ports remain powered even when the unit isn't attached to a computer, so you can charge cell phones and other mobile devices with them. It's this versatility that helps make the NetDock a useful add-on for laptop and netbook users who may find themselves without such amenities.

Our test unit also came with a 500GB hard drive inside (a $189 option, as of 7/6/2010). Save a few dollars--or choose your own capacity--by buying the optical-only unit and adding a 2.5-inch drive yourself later. Installing such a drive is fairly simple: The NetDock comes apart with the removal of single screw. Slide the drive into the SATA connector, secure it there with two screws, reassemble, and you're good to go.

I took the NetDock for a test spin with several laptops, including an Asus Aspire One netbook, and its presence indeed made life quite a bit easier. A hard drive inside makes backing up a laptop simple, the optical drive is great for installing software, and the USB ports allow you to quickly add a printer, a scanner (I used both), or more storage to the mix. Every computer I tried it on, which included Windows XP SP2, Vista, and Windows 7 units, recognized the NetDock immediately, and drivers all installed automatically.

What I also realized after about five minutes of use is that the NetDock can be an exceedingly handy IT tool. Instead of dragging around separate optical and hard drives, I can carry around the NetDock; plus, I can recharge my cell phone without having to hunt for a free AC outlet in a power-cable maze. Sweet.

The NetDock ships with, and requires an AC adapter. You simply can't run a hard drive and an optical drive, as well as provide enough power to the USB ports, without one. Apricorn bundles some freebie software to take care of all the tasks I mentioned: Microsoft's SyncToy for syncing and backup, BurnAware Free for disc-related chores, and VLC for playing movies and music. Be careful not to click mindlessly through the installations, though: The BurnAware software in the package wants to install the Ask toolbar.

The Apricorn Aegis NetDock is a good complement for your netbook at home, as well as a handy portable storage device. My only (exceedingly minor) complaint is that it doesn't have USB 3.0 connections.

Just a few days ago we mentioned the announcement of the Aegis NetDock and already we're having a fantastic looking unit in gorgeous deep red hooked up to our computer! That's pretty fast for a transpacific and continental shipment. Courtesy of Apricorn and ProLine Communications agency we're having a good look at what is probably the most essential accessory for any netbook and most tablet users: a portable hard drive combined with a DVD burner and a bunch of powered and unpowered USB ports. Let's check out what's beyond the good looks.

Unboxing the Aegis NetDock was momentarily ominous. As I removed the unit out of its wrapping the distinct sound of a loose screw rattling around the unit was heard. "Better you than me" was my initial thought as the term of having a screw loose is not particularly complimentary for any person or device for that matter! This unit came with a 2.5” 500 GB hard drive already installed and that's exactly what led to this problem. One of the side fixing screws must not have been tight enough and became undone. Easily fixed.

From there on out it was easy sailing. Plug in the power cord, hook up the USB to your computer and the Aegis NetDock is ready to do your bidding. I quickly transferred some backup files to the unit and tested out the dual layer DVD burner. The Dual Layer recording engine allows you to record up to 8.5GB of data per DVD, almost doubling data storage capacity on a DVD recordable disc from the single layer recording capacity of 4.7 GBs. Pity those discs are still pretty expensive…

Extremely handy is the fact that you have an additional four USB ports, two of them constantly powered which is great for charging up your phone or other gadgets. This only works if the unit itself will stay under power.

Any green credentials, you ask? That seems to be the sales pitch of these last few years and why not… The Aegis Netdock has an auto “ON” and “OFF” feature, automatically turning on when connected to your netbook or slate, and powering the NetDock down when not in use. Don’t worry too much about standby power either: we measured a measly 1 Watt only in its constant ready state! I find it easier to have the unit laying flat on the desk but if space is at a premium then there is a nonslip stand in the package as well.

Honestly, this has been one of the simplest units to test – it all just works as it should.No surprises except for a bit of screwing around... literally.

Any gripes? None. But I do wish there was a USB 3.0 version already. Not that there are many netbooks out there with this hi-speed USB connection but my Asus notebook has one and it would be great to see more speedy connections around.

Conclusion

This Aegis NetDock 3-in1 USB Docking Station from Apricorn has all the ingredients to be a big winner if the number of sold tablets and netbooks is a guide.

Great looks combined with all the features to make your netbook, UMPC or USB equipped tablet fully functional does it for us here at DigitalReviews.net. And the price is quite reasonable too: $89 for a unit without a hard drive. With a 500GB Hard Drive already installed the price jumps to USD189. If you have a spare 2.5 inch drive, don’t be afraid to put in your own screws… :)

The glorious mixture of looks, features, Value for Money means that we can highly recommend the Aegis NetDock from Apricorn.

In fact, it gets our coveted Editor's Choice Award!

While the MacBook Air’s blend of portability and functionality is hard to top, its puny hard drive, lack of an optical drive, and dearth of USB ports put it far behind a normal notebook in terms of everyday usefulness. Apricorn aims to change this with its new Aegis NetDock, a compact, 3-in-1 USB docking station designed for notebooks, ultra-portable notebooks, and tablet-style PCs. Incorporating a triple threat of a 500GB hard drive, a dual layer DVD burner, and a 4-port USB hub—all in a package not much larger than a standard external DVD player—the Aegis NetDock could very well bring your MacBook Air up to par with a full-sized notebook.

The NetDock, which connects to your Mac via a single USB cable, comes in a candy-red enclosure and sits either flat on your desk or vertically with its included stand. Its four USB ports provide ample connections for your peripheral devices, and since the NetDock already gives you 500 GB of storage, you probably won’t need to devote any of those ports to an external hard drive. Furthermore, two of the NetDock’s USB ports are always on, so you can use them to charge your mobile devices even while your MacBook Air is disconnected or off.

The built-in dual-layer DVD player is perfect for playing movies and can record up to 8.5 GB of data on compatible DVD-Rs. The NetDock also includes a power saving feature that powers the device down when not in use, and automatically turns it on when you connect it to your Mac.

The NetDock sells for $129, and can also be purchased without a built-in hard drive for $69.