MacBook Pro docking

hargi · 21 Aug 2015 at 14:04

Looking for some advice,

I have a 2009 MacBook Pro that I use as a normal laptop.
what would I need to be able to use this as a "desktop" I have a spare monitor keyboard and mouse, but what would be the best way to do this?
Docking Station or just plug everything in and use an adapter for the monitor?

Spuddy · 21 Aug 2015 at 17:56

Just plug it into the monitor like you said and your peripherals an off you go.

Obviously it looks a lot neater if you have wireless keyboard and mouse/trackpad as you don't have wires here, there and everywhere.

MagicBoy · 21 Aug 2015 at 18:40

Apple don't do docking stations. They'd rather sell you a monitor with the same functionality. Dunno why, they'd make a killing.

Plug stuff in, run it in Clamshell mode.

tribz · 22 Aug 2015 at 10:06

I used to use a Henge dock on my 2009 MBP. It was ok but a bit fiddly to get set up initially.

hargi · 22 Aug 2015 at 19:29

Ah right no problem

Caged · 22 Aug 2015 at 20:10

Don't try and make a MacBook a dockable computer. It might become one as USB 3.1 matures and can carry multiple signal types, but until then just deal with plugging in multiple things and using Bluetooth keyboards and mice/trackpads where you can.

Anything that claims to be a dock will just make your wallet a lot lighter and won't give you the features you're used to with other dockable laptops - a power button being one of them.

MagicBoy · 23 Aug 2015 at 00:16

Agreed. The Henge is just a plastic holder that hopefully lines up correctly. You still need to buy another MagSafe PSU from Apple. Some of newer Thunderbolt solutions I'll charitably call a port replicator.

A proper dock is like those that Lenovo ship. Comes with it's own power adaptor, power button and some security measures. The laptop clips in with a dedicated port on the bottom that won't wear out and stop working after a few years. We've used them at work for 10+ years and they're even social worker proof.