Lapdock...?

[redraptor]

Hey guys!!

Well I recently have acquired a Droid Razr. My Nexus has given me MANY troubles and was able to trade it in for the Razr. Now I am intrigued by the lapdocks. I have a GIANT alienware which is a beautiful and amazing laptop, but its to damn bulky to travel with back and forth to class with. I want something I can do some basic term papers on, surf the web and just use for general use. My question(s) are:

A) How good are these docks?
B) Is the 500 significantly better than the 100?
C) Can I still get the on contract price with my newly acquired razr?
D) I have an HP touchpad rooted with ICS, would it make more sense to use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse vs the lapdock?
E) Where is the cheapest place to get these and do they generally run for cheaper than on amazon?

Thanks in advance!

 

[RandolphNY]

I have the 500 and I haven't decided yet if it is worth it other than a larger screen for internet. Here are my pro's / con's and thought:

- Full Screen, but not hi-res.
- I still haven't got the nack for google documents, but I haven't taken the time either.
- Neat that you can use your phone and web browser side by side.
- Sound isn't too bad. Just used it for Pandora over the weekend.
- Has various connections such as usb, sd card, vga and I think hdmi (sorry, can't remember as I am not near it right now)
- Keyboard is very good

There are suppose to be some major upgrades once ICS is established.

c) Sorry, I don't understand this question.

e) I guess, just look around.

My final thoughts:

If you feel that you need a full pc experience, I would suggest a laptop and use your razr with usb tethering or activate the wi-fi option.

Otherwise,

If you can get a good understanding of google docs, this will work as it is very lite and provides full internet access.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[Adauth]

I love mine.

 

[rushmore]

The Atrix lapdock is high res and looks great, but with ICS coming, we lose the full Firefox app and use the browser from the phone. IMO a waste and defeats a huge part of the advantage of the lapdock (use Firefox plug-ins).

If ICS kept the Firefox app, I would say the lapdock is worth it, but since it is not, hard to justify a lapdock over a tablet. Seems better to spend the money towards a tablet, rather than use a tablet based browser- with a display with no touch function.

IMO, a stupid move that will hurt the sales of lapdocks that were already not doing too well in the first place. Based on my friends that own them, EVERYONE bought them due to the full function of Firefox.

 

[KOLIO]

Hey guys!!

Well I recently have acquired a Droid Razr. My Nexus has given me MANY troubles and was able to trade it in for the Razr. Now I am intrigued by the lapdocks. I have a GIANT alienware which is a beautiful and amazing laptop, but its to damn bulky to travel with back and forth to class with. I want something I can do some basic term papers on, surf the web and just use for general use. My question(s) are:

A) How good are these docks?
B) Is the 500 significantly better than the 100?
C) Can I still get the on contract price with my newly acquired razr?
D) I have an HP touchpad rooted with ICS, would it make more sense to use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse vs the lapdock?
E) Where is the cheapest place to get these and do they generally run for cheaper than on amazon?

Thanks in advance!

As for how good the LAPDOCK 500 is,a trip to a VZW store is in order.Take the time to test all the features that you possibly can before leaving the store(Webcam,Ethernet,VGA,phone call while docked, etc..)

The LAPDOCK 500 may be able to accomplish what you're looking for vs. your ALIENWARE laptop, but, as size goes, the LAPDOCK 500 isn't exactly a daintily-sized substitute.

The LAPDOCK 100,in contrast, is quite a bit smaller, but, you lose a lot of the options that the LAPDOCK 500 has, as the LAPDOCK 100 only has 2 USB ports & no webcam.

As for the special pricing w/the RAZR-LAPDOCK 500 COMBO, if you visit the VZW point of purchase before the 14 day point, they'll probably be able to accommodate your request for the reduced price.

If VZW cannot accommodate w/a decent price on the LAPDOCK 500 or 100, Amazon, e-Bay, etc... have various sellers for both to where you can get a decent price.

Also, if you do not need all the bells & whistles that come w/the LAPDOCK 500, you can pick up the BIONIC LAPDOCK, which will work w/the DROID RAZR w/o any modifications.
It is similar,functionality wise, to the LAPDOCK 100, but, w/a different style keyboard & a slightly larger screen, but the overall outer dimensions are about the same. If you don't need the WEBCAM, ETHERNET, VGA functions of the LAPDOCK 500, I'd suggest getting the BIONIC LAPDOCK over the LAPDOCK 100.

 

[RandolphNY]

The Atrix lapdock is high res and looks great, but with ICS coming, we lose the full Firefox app and use the browser from the phone. IMO a waste and defeats a huge part of the advantage of the lapdock (use Firefox plug-ins).

If ICS kept the Firefox app, I would say the lapdock is worth it, but since it is not, hard to justify a lapdock over a tablet. Seems better to spend the money towards a tablet, rather than use a tablet based browser- with a display with no touch function.

IMO, a stupid move that will hurt the sales of lapdocks that were already not doing too well in the first place. Based on my friends that own them, EVERYONE bought them due to the full function of Firefox.

Hey rushmore, I don't understand your concerns with ICS. What do you think will be lost without the firefox app? I'm not being critical, just wondering....thxs

:captain:

 

[rushmore]

With the current Webtop there is a full functioning Firefox that works with most plug ins. Very nice and more functionality than the tablet browser.

This was the key reason I got the dock.

 

[redraptor]

As for how good the LAPDOCK 500 is,a trip to a VZW store is in order.Take the time to test all the features that you possibly can before leaving the store(Webcam,Ethernet,VGA,phone call while docked, etc..)

The LAPDOCK 500 may be able to accomplish what you're looking for vs. your ALIENWARE laptop, but, as size goes, the LAPDOCK 500 isn't exactly a daintily-sized substitute.

The LAPDOCK 100,in contrast, is quite a bit smaller, but, you lose a lot of the options that the LAPDOCK 500 has, as the LAPDOCK 100 only has 2 USB ports & no webcam.

As for the special pricing w/the RAZR-LAPDOCK 500 COMBO, if you visit the VZW point of purchase before the 14 day point, they'll probably be able to accommodate your request for the reduced price.

If VZW cannot accommodate w/a decent price on the LAPDOCK 500 or 100, Amazon, e-Bay, etc... have various sellers for both to where you can get a decent price.

Also, if you do not need all the bells & whistles that come w/the LAPDOCK 500, you can pick up the BIONIC LAPDOCK, which will work w/the DROID RAZR w/o any modifications.
It is similar,functionality wise, to the LAPDOCK 100, but, w/a different style keyboard & a slightly larger screen, but the overall outer dimensions are about the same. If you don't need the WEBCAM, ETHERNET, VGA functions of the LAPDOCK 500, I'd suggest getting the BIONIC LAPDOCK over the LAPDOCK 100.

Hmmmm.... My biggest concern between the 500 and 100 is the simple audio jack. I NEED to listen to music while doing work, and without the headphone jack, its a bit on the blah side. With that said, is the Bionic Lapdock compatable with headphones and will it be getting the ICS treatment like the razr variants?

And how does the Bionic dock work with the Razr? Everywhere I look it says its proprietary

 

[KOLIO]

Hmmmm.... My biggest concern between the 500 and 100 is the simple audio jack. I NEED to listen to music while doing work, and without the headphone jack, its a bit on the blah side. With that said, is the Bionic Lapdock compatable with headphones and will it be getting the ICS treatment like the razr variants?

Only the LAPDOCK 500 has the audio jack, the ATRIX, BIONIC & LAPDOCK 100 do not.

Let me also add that the LAPDOCK 500 also has an SD CARD Slot, which the other LAPDOCKS lack.

As for the other WEBTOP ENABLED phones getting upgraded to WEBTOP 2.0 &/or ICS,nothing definitive as a date to when.

An update to ICS is rumored to be right around the corner for the DROID RAZR. We'll have to wait until that drops before we know the extent of, if any, upgrades to the WEBTOP version for the DROID RAZR.

I can tell you from personal experience that my MOTOROLA PHOTON 4G is not 100% compatible w/the LAPDOCK 500, as it has WEBTOP version 1.2,& lacks WEBCAM, VGA,ETHERNET, & AUDIO functionality.

 

[redraptor]

How about audio output through headphones on the Bionic/100 variants. Can I plug my head phones into the audio jack on my phone and run music through the desk top phone launcher? And is it difficult to get the bionic dock to work with the RAZR? Or is it just a matter of matching up the connectors?

And finally, do you recommend the 100, bionic or 500 most? The Bionic dock is going to be the cheapest, but I also want the best thing for my device. Webcam is nothing im overly interested in and neither is the SD card. If I can do simple word processing (Maybe powerpoints, I dont know if thats possible) web browsing, video watching and listening to music (While using a word processing application), than thats all I need. As well as saving documents to a thumb drive (Although I can just save it to the phone and then back onto my alienware as well)

 

[KOLIO]

4280404[/URL]"]4280404[/URL]"]4280404[/URL]]How about audio output through headphones on the Bionic/100 variants. Can I plug my head phones into the audio jack on my phone and run music through the desk top phone launcher? And is it difficult to get the bionic dock to work with the RAZR? Or is it just a matter of matching up the connectors?

And finally, do you recommend the 100, bionic or 500 most? The Bionic dock is going to be the cheapest, but I also want the best thing for my device. Webcam is nothing im overly interested in and neither is the SD card. If I can do simple word processing (Maybe powerpoints, I dont know if thats possible) web browsing, video watching and listening to music (While using a word processing application), than thats all I need. As well as saving documents to a thumb drive (Although I can just save it to the phone and then back onto my alienware as well)

Audio via phonejack while docked w/the BIONIC LAPDOCK is a no-go,the audio still plays through the LAPDOCK speakers.

As for the USB/HDMI ports from the DROID RAZR lining up,that is not a problem.
The DROID RAZR/MAXX,DROID4,BIONIC,PHOTON,& ATRIX2 all have the same port configuration & all play nice w/the LAPDOCK 100/500 & BIONIC LAPDOCKS.However,the RAZR MAXX & DROID4 may not fit into the BIONIC LAPDOCK port connection tray due to their extra thickness.This is not a problem w/the LAPDOCK 100/500,as they have a cable attachment to get around this problem w/port orientation.

Overall,it sounds like the LAPDOCK 500 would be a better fit for your needs,as the other LAPDOCKS are basically on par w/netbooks & the LAPDOCK 500 has the audio jack that you're needing.

Should you get the LAPDOCK 500,please post a review of your experience in this thread,especially once you receive the ICS &/or WEBTOP updates.

 

[Adauth]

I use BT headphones on my razr and when I need to on my lapdock. Just pick up a cheap pair, problem solved.

 

[KOLIO]

I use BT headphones on my razr and when I need to on my lapdock. Just pick up a cheap pair, problem solved.

I'm glad you posted this experience.THANK YOU!

It seemed like a workable solution to the lack of AUDIO JACK issue on the ATRIX & BIONIC LAPDOCKS/LAPDOCK 100.

I do not have a BLUETOOTH device to test this with,guess it's about time I picked one up........

 

[Adauth]

I'm glad you posted this experience.THANK YOU!

It seemed like a workable solution to the lack of AUDIO JACK issue on the ATRIX & BIONIC LAPDOCKS/LAPDOCK 100.

I do not have a BLUETOOTH device to test this with,guess it's about time I picked one up........

Glad I could help.

 

[syntrix]

I'm glad you posted this experience.THANK YOU!

It seemed like a workable solution to the lack of AUDIO JACK issue on the ATRIX & BIONIC LAPDOCKS/LAPDOCK 100.

I do not have a BLUETOOTH device to test this with,guess it's about time I picked one up........

Careful of the bluetooth devices... get a no-cost return in writing before ordering.

I've had issues with RAZR and advertised protocols and they don't work on a lot of bluetooth devices.

RAZR has a new bluetooth 4.0 chip, and for some reason the protocols are working like they should even with other moto devices.

I've opened up 2 engineering cases with moto, and they just close them with no comment, no testing, nothing. Many others have experienced bluetooth issues here on the forums, too... from not pairing to sound that cuts out every few seconds.

I've got a lapdock500, it's a cheap version of a laptop screen, and I barely use it. Might be handy on a trip/camping where I'm not caring about it, other than that, don't even use my bionic on it (they both work)... got it for the $149 weekend, it's a paperweight to me personally.

 

[KOLIO]

4282154[/URL]]Careful of the bluetooth devices... get a no-cost return in writing before ordering.

I've had issues with RAZR and advertised protocols and they don't work on a lot of bluetooth devices.

RAZR has a new bluetooth 4.0 chip, and for some reason the protocols are working like they should even with other moto devices.

I've opened up 2 engineering cases with moto, and they just close them with no comment, no testing, nothing. Many others have experienced bluetooth issues here on the forums, too... from not pairing to sound that cuts out every few seconds.

I've got a lapdock500, it's a cheap version of a laptop screen, and I barely use it. Might be handy on a trip/camping where I'm not caring about it, other than that, don't even use my bionic on it (they both work)... got it for the $149 weekend, it's a paperweight to me personally.

THX for the heads-up on the BLUETOOTH pairings.

DITTO on the experiences/review of the LAPDOCK 500! The more feedback we all share,yea:thumb: :rock: :thrasherr nay:thumbdown: :banghead:,uke:the better.

Keep the LAPDOCK reviews rolling in,everyone!arty:

 

[RandolphNY]

THX for the heads-up on the BLUETOOTH pairings.

DITTO on the experiences/review of the LAPDOCK 500! The more feedback we all share,yea:thumb: :rock: :thrasherr nay:thumbdown: :banghead:,uke:the better.

Keep the LAPDOCK reviews rolling in,everyone!arty:[/QUO

Totally agree, The lapdock is something that can work and the more users there are, the better service / apps we may get :thumbup:

 

[lens pirate]

I use my lapdock for web access at work and not having to deal with the content filter from our work supplied uplink.

Works good for this. Also plugging my phone into the doc in combnation with the R-maxx battery means Never having to worry about staying charged up

 

[redraptor]

Im thinking about taking my old Dinc2 down to Verizon and seeing how much credit they will give me and thing about getting the dock. I want 500, but for 250 bucks, its a little outside my price range.

One other question. Can it be used seperatly from the phone, like as a netbook? or is it only compatable with the phone? It wouldnt be a big worry since I ALWAYS have my phone

 

[KOLIO]

Im thinking about taking my old Dinc2 down to Verizon and seeing how much credit they will give me and thing about getting the dock. I want 500, but for 250 bucks, its a little outside my price range.

One other question. Can it be used seperatly from the phone, like as a netbook? or is it only compatable with the phone? It wouldnt be a big worry since I ALWAYS have my phone

All the LAPDOCKS require a WEBTOP-ENABLED phone to be connected to them for functionality.

 

[KOLIO]

I use my lapdock for web access at work and not having to deal with the content filter from our work supplied uplink.

Works good for this. Also plugging my phone into the doc in combnation with the R-maxx battery means Never having to worry about staying charged up

+ 1! I keep two LAPDOCKS @ work, one in the shop & another in my golf cart. Due to building interference &/or WI-FI traffic, I'll switch back & forth from WI-FI & 3G/4G, whichever works best @ any given time.

 

[whipper02]

4280550[/URL]]Audio via phonejack while docked w/the BIONIC LAPDOCK is a no-go,the audio still plays through the LAPDOCK speakers.

I get audio through the headphone jack of my Bionic Lapdock.

Any idea what is up with quoting?

Like that^^^^^^

 

[KOLIO]

I get audio through the headphone jack of my Bionic Lapdock.

Any idea what is up with quoting?

Like that^^^^^^

Do you have the BIONIC LAPDOCK, or, the LAPDOCK 500?

I own one of each,along w/the ATRIX & LAPDOCK 100 models, &, unless I'm overlooking something, the LAPDOCK 500 is the only one that has an audio jack.

 

[whipper02]

Do you have the BIONIC LAPDOCK, or, the LAPDOCK 500?

I own one of each,along w/the ATRIX & LAPDOCK 100 models, &, unless I'm overlooking something, the LAPDOCK 500 is the only one that has an audio jack.

Bionic Lapdock and I meant the phone's headphone jack. When I plug into the phone's headphone jack sound is bypassed from the Lapdock's speakers and passed through the headphone jack.

 

[KOLIO]

Bionic Lapdock and I meant the phone's headphone jack. When I plug into the phone's headphone jack sound is bypassed from the Lapdock's speakers and passed through the headphone jack.

COOL!

I'm actually relieved & was not nit-picking by any means.I thought maybe I was having a serious DEE-DE-DEE moment, frantically searching for the obvious......