Speaking of Dell laptops....
 

Inspiron 8100, 8200, 8600.......

Each of these work in the same docking stations.

Now I see the 9300's have a larger monitor. I suppose I could call Dell to ask if my docking station will support the 9300 but I'd rather post on GFY and ask about it because I'm feeling lazy today.

When you find out , let me know. I have a 8600. thanks

You will most likely get a faster response here anyway.

Personally, I'd rather have an 8600 with the 15.4'" display. The 9300 probably won't fit in my camera/laptop carry on.

I feel stupid, but what exactly does a docking station do?

You feel stupid cause you are stupid... :winkwink:

A docking station has peripheral ports, expansion slots, etc so you can drop your laptop in the station, plug in a mouse, keyboard and monitor and use it as a desktop PC.