Reviewing Accell’s USB 3.0 Full Function Docking Station

There was a time when I resisted technology. I thought waiting in line for a product was silly. I didn't care to upgrade to the newest device. I thought Bluetooth was some sort of dog jeans hybrid gone horribly wrong.

Fortunately, I'm a lot more invested in cool new gadgets and devices, since I know tech makes my life easier (for the most part). And something that fits the bill is Accell's USB 3.0 Full Function Docking Station.

I'll let the diagram below demonstrate just how versatile this thing is – it features DisplayPort, HDMI 1.3, 3.5mm combo jack (audio/microphone), Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), and 3 USB-A 3.0 connections. The dock is compatible with devices running Windows 7 and newer or Mac OS 10.6 through 10.11.

Just look at all that! I'm at a point in my life where I now have an uncomfortable amount of devices, but this docking station helps keep everything in line. I can charge my iPod (old school!) while listening to a far more current song while also digesting a music video from my youth via the HDMI port. Of course, that would just be a wall of sound (and not the good, Phil Spector kind), but the ability to take care of a handful of things at once is super useful.

It's also far more compact than I would have expected. Look at my hand – admittedly probably slightly larger than the average human hand – envelop it pretty easily. It has a solid weight and appears quite durable, which is terrific for all the klutzes out there, myself included.

 

Keep this little guy by your normal computer setup and you'll be good to go. For the most basic setups, you can keep your keyboard and mouse all in one place while charging your phone – and most importantly, you don't have to worry about all kinds of cords flailing about. Pretty clutch.

One thing I would strongly recommend is to actually install the driver on your computer (you can grab the latest ones here). Though it's fun to be stubborn and try to use a device right out of the box without looking at the manual or installing any peripheral equipment, you won't get the full experience with this product if you go sans driver. Luckily, installation is a breeze, and you'll be docking before you know it. Give Accell's USB 3.0 Full Function Docking Station a whirl – it'll help you keep on top of all the devices in your life. And in our connected world, that's never a bad thing.

Full product info and specs below:

Product Features:

• DisplayPort output
• HDMI 1.3 output
• 3 USB-A 3.0 ports, including 1 port with BC 1.2 (USB-IF Battery Charging Standard)
• Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port
• 3.5mm audio/microphone port
• Powered by the DisplayLink™ DL-5900 USB video processor

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 6in x 3.1in x 1in
• Weight: 9.7oz (275g)
• USB-A to USB-B 3.0 cable length: 27.5in (0.7m)
• DisplayPort single display resolutions up to 4K@30Hz (3840x2160)
• HDMI 1.3 single display resolutions up to WQHD@50Hz (2560x1440)
• Dual display resolutions up to 2048x1152@60Hz
• Supports 10Mbps/100Mbps/1Gbps Ethernet
• USB-A 3.0 charging output up to 900mA
• The USB-A port with BC 1.2 supports up to 5V@1.5A of charging output

System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or above (Latest drivers are available here)
• Mac OS 10.6 through Mac OS 10.11 (Latest drivers are available here)
• 1 USB-A 3.0 Port
• 4 GB of RAM
• Intel HD4000, ATI Radeon HD 5000/AMD Radeon HD 6000, NVIDIA GeForce 400M or better

'California Typewriter' is Far More Than an Ode to a Vintage Gadget

Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and reflect. That's the message behind California Typewriter, the debut documentary from Doug Nichol. The film dives into the dynamic between humans and machines, exploring how we used to interact with technology and how it's changed over the years.

The film features appearances from celebrities like Tom Hanks, John Mayer, and Sam Shepard. While there's certainly an homage to typewriters, there's a greater question that Nichol poses: how do we react to things disappearing in our lives? For some, they look to the future. Others get stuck in the past, living a life of nostalgia. Both ways can lead down fulfilling paths, and sometimes there's beauty in cherishing where you are in life.

"If you walk away with a message from it, take a moment to reflect," Nichol says. "Life isn’t all about efficiency. We’re in a rush for things to be faster and faster, but that can bring problems. Part of the fun of life is to do something for yourself. It’s like riding a bicycle versus riding a motorcycle. They’ll both get you there, but one of them is a more enjoyable journey."

Nichol's first typewriter during the project was an Underwood 5, which he bought on eBay. Throughout the course of the film, he amassed a collection of 85 typewriters. His favorite of the bunch? An Erica 10.

"It was made in Germany in the 50s and it’s so beautiful," Nichol explains. "It’s got a little button you push and the top opens like the trunk of a car. I picked this up for 25 bucks and you cannot get the mechanics and efficiency of it nowadays."

And while Nichol admits he's in line whenever a new iPhone comes out, he hopes people will take solace in admiring a job well done. Even if it means getting your hands a little dirty.

"Work is fun. I think a lot of people maybe don’t realize that work brings fulfillment," he says. "Maybe things will be faster and more efficient, but what’s the cost of that to society? It's about finding that right balance."

California Typewriter is in theaters now. Check out the trailer below:

Apple Introduces Its New iPhone SE

Apple unveiled its new iPhone today, calling it the most powerful four-inch phone ever. Its CPU is 50 percent faster than the iPhone 5s, and the phone houses a 12 megapixel camera, panorama up to 63 MP and "True Tone" flash.

The price begins at $399 for the 16 GB model, the most affordable price for a new iPhone. The 64 GB model starts at $499. With a two-year subsidized phone contract you can get it for free, though if this deal is like anything else Apple has ever put out, there's gotta be a catch.

You can get your new iPhone on March 31, with the company taking orders a week ahead of time. And for the the late adopters, there's no word yet on when your current phone you already shelled $300+ for will stop functioning completely.

SXSW Showcases at Banger's and Liberty Tavern

It's March, so any Austinite worth his or her salt knows that SXSW is upon us. And the best way to embrace the festival is by planning ahead. That's what we're here for. Check out a pair of the finer showcases below:

DESCRIPTION: Banger’s, home to the city’s widest selection of hand-crafted sausage plus more than 100 beers on tap, will present a full week of live music in celebration of SXSW. All shows are FREE and provided by local talent with the exception of two bands based in the U.K. and New York. Performances take place in the outdoor beer garden and start at noon with the exception of Monday, 3/16 and Saturday, 3/21.

WHERE: Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden (highlighted acts = new additions)

79 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701

       

Description:

Liberty Tavern will again host SXSW’s Second Play Stage, featuring a diverse lineup of up and coming bands starting nightly at 6pm. Entry is FREE and open to all ages; arrive early as space is limited.

Liberty Tavern will kick off the music festival on St. Patrick’s Day serving pints of Guinness with Chef Carlos’ crispy Fish n’ Chips.

Where:

500 East 4th Street Austin, TX 78701

Garage parking is available at the Hilton and Convention Center. Street parking is also available.