Asus Varidrive

[Aegeas]

Anyone tried one of these with an SP3 yet?

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-USB-3-0-VariDrive-Dock/dp/B00BD7UIGK

 

[Hollywould]

Wow!! That is really nice, I am also curious if anyone has tried this. It is pretty expensive though.n

 

[strollin]

Read the user comments. Someone claims to be using one with both an SP2 and an SP3.

 

[Aegeas]

I tend to not trust Amazon reviews a lot. Too many companies pay to have positive reviews. I bought one of the used ones so I will let you folks know how well it works.

 

[Aegeas]

So, thus far it does work. It is USB3, and has all of the right ports. Also, you can get it for $50 from Amazon refurbished. Recommended at the price. Don't install the software, just install the drivers.

 

[~X.T.~]

Wow, looks pretty sweet! I suppose it will have to run off external supplementary power? Given that the SP3's USB 3.0 does not deliver max power.

 

[Aegeas]

Yes, it comes with a relatively small power supply. The hinge mechanism in the middle of it is pretty slick and feels well made. It is smooth to turn and takes some effort. It fits well inside my backpack alongside my surface. Now I have all of the USB 3 ports I could want, Ethernet, full sized HDMI, and a DVD burner/reader for those rare times it is needed.

Rating: Doesn't Suck.

 

[~X.T.~]

Quick question. What's the voltage and current rating on the power supply?

 

[Aegeas]

[email protected]. The prongs on the power supply don't fold down, but they are oriented in the same plane as the width of the small wall wart so it takes up small space in your bag. A full on docking station that includes a slot loading DVD burner that folds up out of the way is super cool. This might be my favorite recent computing item.

 

[Aegeas]

Oh yeah, my picture where it is folded up I have it twisted a little too far. The build quality at that joint is actually good and I simply twisted it too far when I took the photo. I saw this thing at the Microsoft Store in person so I went home to check up on it. In stores it is $249. Get a used one from Amazon and save the money.

One final thing, you don't always have to have it plugged in. When you plug it into your USB port the LAN, USB, and supposedly even the DVD (haven't tested the DVD without power) work without the external power supply.

 

[~X.T.~]

Awww... I was hoping to be able to power it from a USB powerbank (with a little modding to the power connector) as I am doing for my Netgear PTV3000. Ah well, can't have it all, still a very sweet device. (=

 

[Aegeas]

Yeah, you aren't going to be able to do that, but since you don't have to have it plugged into power for many of the ports to work maybe you don't need that? It is now my answer.