14 DAY TRIAL // The idea of turning a normal, everyday PC into a server with multiple workstations via USB seems to be crazy enough, but the truth of the matter is that it's actually quite viable, at least when making use of the new Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client.
So, what really makes this DisplayLink-enabled solution so interesting is the fact that users can easily hook up a variety of accessories to a computer equipped with a single USB 2.0 port, such as an external monitor, extra pair of speakers, a mouse and keyboard, etc.
However, this sort of KVM – like feature is just one of the possible uses the Plugable device has in store, the most interesting one being achieved when this thing is connected to a PC running multiseat operating system software.
Practically, in this case, the main PC is turned into a server, while all of the Plugable docking clients are turned into workstations, a configuration that could prove to be extremely beneficial in certain areas where performance requirements are fairly low, such as classrooms, just to give a simple example (after all, it would be much cheaper to purchase a powerful PC and 10-15 USB clients, plus the associated peripherals, than 10-15 complete systems).
Now, coming back to the technical specs provided by the Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client, we'll have to mention that it supports supports standard VGA monitors up to 1280 x 1024 or 1440 x 900 pixels resolutions, and will most likely support just about every operating system around, from Windows 7 to Mac OS X.
Now, as far as pricing and availability details are concerned, we'll have to mention that the Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client is actually a fairly affordable product, given the fact that it's available as of today for around $64.95, which is actually not that bad, given the level of functionality it enables.