Hi there ShagDevil,

I would agree with MLF. Not that I have had any problems that were associated with docking stations, but there again, I wouldnt have known because I would only have gotten the laptop with a problem?

I base my advice on USB devices and removable hard drives. If the thing is still powered up you might cause a surge or spike when you disconnect.

Also, if you power down you will have made double sure that writing from cache and applications closure has taken place in an orderly fashion. Pulling the plug won't get you any error messages that might be seen if you had a problem and shut down properly.

I don't know anything about the docking/undocking process, but I always recommend a proper shutdown/dismounting process with USB devices as I have encountered many tales of woe........... sure "the book" says you can "just unplug it"............. but why does the OS whine so bitterly when you do. It is worth the few extra seconds to be sure IMHO.