(pōrt rep´li-kāt-&r) (n.) A device containing common PC ports, such as serial and parallel ports, that plugs into a notebook computer. The purpose of the device is to allow you to easily attach a portable computer to standard, non-portable devices such as a printer and monitor. For example, if you use a computer both at home and at work, you could set up both work areas with a port replicator. Then, you just plug in your notebook computer to the port replicator at either location and you're ready to work.
Most notebook computer manufacturers offer a port replicator as an additional option. A port replicator is similar to a docking station, but docking stations provide additional slots for adding expansion boards and storage devices.
