Docking station
<hardware> A desktop mains powered unit into which a laptop or other portable computer can be connected via fixed connectors at the rear of the computer to provide quick and convenient connection of peripherals not normally used with a laptop.
These can include power supply, expansion cards, additional
storage, an external
monitor,
network card,
CD-ROM, full-size
keyboard,
printer, and
mouse.
The alternative would require each of the above to be connected to the laptop individually.
