Final answer:
Docking stations typically offer more ports than port replicators and are generally proprietary, designed for specific laptop models.
Step-by-step explanation:
Docking stations increase the functionality of laptop computers by offering additional ports and capabilities. They usually offer more ports and capabilities than port replicators, acting as a hub for peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and network connections. Most docking stations are designed to work with a specific laptop make and model, making them proprietary, whereas universal designs that work with most laptop models are less common.