The base is very easy to set up. The sound is very good. I like that the angle of the workstation can be changed to fit the needs of your eyes. But it's size gets in the way some of setting up an external monitor. The only other problem I had is that I have never been able to get the wireless keyboard to work. I did not plan on using that item anyway so it was not that big of a deal for me.

HP has had numerous problems with this base. After about a year of use (just after warranty expires) the laptop will have to run on its own battery power. The expansion base will not provide current to the computer. Check out the online posts about this issue BEFORE you buy it.

The xb3000 bridges these two I needed to replace both my old desktop and laptop computers and with the xb3000 Exp. Base I was able to do that by buying one new HP laptop and the xb3000. The Exp. Base installed quickly and all functions worked as expected. Best features are having the extra USB ports and the wireless mouse and full keyboard. I plan to add the 300 - 400GB disk drive to the Exp. Base soon. Note that the Exp. Base does not come with its own power supply - no big deal for me since the HP laptop I bought came in a package with two power adapters.