Abstract: The present inventor devised, among other things, a universal connection hub with one or more peripheral storage bays. One exemplary connection hub includes one or more connection hubs within a rectangular housing. The housing has a generally vertical exterior sidewall with two bays for receiving and storing corresponding peripheral modules, such as a rechargeable battery and a portable hard drive. The peripheral modules include connectors which connect to corresponding connectors of one of the internal connection hubs. The connection hub is itself connected to a USB or Firewire port connector mounted in the exterior sidewall for connection to a laptop or notebook computer. Flat top and bottom panels are mounted to the vertical sidewall. When sized appropriately, the housing supports a laptop or notebook computer, giving the appearance of a docking station.