Docking Solutions
Contents
Docks
Docks allow users to plug into a variety of external peripherals simply by attaching their Thinkpad. IBM sells three types of docks for modern Thinkpads, the Port Replicator II, Mini-Dock, and Dock II. Additionally, IBM's line of ultralight notebooks, the X-series, have a on-the-go dock called the UltraBase. IBM's docks are known to be some of the most flexible and useful docks available among all notebook manufacturers.
Feature Comparison
Port Replicator II
The Port Replicator II (Model # 74P6733) is the cheapest dock IBM sells. It contains basic pass-through connections for notebook ports. These include:
- Gigabit ethernet (RJ-45)
- modem (RJ-11)
- USB 2.0 (1x)
- DVI
- VGA
- serial (9 pin)
- parallel (25 pin)
- PS2-keyboard
- PS2-mouse
- diskette drive
- audio line-in and line-out
In addition, it has an On/Off switch and a slot for a cable lock (only for the dock though). The Port Replicator II uses power pass-through, meaning you need to use either your Thinkpad AC adapter or another IBM AC adapter to provide power.
- Positives: Inexpensive ($149 Retail)
- Negatives: Requires AC adapter, only one USB port, doesn't secure Thinkpad
- Compatibility: X20/21/22/23/24/30/31, T20/21/22/23/30/40/41/42, R30/31/32/40/50/50p/51, and A20/21/21e/22/22e/30/31 (Does not support X40/41, R40e/50e, or G40)
- Warranty: One Year
IBM Website for Port Replicator II
Mini-Dock
The Mini-Dock (Model # 287810U) offers a good compromise of features and price. It contains basic pass-through connections for all the notebook ports the Port Replicator II does. In addition, it contains:
- 4 port USB hub
- Integrated power supply
- Integrated key-lock for securing Thinkpad to the dock
Note that the USB is through a hub - a few people have reported some USB peripherals (such as Palms) having problems due to the hub, although the majority of people do not have this problem, and the usefulness of the 4 port hub outweighs any potential downside. If you encounter problems, you can always use the USB ports on your Thinkpad to get a direct connection.
Summary
- Positives: Integrated Power, Integrated 4-port USB, security
- Negatives: Price ($199 Retail)
- Compatibility: X20/21/22/23/24/30/31, T20/21/22/23/30/40/41/42, R30/31/32/40/50/50p/51, and A20/21/21e/22/22e/30/31 (Does not support X40/41, R40e/50e, or G40)
- Warranty: One Year
Dock II
The IBM Dock II (Model # 287710U) is the most feature-packed dock IBM sells. In addition to supporting all the features of the [[Mini-Dock], it also supports:
- half-size PCI cards
- 2x additional PC Card slots
- Ultrabay 2000 port.
Many use the half-size PCI slot for peripherals like secondary video cards, TV tuners, audio cards, etc. This is considered by many to be the highlight of the Dock II, and is a feature that few other docks have. Note these cards must be 'low-profile', as normal sized PCI cards will not fit. The Dock II does not support AGP or PCI Express. The Ultrabay 2000 slot can be used to connect other IBM peripherals, such as second hard disks or CD/DVD drives.
The expansion capability of the Dock II can transform a regular Thinkpad into a full blown workstation with multiple monitors (PCI video card), higher fidelity audio (PC Card audio), and additional storage (Ultrabay 2000). These expansion features are not supported by all Thinkpads, therefore the Dock II does not support as many Thinkpads as the Port Replicator II or Mini-Dock.
Potential owners of the Dock II are often concerned about compatibility and recommendations of video cards. See Dock II#Video Cards for more information.
Summary
- Positives: Expansion capability
- Negatives: Cost ($399), internal fan is loud, large, less compatible
- Compatibility: X20/30, T20/30/40/41/42, R50/R51 and A20/30 Series notebooks.(does not support the R40/40e, R50e/51e or A21e).
- Warranty: One Year
- Note to T4x owners: 'Ultrabay 2000' is an older Ultrabay technology, not compatible with the UltraSlim Bay in the T40/T41/T42/T43 lineup. Many Ultrabay 2000 accessories are available on Ebay.
UltraBase
Not Yet.
Older docks include the Port Replicator I, Dock I, and others.
