Docking Solutions

Docks allow users to connect a variety of external peripherals simply by attaching their ThinkPad to the dock. IBM sells three types of docks for current ThinkPads, the ThinkPad Port Replicator II, ThinkPad Mini-Dock, and ThinkPad 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.

Availabe Docking Stations and Port Replicators

• SelectaBase
• SelectaBase 2 (TP 600/E/X)
• ThinkPad Port Replicator (I) (A20-A31p, R30-R32, T20-T30, X20-X31)
• ThinkPad Dock (Type 2631) (A20-A31p, R30-R32, T20-T30, X20-X31)
• ThinkPad Port Replicator II (A,G,R,S,T,X series models)
• ThinkPad Mini-Dock (A,G,R,S,T,X series models)
• ThinkPad Dock II (A,G,R,S,T,X series models)
• UltraBase (TP 570)
• UltraBase X2 (X20, X21, X22, X23, X24)
• UltraBase X3 (X30, X31)
• UltraBase X4 (X40)

Future Docks

It is only a matter of time before IBM (or Lenovo) updates the Dock II. With the release of the Intel 915 mobile chipset, it is likely that the Dock III will support PCI Express components. This should be a great boon for Thinkpad owners - greater dock performance and greater expansion possibilities will mean there's even less of a reason to use a desktop PC.