|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | ==Docks== | + | ==Docking Stations and Port Replicators== |
| − | 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. | + | 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 X4|UltraBase]]. IBM's docks are known to be some of the most flexible and useful docks available among all notebook manufacturers. |
| | | | |
| − | ===Feature Comparison===
| + | List of available ThinkPad docking solutions: |
| − | ====Port Replicator II====
| + | * [[ThinkPad Port Replicator (I)]] <tt>(A20-A31p, R30-R32, T20-T30, X20-X31)</tt> |
| − | The [[Port Replicator II]] (Model # 74P6733) is the cheapest dock IBM sells. It contains basic pass-through connections for notebook ports. These include:
| + | * [[ThinkPad Dock (Type 2631)]] <tt>(A20-A31p, R30-R32, T20-T30, X20-X31)</tt> |
| − | * Gigabit ethernet (RJ-45) | + | * [[ThinkPad Port Replicator II]] <tt>(A,G,R,S,T,X series models)</tt> |
| − | * modem (RJ-11) | + | * [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock]] <tt>(A,G,R,S,T,X series models)</tt> |
| − | * USB 2.0 (1x) | + | * [[ThinkPad Dock II]] <tt>(A,G,R,S,T,X series models)</tt> |
| − | * DVI | + | * [[UltraBase]] <tt>(TP570)</tt> |
| − | * VGA | + | * [[UltraBase X2]] <tt>(X20, X21, X22, X23, X24)</tt> |
| − | * serial (9 pin) | + | * [[UltraBase X3]] <tt>(X30, X31)</tt> |
| − | * parallel (25 pin) | + | * [[UltraBase X4]] <tt>(X40)</tt> |
| − | * 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.
| + | ==Future Docks== |
| − | =====Summary=====
| + | 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. |
| − | * 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
| |
| − | * Link: [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=1&langId=-1&dualCurrId=73&categoryId=2581897&productId=8581830 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
| |
| − | * Link: [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&langId=-1&partNumber=287810U&storeId=1 IBM Website for Mini-Dock]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====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.
| |
| − | <BR><BR>
| |
| − | 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]].
| |
| − | <BR><BR>
| |
| − | 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 [http://search.ebay.com/ultrabay-2000 Ebay].
| |
| − | * Link: [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&langId=-1&storeId=1&partNumber=287710U IBM Website for Dock II]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====UltraBase====
| |
| − | Not Yet.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Older docks include the [[Port Replicator I]], [[Dock 2631|Dock I]], and others.
| |
