Thinkpads Forum

First, I'm what is described as a "newbie".

Recently acquired a T42p in excellent condition. My first laptop, found in a Goodwill store, of all places! Running newly installed Win XP Professional version with SP3. It is fast and trouble-free.

The laptop came with a Mini Dock -- details below:

P/N 74P6734
FRU P/N 13R0292
16.0 V 4.5 A

Is it true that the power supply adapter for T42 is not compatible with the docking station? When I looked for power supply adapters on the Internet, all I found were for the laptop, not for mini dock.

The power supply adapter that came with the T42p shows:

P/N 02K6543 FRU P/N 02K6555
Input 100-240V 1,3A-0.7A 50-60 Hz
Output: 16V -- 3.36A

I'm afraid to hook up the mini dock with the power supply without being sure.

Shall be grateful for advice/suggestions.

Thank you.

That adapter is too weak for that laptop and not suited for the minidock, you run the chance of overheating the adapter, and charging a battery will be really slow.
You need the 16V/4.5A/72W version of that adapter. Make sure to get an original IBM adapter. $10-15 on eBay.
There are probably over 40 different P/N for it, they are all the same in the end.
You will recognize most Chinese knockoffs, because they will have a 3-prong plug (and ship from Hong Kong or China), instead of the usual US 2-prong plug.
The minidock will run from the same 72W adapter, you don't need a second one.

Read here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/s ... google.com

and here: http://www.ioffer.com/i/IBM-ThinkPad-74 ... -149026381

"The ThinkPad Port Replicator II provides easy cable management and one-step connection to desktop accessories at home or in the office. It offers pass-through connection for Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and DVI, as well as standard ThinkPad notebook ports. The ThinkPad Port Replicator II works with both the 72W AC power adapter and the versatile 72W AC/DC combo adapter."


It seems that your mini dock FRU number is the one that can use your T43p power supply.

Edit: Didn't see RBS reply...

Thanks to the responders. A wealth of information.

Re: RealBlackStuff -
"That adapter is too weak for that laptop and not suited for the minidock, you run the chance of overheating the adapter, and charging a battery will be really slow.
You need the 16V/4.5A/72W version of that adapter. Make sure to get an original IBM adapter. $10-15 on eBay.
There are probably over 40 different P/N for it, they are all the same in the end.
You will recognize most Chinese knockoffs, because they will have a 3-prong plug (and ship from Hong Kong or China), instead of the usual US 2-prong plug.
The minidock will run from the same 72W adapter, you don't need a second one."

I'm confused. The label at the back of the the adapter that came with the T42p shows the IBM logo and states:
Manfactured for IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA
Made In Indonesia

Are you saying that it is not the right adapter (I have used it for about two months without any problem with operation or battery charging). I assume that the previous owner(s) used it too. You mention 72W -- where would I find pertinent data for the adapter Im using?

If I can find one that would work for both the laptop and the mini dock I'll gladly buy it.

musafir

You state your adapter says: Output: 16V -- 3.36A (=56W)
That's for an old(er) machine, from before the T2x series!
You need the more powerful Output : 16V -- 4.5A (=72W)

Thank you, RBS.