Difference between Port Replicator II and Mini Dock?

[warreng24]

I have a T42 (2378FVU).

What is the difference betwen the Port Replicator II and the Mini Dock?

My understanding is that the Mini Dock comes with its own external power adapter which can be used to power the laptop. The Port Replicator II does not come with an adapter, but rather you plug the laptop's adapter into the port replicator to power the laptop.

[laz]

Let's see if I can remember... (I use a minidock in my dorm and a port replicator II at home)
-minidock has a key lock built in, port replicator doesn't
-port replicator has 1 USB port, minidock has 4
-and the power supply thing

I think those are all the major differences.

[warreng24]

Does anyone know if the USB port on the port replicator II and USB ports on the Thinkpad can be used at the same time?

[leegaard]

I think the Mini-dock is able to make the PC disguish between docked and undocked. A port replicator is as stated an extension of ports into a seperate unit.

At least thats what a Docking station II is able to. Plus a few extras .


It has been discussed here whether the mini-docks PSU is able to power the laptop itself without the dock. Its a 120 W unit, and some claim it cannot others that it can. I tend to agree with the latter opinion..

[TriBruin]

It has been discussed here whether the mini-docks PSU is able to power the laptop itself without the dock. Its a 120 W unit, and some claim it cannot others that it can. I tend to agree with the latter opinion..

Unfortunately it can NOT power the T Series as the connector is different. I have only seen that connector on the G Series Thinkpads.

[leegaard]

that makes sense.
The voltage is the same and the amps is not no problem as they are under-amped.

I did not know about the different connector, but I knew that they were similar to G-series PSUs.