confused about "dock" .vs. "port replicator&q

[Ogg]

I've never seen a real docking station of any kind up close, so the terminology about "docking station" and "port replicator" is very confusing. That fact that the IBM site shows the SAME picture when looking at the "Docking Station" or the "Replicator" pages doesn't help! I am trying to help a friend look for a docking-station solution for their existing T21/T20 (not sure which model). Is the Thinkpad DockII (287710U) a "total" solution? (it costs nearly $800!) ..or is an additional "replicator" required with that? the "replicator" for the DockII is over $200. OR.. is the Thinkpad "MINI-Dock w/power-cord" at $380 as simpler complete solution?

[ian]

A port replicator does pretty much that - simply replicates the ports so that you can cable up pretty much anything you want, then simply lift the laptop on and off with ease WITHOUT having to unplug everything. As a general rule they run with the same power-brick supplied with the laptop.

A dock is the above and more in that it's usually self powered (a built in power supply that plugs into the mains to run the laptop, charge the battery and power things like USB ports) and has additional ports (powered USB for example) Often there is a place for an Ultrabay device (although I don't think you can charge an Ultrabay battery) and a short PCI card - this makes the dock very useful indeed.

I used to use a port replicator with my T21 at work - simply lifting off my laptop when I came home and plonking it down on the dock I had at home - in 1 second everything was reconnected and I simply pressed 'ON' and everything started up.

[ian]

PS. Take a quick look at eBay - there are usually a fair number of both docks and replicators for the T series out there...make sure, however, that what you find actually suits the model you want it for - not too troublesome as the sameone works for the T20,21,22 and 23

[sktn77a]

The mini dock II is similar to the Port replicator II with 3 additional USB ports, a P/S and a keylock. The Dock II is much more comprehensive with ultrabay 2000 bays and PCMCIA bays.

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/accessories/docks.html

[dmcgibbo]

I've got a port replicator available that is brand new if you are interested. You can find them on Ebay but some of those are lots of refurbished and non-functional port replicators that aren't good.

Anyway, if you are interested in a port replicator, send me a PM. Thanks

[nsuperman86]

This should help out, it was a recent topic.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... =mini+dock