T41 - Port Replicator II Problem

[Harryc]

I have a T41 that sometimes is docked in a Port Replicator II. Often it takes two tries to get it to boot correctly. The first try will usually result in a flashing cursor on the screen. If I then power the TP off then back on, it boots normally. Out of the dock it is fine. This is really not a critical problem, but I was wondering if anyone else had seen it?

[gator]

Nope, never happened to me when I had the T41 in the port rep II.

[bill bolton]

This is really not a critical problem, but I was wondering if anyone else had seen it?

I frequently use T41 and T43 Thinkpads in Port Replicators and Mini-dock IIs in our various corporate offices (in total that's a LOT of different docks) and haven't ever seen the problem.

A quick spray of a lubricating contact cleaner on both the port replicator connector and your T41s base connector may be worthhwile, to make sure that the connection between the T41 and the dock is good every time.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Harryc]

Thanks Bill. I've figured out the problem but not the cause. I use a 4-port USB KVM. If I start the T41 (from a cold start) then switch to it's port on the KVM, it hangs on the boot screen. If I leave the KVM switched to the T41's port, it starts up every time. I have (2) T60's and a desktop hooked to the same KVM that don't have this issue. I'm scratching my head at the moment ...

[Harryc]

Seems I'm not alone ...found several comments like these via a google search ..

Comments: First, the "latch" mechanism is not very sturdy. My laptop is free to flop about while attached to this thing. Second, this is not compatible with my Belkin KVM switch. The laptop either fails to boot or the mouse locks up once I switch to my desktop and then back. The laptop works fine when removed from the port replicator.