Thinkpads Forum

I apologize in advance if this has been covered in another thread.
Read a lot about docking stations but nothing about the differences between these two.
They have a pretty large price difference.

I had no idea there were two choices for these.

Could someone please tell me the difference between these two docking stations?

I really wanted the DVI availability (watching ESPN3 on HDTV) for better graphics ability.
Also since I really like and use the Ultrabay for different things, I wonder which station gives more options?

Is there some type of matrix that will compare the differences between them?
I was able to locate a link for the Advanced one, but nothing [except amazon link] for the other one.

I feel I should have had one of these years ago!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance...

2503 is a mini dock.

2504 is an advanced dock, with more options.

You want the latter.

... in addition to what George explained, you'll find a bit more information about the differences in the following ThinkWiki pages: ThinkPad Essential Port Replicator (P/N 2505-10W) and ThinkPad Advanced Dock (P/N 2503-10U) and ThinkPad Advanced Mini Dock (P/N 2504-10U) and Mini review: Advanced Dock with T60p.

If you decide to get one of these, then I'd suggest to post a "WTB" (want to buy) or "LF" (looking for) in The Marketplace here on this forum... the best place to shop for ThinkPad-related equipment!

Just an optional hint; I see that you have a T61 with a 320 GB internal storage. If this is actually a "classical" and hence relatively slow rotating harddrive, then I'd suggest that you consider being very kind to yourself, and consider upgrading this 320 GB (slow!) hardrive to a super speedy SSD (solid state disk)... this will give your T61 a tremendous speed-boost, reduce its power-consumption, reduce noise (SSD's are completely silent) AND youi'll also be able to enjoy the added benefit of upgrading (if you haven't already done it!) the T61 from its stock-configutaion SATA-1 speed to SATA-2, through flashing the BIOS with Middleton's BIOS (search this forum for "Middleton" or see e.g. Ultimate R61/T61/X61/X300 BIOS (incl. SATA-II).

PS 1: If you're running Windows XP, be aware that Microsoft is terminating their Extended Life Support in April 2014, so you'll need to upgrade to some more recent OS (Vista, Win 7 or Win 8 or Linux) to remain safe...

PS 2: Be kind to update your profile with your location - thank you in advance.

Merry Christmas, when you get there!

Johan

Johan wrote:... in addition to what George explained, you'll find a bit more information about the differences in the following ThinkWiki pages:

Aloha Johan! Awesome! Exactly what I needed - Thank you very much!

Johan wrote:
Just an optional hint; I see that you have a T61 with a 320 GB internal storage.

It's a Sata II 7200 rpm scorpio black. Best 2.5" drives we've ever used. Been thinking about ssd but funds prevent it.
Got hammered years ago in Katrina and haven't begun to fully recover. Probably never will.

TuuS has been helping me with repairs on this old 'duty laptop' and he has recommended that BIOS you mentioned.
I am planning to flash it as soon as I can confirm their procedure. I'm awaiting his info on some other things as well.

Johan wrote: PS 1: If you're running Windows XP, be aware that Microsoft is terminating their Extended Life Support in April 2014, so you'll need to upgrade to some more recent OS (Vista, Win 7 or Win 8 or Linux) to remain safe...

Yes, still using XPPro 32bit. I've said many times they'll have to pry it away from my cold dead keyboard.
I also dual boot various 'flavors' of Linux, mostly Slackware, but unfortunately haven't been using that for awhile now. I'm afraid I'm getting pretty rusty with it.
I know I'm risking cutting my own throat by writing this but... I've been into computers since the late 80's and believe it or not, I've never been hit by *any* malware.
That's over 25 years if anyone is counting. I've been very lucky but I'm very proactive on security and stability.
I rarely - if ever - run windows updates, don't use anti-virus and create my own distros (using nlite etc.). Excellent HW & SW FW's, common sense and a whole lot of tweaks help as well.

I know I'll eventually have to say goodbye to xp (M$ and the rest of the big corporate players - esp Internet related - will see to that), but for now, I can do far more in far less time
and I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. I think once I can no longer use that, I'll go 100% linux.

Johan wrote:PS 2: Be kind to update your profile with your location - thank you in advance.

Merry Christmas, when you get there!

Johan

Your wish is my command! Thanks again for all your wisdom and your information.
And back at you with happy holiday greetings Johan and that goes for everyone on these fantastic forums.

ajkula66 wrote:2503 is a mini dock.

2504 is an advanced dock, with more options.

Except it's the other way around.

dr_st wrote:

ajkula66 wrote:2503 is a mini dock.

2504 is an advanced dock, with more options.

Except it's the other way around.

Thanks!
It threw me off for a bit. Usually the higher number is later or more advanced. Bizarre numbering scheme.

dr_st wrote:Except it's the other way around.

Ooops!

Correct you are, and my apologies to OP for misleading him/her...

Once again...I should refrain from posting when exhausted...