ThinkPad Advanced Mini Dock - how you know a good T60 fit?

[csicsi]

Sorry, if this sounds stupid, but I try to dock the T60 (2613-EEU)onto a ThinkPad Advanced Mini Dock (2504-10U) following the instructions on the leaflet.

I align the T60 far-left corner with the arrowhead on the dock, then lower the T60 onto the dock - however, it does not seems to "fit" properly and I do not know what I am doing wrong: (i) the T60's bottom is about 3-4 mm above the surface of the dock, and (ii) T60 seems to slightly tip/wiggle if I pres at one corner - suggesting the an incorrect fit.

Any suggetsions how to get and verify a correct fit? For example,

- the T60 bottom and dock's surface should touch each other or there must be a gap (if gap, how many mm)?

- once you lower the T60 onto the Mini Dock, does it need an extra downward push for proper docking?

I re-verified, the dock and T60 are compatible, and I tried this out with two different docks, so the dock is not defective.

[Anthony S]

I'm having difficulty seeing where your problem is. Once the notebook is positioned on the alignment plugs all you do is push down until it clicks firmly into place.

[HockeyZ39]

I have the advanced mini-dock and have no problems. It does take a good push to make it click, but once I line up the corner and maybe wiggle it alittle bit it goes right on.

[planetf1]

I have the full dock - not seen the mini.

If applicable make sure the key on the LHS is in the unlock position.

[gator]

I had a hard time fitting my T60 on my friend's mini dock today - it took forever before I heard the 'click'. I was too scared to apply pressure on the lid (I dont want my precious flexview damaged!) and I had to apply more pressure than I'd like to get it docked. They should give us some sort of fit/rail on the corner opposite to the existing corner guide. I have the same trouble with the ultrabase X3 - I am always scared I'll break my X31 when I dock it

[planetf1]

Have you unlocked the dock with the key? If you don't it won't push down properly.

(I only have the advanced dock, so not sure what the mini is like)

[PhysicalEd]

I also have the Advanced Mini Dock and had similar problems to what
you described.

For a long time I wondered why if I put pressure on the palmrest
I'd undock.

What I found is if I am fully docked and locked I can lift the
whole dock by the thinkpad.

Once I realized I wasn't docking completely I figured out that due to
some design flaw it is not enough to press down lightly. What works
consistently for me is to get it mostly docked how they describe (into
corner, press down, hear clicks etc), then I open the lid and press
down above and below the keyboard pretty hard (about above F7
and just below space bar and to right of the trackpoint mouse
buttons). Then I hear another set of clicks and only then do I lock
the key. I have to use much more pressure than I would ever dare
on the back of the LCD lid when it is closed.

I think the design is flawed because this much pressure should not
be required to latch it, and it should not be possible to "lock" it
when it is not in fact fully latched in.

Anyway, that's what worked for me and for others when I asked
the same question. Good luck!