Thinkpads Forum

Hello, I am new to this forum but have always liked the various Thinkpads that I have used at work. My most recent laptop was a Powerbook, and I got spoiled by the DVI output (standard on ALL Apples) among other things. I have been perusing these boards and the Lenovo site for a while, and can't seem to find a straight answer to my question about what models will or will not support DVI. Apparently NONE of the models (current or not) support DVI without at least using some sort of a dock, but some still don't (Z61t for example). I was all set for a Z61t until I read that it did not support DVI and that even the VGA output (with or wihout the dock) is weak. I can't believe that in this day and age that it is still possible to sell such a laptop.

Anyway, I will absolutely not buy a laptop without DVI capabilities, and ask your help. I prefer an ultra portable (something less than 4.5 pounds at least, but up to 5.5 pounds is acceptable). The only absolute requirement for DVI is for home use, where I could use a dock if it didn't cost too much. For cost reasons with the dock, an older version might be acceptable also. Does any Thinkpad fit this description?

All current thinkpads that use discreet graphics will support DVI through one of several varieties of docking stations. You must have some kind of dock in order to get DVI*. Thinkpads themselves only have VGA connectors. When used with a dock, the internal Thinkpad video chip drives the output of the DVI as a second monitor.

Thinkpads that use Intel GMA950 (or variants) do not natively support DVI, even with a dock. The only exception is when you use an Advanced Dock and put a PCI-Express graphics card in its expansion bay. Then, you can get or more DVI ports on the graphics card.

*Note: You can get DVI via PCMCIA, Expresscard, USB, etc. But I don't think that's what you're looking for.

Ron,
Thanks for that clarification. The Lenovo site always says something to the effect of "on select models" without ever clarifying what that means. I guess that leaves out the X series entirely then (no discreet graphics options that I can see on the X60 or X60s) and the Z61t also. Are there any others that don't have discreet graphics options?

I have also read on this forum that even the VGA output of the GMA950 (at least on the Z61t) is very weak and shaky when driving an external monitor. It would seem like the Thinkpads have a weak GMA950 implementation.

Strangely enough, my local Lenovo dealer claims the Z61t has DVI. The local brochures make a big point about it supporting DVI, but my dealer doesn't have the Z series docks in stock so we can't try it out. (I also have two Z61t's.)

We are using a late production Z61t with DVI via the advanced mini dock at a resolution of 1600x1200 with no problems, driving a Samsung 213T. Notice that the website for the Z61t describes the video as 'Intel 950 with DVI pass through'. I think they added this very late in 2006. This DOES work.

Lenovo support has given us all possible answers concerning DVI support with other chipsets (Yes, No and Maybe in all cases!). Depends on who you ask. Sounds like the Intel chipset still doesn't support DVI in the T series. I can't figure out what resolutions are really available with the stock drivers and the X1400 etc. ATI chipsets, so I share your pain. I wish Lenovo would find a way to clearly express the abilities of present and future models in this respect.

According to the march 2007 tabook.pdf there is DVI pass-through support to optional Advanced Mini Dock and Advanced Dock for T60 (ATI and Intel Graphics) and Z61t.

Thomas