T61 Advanced Mini Dock 250410U: Increased USB Port Bandwith?

[eecon]

Now that they've moved the external speaker connector to the front of the T61 (and dropped the parrallel port that I still need), I'm thinking about getting an Advanced Mini Dock 250410U for my new T61 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680x1050 (due in about a week). This T61 will spend 90% of it's time on my desk connected to an external 22" WS monitor (also at 1680x1050) plus several external USB HDs, a USB tuner, USB wireless mouse, USB burner, etc, etc. (to replace my older but still good T42 15" Flexview which I'll try to sell while it still has 3 months of factory warranty left).

I've read on another thread that the three powered T61 laptop USB ports still remain available when properly docked on the 250410U and they augment the 4 USB ports found on the Advanced Mini Dock.

Does this mean that the available USB bandwith has also increased when docked, or is it simply shared with the 3 existing laptop USB ports (like adding a hub through the dock)?

Also are any of the 4 USB ports on the 250410U powered? If not, may I presume it is still okay as long as I'm connected to USB devices (like ext HDs) that have their own separate power supplies?

This forum is a great resource for rookies like me .... thanks to all.

[eecon]

Bump ... anyone?