T60/X1400 with Advanced Mini-Dock DVI vs. VGA DB15

[Dodge DeBoulet]

I recently received a Dell 2407WFP-HC 24" flat panel. It's a highly-rated display (unless you're a gamer, and I'm not), but the output from the VGA port on my T60 (specs below) is disappointing. The text is crisp and readable, but there's a considerable "shimmer" effect that gives the text a twitchy look.

I've ordered the Advanced Mini-Dock in the hope that the DVI-D connection will eliminate the shimmer and provide the rock-solid image I was hoping for and know this display will provide.

Is anyone else using the Mini-Dock with a 1920x1200 LCD panel via the DVI output from the Mini-Dock? Notice any shimmer/twitchiness?

Thanks . . .

[RonS]

DVI output from the mini dock is rock solid. I think you're in good shape.

I've seen VGA produce very good images, and also shakey images as you described. If you fiddle with the Thinkpad display settings and monitor controls, you can usually get a very good image. But not always.

[SFR75]

Same problem. Ordered Viewsonic VP2030b 1600x1200 and with VGA the image is not very crisp and somewhat shaky. I don't have minidock and I blame these problems on VGA. I hope DVI connection will eliminate this problem, cause my notebook screen is really much better than external panel with current setting.

[Dodge DeBoulet]

My Mini-dock shipped this morning and I should have it within the week. I'll post an update once I've hooked it up.

For anyone considering the Mini-dock, it's on sale at a very good price at Lenovo.com right now . . . cheaper than any other on-line outlet.

[Dodge DeBoulet]

Same problem. Ordered Viewsonic VP2030b 1600x1200 and with VGA the image is not very crisp and somewhat shaky. I don't have minidock and I blame these problems on VGA. I hope DVI connection will eliminate this problem, cause my notebook screen is really much better than external panel with current setting.

What graphics chipset do you have in your laptop? Apparently, DVI isn't supported with the integrated graphics; you need either the ATI or nVidia graphics chipsets to take advantage of it on the Mini-dock. For the folks with the integrated chipset, the Advanced Dock allows you to install a separate graphics card that supports DVI, but it's quite a bit more expensive.

[whizkid]

Your VGA connection might also be helped by a good analog VGA cable. Of course, mine are all cheap, and the text shimmers on my 22" LCD, but I just grumble about it. :|

[canfraggle]

The DVI out on the mini-dock works fine with my 2405. I hate using VGA for anything over 1440x900. It doesn't always seem to be the cable that causes the problem. Sometimes, VGA just sucks

Aside from that, has anyone experienced overheating problems with their T61 being in the mini-dock? Mine overheats regularly and the fan doesn't seem to spin up to max speed when it's in the dock.

[DenTP4rm]

For anyone considering the Mini-dock, it's on sale at a very good price at Lenovo.com right now . . . cheaper than any other on-line outlet.

Actually, Cost Central has the Mini-dock for $159.70, just under $5 cheaper than Lenovo. I always check there first before ordering. http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/L ... 0U/H16737/
It works great with DVI out.
good luck,
DenTP4rm

[Zender]

I have a LG L245WP 24" 1920x1200 LCD, used to drive it from integrated VGA port and it wasn't bad actually. But I disabled ClearType antialiasing of fonts, as else they would be a bit too blurry.

Now I have Advanced Mini Dock. When I set the laptop to VGA+DVI and clone mode, I can let the monitor show VGA a DVI inputs side by side, which allowed me to see the most noticable difference - the colours. They're completely off with the VGA connection.
Else that, VGA is also a bit more blurry, I'd say that you get about the same level of blurriness when you enable ClearType - now on DVI I'm using it again.

I've read many complaints on the quality of VGA input of the monitor I have, but the provided VGA cable was a very good one, I have used it for two months and do think it's usable.

[Dodge DeBoulet]

I connected my desktop to the VGA input on my new display, and didn't see any of the shimmer I get from the laptop. I used the same cable, which is very sturdy and well shielded.

I think my T60 simply has crappy VGA output on any resolution higher than 1280x1024. I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow's Mini dock arrival.

[asiafish]

Same problem. Ordered Viewsonic VP2030b 1600x1200 and with VGA the image is not very crisp and somewhat shaky. I don't have minidock and I blame these problems on VGA. I hope DVI connection will eliminate this problem, cause my notebook screen is really much better than external panel with current setting.

Viewsonic includes HORRENDOUS VGA cables with their monitors. I have a 19" SXGA Viewsonic (analog only) and thought the monitor was defective until I swapped out the included cable. All shimmer went away and the image became crisp, sharp and solid.

[Dodge DeBoulet]

My Mini-dock showed up this afternoon, and the connection to the Dell 24" is now rock-solid and crystal clear. If you're considering a large format display for use when not on the road, the Mini-dock and a DVI connection to your monitor is the only way to go.