Thinkpads Forum

I'm looking for a docking for my T61p.
i saw there are few different kinds. which one you guys have luck with ? or issues ?
how about dual monitor support ? i saw on this model
P/N.41W6562, FRU P/N.41W6563

and specifications :
s
4 USB 2.0 High Speed Ports
1 PS2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
1 RJ11 Modem Port
1 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port
1 VGA Connector
1 DVI Connector
1 MIC/Audio-In Connector
1 Speaker/Audio-Out Connector
1 9-pin Serial Port
1 25-pin Parallel/Printer Port
1 S/PDIF Digital Audio Output Connector (on the side)
1 Power connector

there only ONE digital output and ONE VGA .
does this mean i need to hook up analog and one Digital ?

thanks Dan

Yes, one DVI and one analog. If you get an Advanced dock you can install a PCIe video card and have (2) DVI outs.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 61232.html

Personally I don't see anything wrong with connecting one digital and one analog. I have exactly this setup at my work.

My opinion is that 99% of the time the Advanced Mini-Dock (model 2504) is the preferred solution. The Essential Port Replicator (model 2505) is not much cheaper, but lacks DVI, so you can only connect one monitor, has no parallel/serial ports (if you need them) and no lock mechanism, and does not come with its own charger.

The Advanced Dock (model 2503) mentioned by Harry offers lots of additional expansion, like the PCIe graphics slot, a card reader and an additional Ultrabay. But it all comes in a package that is much bigger, much more expensive, and noisier. So unless you need more than one Ultrabay, and/or unhappy with the internal graphics, it usually does not justify the price. IMO, of course.

yes this is what i thought, but wasnt sure.
how about buying a used one on ebay. is that a bad idea ? i'm just worried about connection problems from ware ?

thanks Dan

I don't think it's possible to corrupt a dock with Malware if that is what you are asking. I've bought many such docks on EBay with no issue.

sorry i meant wear and tear"

Never had a dock go bad from 'docking' too many times due to wear.