X40 with CD-RW/DVD drive(combo V ultrabay) Do I need a dock?

[bonez318ti]

Lenovo is currently offering an X40 with a CD-RW/DVD drive (described as Combo V Ultrabay Slim Drive).. will this work without the dock? (which isn't included in the configuration)

as I understand, the only way to hook an optical drive to the X40 is via the docking station or via USB... is it naive for me to think that they wouldn't configure a computer where you would end up with a thinkpad and a CDRom drive that can't talk to each other?

Thanks

[asiafish]

If Lenovo lists the drive in the configuration, it means that the dock is also included. My X32 was the same way.

[bonez318ti]

Thats good to know.. which dock did your x32 come with?

Anyone out there have any idea which dock the x40 would come with? (ie: the Ultrabase X4 or regular X4 dock, or some other random dock that is expressedly to connect the CD drive to the laptop).

The config specifically says that a dock wasn't included and has the option to purchase the Ultrabase X4 dock for 179$.

Thanks

[brainpicker]

If Lenovo lists the drive in the configuration, it means that the dock is also included. My X32 was the same way.

Fish... I don't know if it's correct in this case. The drive being offered is an Ultrabay Enhanced drive (a 12.7mm) as a Combo V is not an Ultrabay Slim drive and is the stock drive for the R50 series. It can be used in Ultrabay 2000 or Ultrabay Plus slots too, with an adapter. For example YOU could use it with your X32's Ultrabase (with the adapter) but it can't be used with an X40 because all the docks require a 9.5mm optical drive. It cannot be used in an Ultrabay Slim slot which the X4 Ultrabase or X4 Dock contains. Therefore, the Ultrabase or Dock isn't going to be included with a Combo V drive. Either the drive model is a mistake or a "dock" isn't coming with the package. Usually when a drive is offered without a "dock" it is a USB drive. In this case it's not that either.

Bonez319ti, You better call the sales rep associated with your ordering group and ask for them to e-mail or fax you the exact items you are getting with your purchase. That's better than expecting a $200 dock and not receiving it (and having to sell an optical drive you can't use even if you buy a dock!). Hopfully. they listed the drive model wrong and you will have an X4 Ultrabase and the proper model Ultrabay Slim drive included. I wish you the best with this.

By the way, if it doesn't work out please take a look at the new X40's I have for sale here (with escrow through Bill).

Yak