X31 Ultrabase: How necessary?

[findrivr]

I bought an X31 [2672JXU]w/out an Ultrabase; I know I can find one here, FleaBay or CL, but do I really need one?
Is it simply a matter of need vs. convenience?

My intended use of this new [recycled] notebook is the same as my T41; web browsing, email and some word doc's, maybe spreadsheets or GPS programs. Along w/convenience to operate anywhere at home or on the road [even more convenient w/an X31], w/limitations. All that notwithstanding, the interface options with an ultrabase sound great, but at home I've setup a wireless print network and wireless shared network drive. My T41 has its original CD-RW/DVD rom, but I don't have a DVD writer [other than video processing, I can't justify the DVD writer yet].
I think it would be $ wiser to find a good USB or 1394 CD/DVD RW and/or at least, a very portable CD RW/DVDrom to take on the road w/the X31. By purchasing an aftermarket CD RW/DVDrom or CD/DVD RW, I wouldn't necessarily be repeating a collection of proprietary peripheral h/w all over again when I decide to move on from the X31 or T41 to the next Thinkpad.
Am I missing anything in this conclusion?
Just trying to keep it simple and as inexspensive as possible.
Thanks for listening.