Value of port or dock replicator?

[ozone]

Well, got my "new" X31 just about all set up with what I want. What is the concensus about:

1. A port replicator; OR
2. A docking station.

It would be nice to have "something" at the office to reduce clutter. I've seen some of the docking stations being sold through EBay, but they look sort of large in the picture, and I'm not sure if it's overkill compared to a port replicator.

Any opinions appreciated.

[Blake]

with the x31 you also have the ultrabase option.

i got a great deal from ebay for a brand new ultrabase, and dvd /cd-rw for 155 plus shipping.

the minidock II is nice , but will run you more money/

and the small port rep does not give you any options for an optical drive, unless you go usb

[ozone]

Good point. I have an ultrabase already that I'm using at home. I suppose I could get another and leave it at work.

[leesiulung]

I have both the mini dock and the x3 ultrabase and must say that the only use I have for the ultrabase is the optical drive.

The dock is convenient becase of 4x USB ports, external power switch, easy undock (unlike detaching the X3 base, which is a pain), keyboard (PS2) input, mouse (ps2) input and the sound pass through.

When docked the mini dock pro-trudes about 6-7 cm in the back of the X31, but its width matches the X31. The height is about 4 cm at the highest point.

I personally prefer the mini dock over my slice as I don't have to open up the laptop screen to turn the laptop on. Since I use an external screen, the laptop screen usually goes on first too....

Other than that the dock is an expensive item. The upside is if you have other thinkpads i.e. T series, the dock is compatible and supports dvi for the T series.

The port replicator does not have sound pass through and is slightly smaller, about 5 cm protruding and does not come with its own power supply. The port replicator II looks just like a mini dock, but don't have a key lock and MIGHT not have sound passthrough.

Just things I found out when I was about to purchase my dock...

[w0qj]

the Port Replicator II (just bought in Nov'04), and it has just those round Audio-In and Audio-Out jacks.

anyways, from the money saved from buying Port Replicator II instead of a Dock, i bought myself a 2nd AC adapter--one for office, and one for home.

so less weight to carry around...

[Blake]

i do wish that the ultrabase had audio on it but it does not, but it also somewhat portable compared to the minidock. The ps2 is totally usless to me, everything i have is usb and hubbed, but again it needs more usb ports.

i really couldnt pass the deal, but im sure ill get the dock soon

[ozone]

Well, based on the general concensus, it seems as if I'd be better off with a dock or mini-dock, as opposed to a port replicator. Thanks.

[Voodle]

I'm using an older IBM port replicator (probably the original for the T, A, X series) and it works nicely with my X31.
I'm really fond of the thing because it was dirt cheap and it does the job as well as the port replicator II (although I do wish it had more than one USB port on it). The port replicator is just about the same size as the X31 and while it's not the same sort of style, it's a cheap alternative

To solve the optical drive problem, I use a laptop size DVD writer in USB 2 caddy, which suits me fine as it's easily fitted and removed when it's not needed and I really don't use it much.

I don't like the ultrabase after having to use one with an X20, having to lift the laptop up just to use the DVD drive is a real pain and it doesn't have an audio line-out.


edit: having said that, and having looked at the ibm mini dock, if you've got the cash, the ibm mini dock looks great