Hate new x000 series. Buying X61 instead... need advice.

[jamesdin]

Is there a docking station that works with X61 series? I don't like the USB option. I need actual docking station (not ultra base).

[Ken Fox]

Is there a docking station that works with X61 series? I don't like the USB option. I need actual docking station (not ultra base).

The ultrabase is a docking station. It does everything a docking station does, and in addition has an ultrabay that will accommodate an ultrabay device such as an optical drive or 2nd hard disk drive. The only thing the ultrabase does NOT do is to provide a DVI port for digital video. The reason for this is not omission on the part of Lenovo, but rather that the integrated video in an X6x does not have the "horsepower" to power a DVI monitor.

[qviri]

The Ultrabase doesn't offer a PCI or a PCI-E slot. The full-blown T series docks do.

[Ken Fox]

The Ultrabase doesn't offer a PCI or a PCI-E slot. The full-blown T series docks do.

There are many kinds of docking stations offered by various notebook manufacturers. Last time I checked, very few of them offer slots for desktop cards. The advanced mini-dock for the T6x series does not offer such a slot. Does that make the advanced mini dock "not a docking station?"

I don't think so.

The advanced dock, which DOES offer card slots, costs a whole lot more. When you add that incremental cost to the cost of the PCI or PCI-E or other cards that a few docking stations can accommodate, you are left with a very obvious question; why not just go out and buy a relatively inexpensive desktop that has these functions built in? Transferring files from a laptop to a desktop is not exactly rocket science. Faced with paying for a $300 docking station plus the cost of add in cards, then dealing with potential incompatibilities and aggravations, I'd just buy a desktop rather than bothering with what will end up being a Rube Goldberg contraption that is quite a bit underpowered in comparison to a real desktop.

[qviri]

You are of course correct in that the Ultrabase is a docking station. I was referring to your statement that the only thing that Ultrabase lacks is a DVI port.

The full dock may be expensive, but at least the option is there for T* and X2*/X3* if you want it.


Personal situation: I have a X21 sitting in a Dock II that was ebayed for $45 del. which contains a $25 Chaintech AV-710 sound card. The price was less and the sound quality is better than if I wanted to use a PCMCIA or USB sound card. I also have a DVD-RW drive in the dock, which can be used with both my laptops. The whole thing takes up much less space than a desktop machine, which is of some importance when you live in a 2.5 x 4 m room four months at a time. It's not about power or dead straightforwardedness for me - it's about volume in litres, and I'm glad to have the option.

[jamesdin]

Is there a docking station for X61 series?

Lack of docking station is a deal breaker for me. I have docking station and ultrabase for X31 and there is considerable difference in how the two are used. I prefer docking station in the office.

[hart22]

According to the Lenovo accessories page as well as the tabook there is no docking station for the X61 series, just the ultrabase (which I use as a docking station, but I guess doesn't fit your needs/criteria for a dock). Looks like you're out of luck

[gunston]

Ultrabase has more usb option

[Trekk69]

Just a little comparison: http://www.gottabemobile.com/Lenovo+X30 ... et+PC.aspx

[JACE]

hello,

i just jump on to this thread. i'm also quit interested in a x61s.

i have now seen that there is a new thinkpad x300, which should replace the x61s if i have understood that right. so, does someone now for how long these x61s thinkpads still are available? i think the price for the new x300 is high and i'm not a big fan of these 13'3 displays.