Thinkpads Forum

If you think it is with all docking stations, why hasn't lenovo done something about this? either stop selling it and come out with a new model or stop sales and fix the static then start selling again?

I have 2 docking stations, model 4338-20U "Thinkpad Mini Port Replicator 3 Series". Both are "hissing" at seemingly half a second with 1 second silence in between. One docking station has Logitech 2.1 speakers connected, and the other with a regular pair of ear buds. Both sounded clean when unplugged from the docking stations and plug into my Thinkpad W510 directly. So I know the problem is not the speaker/ear bud for sure, but the docking stations.

The lack of shielding theory make sense. When connected to the docking station and hissing is heard, any audio (e.g., movie, music) on the foreground would be accompanied by the hissing. Would love to hear if anyone has talked to Lenovo tech before I jump on the phone or go buy a pair of USB audio cards...

Hi,

I have the exact same problem. See my thread here http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=90395
Still no resolution, but because of this and other problems, they have agreed to replace my T510.
Still waiting though.....

Barry

Hi - about sound output - this problem I have on T61 and Mini Dock and X230 and Ultrabase dock (2 pieces of X230 and docks). It is problem of dock design. Noise is most heard-able when I use headphones on low volume and scrolling with mouse on web for example. When I plugged AC into laptop directly (on X230 it is possible - dock is fully powered) than sound is more better without noise. The another solution is headphones directly to laptop. So dock is not fulfilling its purpose on 100% ...

My T520 and Mini Dock Plus Series 3 has this problem too. I see there is another docking station available the "Mini Dock Series 3" (non-plus). It has the audio plugs on the back instead of the side. Does anyone have this one and can confirm if it has the same issue? Thinking about buying it to see....

It has the same issue.