Thinkpads Forum

Quick question: is "hot docking" supported on W5x0/W7x0 TPs? Is this support restricted to certain dock or video card types/combinations? TIA.

The dock that is compatible with the W510 supports only hot-docking. There is no eject button as on previous docks. I dock and undock mine all the time without any problems, though sometimes there are cryptic messages that don't seem to mean anything.

The new series 3 docks are nothing more than port replicators. So, you can just rip-and-go. Previous socks like the Advanced Dock had a bay for a video card, and other actual devices on the dock. Those devices had to be shut down before undocking.

All Docks from Lenovo support Hot-docking. Because that means you can undock without shutting down.
It has nothing to do with the little undock-button.

Dummvogel wrote:All Docks from Lenovo support Hot-docking. Because that means you can undock without shutting down.
It has nothing to do with the little undock-button.

The T41p + Dock II + third-party video card combination that I have doesn't support "hot docking".

jtreble wrote: The T41p + Dock II + third-party video card combination that I have doesn't support "hot docking".

Well, the Dock II supports Hot-Docking. The GPU just prevents it.

RonS wrote:The new series 3 docks are nothing more than port replicators. So, you can just rip-and-go. Previous socks like the Advanced Dock had a bay for a video card, and other actual devices on the dock. Those devices had to be shut down before undocking.

Which is a good thing? or a Bad thing? ... I am sure there's Pros and Cons... But your expert thoughts