IBM ThinkPad A31p with Numpad Unit (and some history)

[kfzhu1229]

Well I guess I could also add to that all Latitude C series (Not the subnotebook C400) have totally interchangable batteries across all the models (if it is compatible in terms of maximum current) and that all their main batteries work in their module bays too. They also all slide out from the front, making it like swapping magazines. Those 8 cell big boys make the 6 cell Ultrabay batteries look tiny, but at the same times makes all of the notebooks thicker and heavier than ThinkPads.
Though it might not be as useful as you might think since all of them also come with bridge Ni-MH batteries so you can warm swap batteries by putting the system to sleep.

[Saucey]

Unless you consider the dumb Bay Projector (Fujitsu LifeBook S761/P771), or the stupid Bridge Media Adapter (Toshiba Satellite 5200/5205), or the actually useful USB 3.0 Expansion Module (Dell Latitude E6320/E6420/E6520) to be indirect competitors from other companies.

Thanks, I just bought a USB 3.0 Expansion Module for Dell, I wonder if it's useful for other laptops... or can be used on any of the E6x30 series. Yes I've know there's other USB 3.0 Expansion cards, I have one, but not one from Dell.
That bay projector for the Fujitsus look interesting, it's out of my budget to buy one on a whim tho. I'd have more use from that X1 Tablet or Yoga Tab 3.

Thanks Screamer!

[kfzhu1229]

I believe all E6x30 series come with USB3 onboard, which defeats the point of such an external module.
And on those, if you want more USB3 ports, use it with a E-port II. All E-ports are compatible with all E series latitudes (E6x00-E5x70), but you need both a E-port II and a Latitude E6x30 and above to use USB3 features. Also ALL of them are capable of running only on batteries too, something I am a little jealous of as my D-port can't do that.

[Saucey]

E port II can run on batteries? never knew, but I never tried it, as I thought it was like the old thinkpad docks, not like the X6x or X2xx ultrabase.

Now I think about the expansion port, it's probably better if I buy a USB-C Expansion slot instead, for future proofing and usability.