ThinkPad Z61p - 2504 Advanced Mini-dock

[zokna]

Hello everybody,

i have qestion about the 2504 Advanced Mini-dock. I am thinking of purchasing one and connecting a 23" monitor to it via DVI. But i am not shore if my Z61p can be connected to this dock, althou i did read that the Z61m and Z61t can be connected. So does anybody know if my Z61p can be connected to this dock to?

If anybody is using this i would like to know if you can just let the dock be pluged in all the time when using the computer and when not using the computer - just like a desktop pc is pluged in the whole time?

As mentioned before, i would like to connect a 23" monitor to this dock via DVI, so:
1. I read that the Z61m does not support DVI, does anybody know if Z61p does?
2. While on the dock, can i use bolt screens at the same time so its like a duel monitor setup?
3. Does the docking station help whith keeping the laptop cool or does it just make it hotter?

I thank you guys for the answers in advance, i really appritiate your help.

Regards!

[dr_st]

Yes, you can connect the Z61p to the dock. Yes, it supports DVI (as do many of the Z61m's). Yes, you can use one external monitor together with the laptop LCD, or two external monitors (DVI+VGA) without the laptop LCD, but not 3 screens at the same time.

Generally it appears than when the machine is docked, it will run a bit hotter, at least as far as reported temperatures go. The fan will also be on more frequently. The difference is not big.

[critclimbs]

Hi,

I asked a similar question earlier -- http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=98191
Can a docking station be used to drive an external monitor with higher resolution than my Z60t can go? I'd like to use a 1920x1200 external monitor.

Thanks much.

[dr_st]

The answer is a definite "yes", although certain stupidly written drivers may present certain obstacles.