Thinkpads Forum

Hello!

I want to buy on eBay a port replicator for my TP 600x. Can anybody tell me, if I can use the PCMCIA slots (where I have my Ethernet card) when laptop is installed on the replicator? As far as I understand, there must be a Card Enabler to use them. Or is it just an extension, and the basic (built-in) ports work when the laptop is on the replicator and it has nor Card Enabler?

Best wishes,
A.

Which port replicator?

The common one (which I have) is the SelectaBase 600. That has no PC Card slots, but the ones in my 600X keep working.

There is a gizmo that attaches to the SelectaBase 600 that has two CardBus slots in it. That allows you the use of all four slots at the same time. I don't have one, but it would make sense to me to put a (much) faster wired NIC in one of those extra slots when you're tied down to a dock anyway, and save WiFi for lounging on the sofa.

Even when you are connected to a full docking station, the cards in the 600X should continue to work.

whizkid wrote:Which port replicator?

The common one (which I have) is the SelectaBase 600. That has no PC Card slots, but the ones in my 600X keep working.

There is a gizmo that attaches to the SelectaBase 600 that has two CardBus slots in it. That allows you the use of all four slots at the same time. I don't have one, but it would make sense to me to put a (much) faster wired NIC in one of those extra slots when you're tied down to a dock anyway, and save WiFi for lounging on the sofa.

Even when you are connected to a full docking station, the cards in the 600X should continue to work.

Thanx for this information. I bought it already, so it's just a matter of days to check if it will work or not.

To be serious, I think that replicator repeats all ports which are on the back side of the laptop. Since USB and PCMCIA slots are on the sides, they are not covered by the replicator and available for use.

I will report about my experience soon!

Bye,
A.

I have the 600e, not the x, however on mine Using the dock, (Port replicator is what most folks call them, IBM says "Docking Station" I have a choice

I can use the 600's built in card slots (And in fact do on occasion)

I can use the slots in the optional card enabler (Which I have and do even as I type this)

Or I can use all 4 slots if the mood strikes me and I have the need.

The only thing is ... Due to the way Windows handles PCMICIA things you may have to re-install cards when you move them from one slot to another.

But all slots are active and useable.. HOWEVER!!!!

ON the docking base there is a lock/unlock switch... If it's in the LOCKED position then when you LOCK the Thinkpad to it's base (Turn the key) there is a "Finger" the comes up over the card slots, this prevents insertion and removal of cards from the slot. (you turn the key back if you need to insert/remove) it may also interfer with selected cards connecting to the outside world.

This is not a problem, and you can choose to leave it in the "Unlocked" position in which case it's not an issue at all.

But I can move the cards I have from slot to slot with no problem Docked I have 4 slots, "portable" I have 2 (or if using type 3 cards 2 and 1)