Can I use DockII for DVI output?

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madmatrix · #1 Post by **madmatrix** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 10:49 pm

I wanna buy one DockII for my T43. Just for DVI output. But two days before I called IBM support service. He said if my laptop hasn't DVI interface, the DockII can't also support it. I am suspect about that. Anybody using DockII can give me some idea? Thanks!

#2 Post by **RonS** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 11:28 pm

That support service rep fired for messing up on something so basic. I'm not supposed to call people names on this board, which is why I just deleted most of this paragraph and cleaned it up.

Yes, the Dock II will give you DVI support. No question about it. It comes right off the back of the Dock II. And, if you add a PCI-based video card in the PCI slot, you can drive multiple DVI monitors.

davidspalding · #3 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:11 am

T43 (with ATI Radeon video) and Dock II outputs lovely DVI to my HDTV's HDMI input.

What the rep was saying, and what's clear as brass on the sales web site, is that the Dock II does output DVI, if the video card in the laptop supports it. Doesn't need to have a DVI-D on the Thinkpad itself. I suppose there are some older Thinkpads that didn't. Since the Dock II will adjust to accept the older T30 style dock form factor, maybe there's an older G or A series that doesn't do DVI. Can't blame the guy for just reading what's on the sales literature.

I CAN blame him for not cross-checking and telling you that the Intel or ATI video on a T43 will do it.

I think you'll like the Dock II. The fan on mine runs constantly, but all the connections and the ability to put something in the PCI slot is great.

madmatrix · #4 Post by **madmatrix** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:41 am

Thanks a lot! Great news! I have been waiting for a good price of DockII. Connecting to HDTV is cool choice. eBay often sells $150 for brand new one.
But another question: DockII's resolution? 1280*1024?

#5 Post by **RonS** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:03 am

I disconnected the fan power on my Dock II at it runs totally silent and totally cool, even with a video card in the PCI slot.

davidspalding · #6 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:35 pm

Dock II doesn't have a resolution. It's limited, I believe, by the video card in the laptop. And the driver in use. Search under "omega" and you'll find threads relating to that.

davidspalding · #7 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:41 pm

I may try that with the Dock II fan. I've only got a Fireware PCI card in it ... and though messing with the warranty is not my idea of fun, that fan is kinda loud.

#8 Post by **RonS** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 1:15 pm

I'm running 1920x1200 DVI on my Dock II with the stock IBM drivers. No problem.

wildwildweb · #9 Post by **wildwildweb** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 3:19 pm

Hey there...

Was wondering if I purchased a Dock II for use with my T40...

1. Would I be able to push two DVI monitors if I purchased a PCI video card

2. What recommendations would you have on a suitable video card that would compliment the on-board video of the T40?

Thanks for your help!

madmatrix · #10 Post by **madmatrix** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:04 pm

So I can buy higher resolution LCD and then get great vision since my ATI video card is 2048*1536.

jtreble · #11 Post by **jtreble** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:22 pm

wildwildweb,

Several Matrox and NVS 280-based cards support dual DVI and fit in the Dock II.

#12 Post by **RonS** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:28 pm

When you buy a Dock II, you get one DVI port. If you put a PCI-based video card in the PCI slot of the dock, then you get an additional one or two DVI ports, depending on the card (some even give you four additional DVI ports).

PCI-based video cards with a VGA and DVI port are very common (and cheap). PCI video boards with dual-DVI are more difficult to find, but still available.

madmatrix · #13 Post by **madmatrix** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 4:30 pm

Thanks All! I will consider about buying one dockII and one appropriate video card.

simscitizen · #14 Post by **simscitizen** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 12:17 am

The Dock II will NOT give you DVI output if you have a T43 with the Intel integrated graphics or a T20 or T30.

It will give you DVI on any of the other T40-T43s.

Can I use DockII for DVI output?

Can I use DockII for DVI output?

2 DVI Monitors on T40?`

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