Thinkpad Docks(or PR) Tilt/Elevate?

[Champ]

Do the docks tilt/elevate the thinkpad so that it's more ergonomic to use?

Maybe has a place of a external keyboard or something

[davidspalding]

Yes.

Very much so. Even the old port replicator for my T30 does so.

[mattfromomaha]

I really like having it elevated by my PRII. Makes it far more comfortable to type on!

[davidspalding]

Adding a bit more ... for years, I've used little cheap keyboard rests under the back of notebooks to correct the keyboard angle. Lately, I use a $20 Targus CoolPad which does a fine job, and is very more portable (thin, light). (Oh, and protects the bottom of my TP from dirty tables, counters, etc!)

The Dock/PR's do this very well, plus some you can use a Kensington-style lock to secure it to a desk, have integrated undock functions which WinXP and the TP accomodates, and obviously, allow connection of peripherals - mouse, keyboard, printer, USB devices, etc. - which don't need to be unhooked very time you want to move the TP. In all, if you work at a desk on your TP a lot, and have peripherals that you connect to, a dock/pr is a good investment.

[Champ]

sounds good looks like I'll grab it in the IBM boxing day or christmas sales.

Which one should I get for my T42? Keep in mind I only need the tilting thing. I already have 2 AC adapters and a usb hub so I don't rlealy need anyhting else.

[davidspalding]

I don't like to use the word should. Get what you want, with the functionality that you want.

[smstewart_9554]

If you mean more ergonomic to type, then the port replictor/docks do that, but if you mean elevate to raise the eye level or tilt like some of the kensington models to raise the lcd level (both require external keyboards) the T4x port replictor/docks don't do that. I like the new ThinkPad Adjustable Notebook Stand but unfortunately it's designed specifically for z60's.

[mattfromomaha]

I'd probably go with the ThinkPad Port Replicator II. The next step up is the ThinkPad Mini Dock. The difference between them is that the Mini Dock has an included power supply and 4-port USB hub, whereas the Port Replicator II requires you to use one of the power supplies you have (so probably not a big deal for you) and has only one USB plug (could be a big deal?). The plus is that you can still use the USB ports on your ThinkPad while it's docked, which is where I stick my thumb drive, rather than trying to find the hole 'round back...

[smstewart_9554]

I have the port replicator and it is great. But I do like that the mini dock has an easier locking mechanism. The port replicator II has a typical laptop lock in the back that when engaged prevents the laptop from being removed. While, as I understand it, the mini dock can be locked down, but then has a separate lock similar to those on the dock II that can lock the laptop to the mini dock.

[davidspalding]

... I like the new ThinkPad Adjustable Notebook Stand but unfortunately it's designed specifically for z60's.

I looked at these t'other day, and they look more like a way to use external keyboard/mouse and see the display at eye level. But all the sales pics I found (all 2-3 of them) showed a T4x on it.