Mini-Dock v. Port Replicator II

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dpb · #1 Post by **dpb** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 12:55 pm

I did the research for my own purchase and figured I'd share it here:

The Mini-Dock (287810U) and Port Replicator II (74P6733) are almost identical. They use the same body and mostly have the same ports. The differences are that the Mini-Dock comes with four USB ports, its own proprietary power adapter (it doesn’t use the same connector as the ThinkPad’s adapter) and a built-in key lock for securing your ThinkPad to the dock (which you are required to use for the ThinkPad to connect). The Port Replicator II comes with one USB port and no power adapter (it uses your ThinkPad’s adapter or you can buy one for $25 from eBay). You can lock your ThinkPad to the Port Replicator II with a Kensington-style security attachment, but it’s not required for operation. Both devices have ports for keyboard, mouse, analog and DVI monitors, Ethernet (up to gigabit bandwidth), audio line-in and line-out, external floppy drive, parallel and serial connections, a telephone line for the modem and a security attachment. On eBay you can buy a new Mini-Dock for $140 or a new Port Replicator II for $90 (search for them using the part #).

csv96 · #2 Post by **csv96** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 2:45 pm

Thanks for the report. I also had the same question a few months back. I'm glad I got the Mini-Dock since the extra powered USB ports have really come in handy.

nsuperman86 · #3 Post by **nsuperman86** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 6:34 pm

Is the Keylock on the Mini-Dock an actual key, with a keyhole and everything that you have to turn and all?
And do you know how the Thinkpad locks to the Port Replicator using a Kensington style cable lock?

I am going to be living in a dorm soon and I am going to buy one of those cable locks, but if it can be coupled with the Port Replicator easily, but is still safe (safe for the Port Replicator and the Thinkpad) then I am thinking I will just go with that.
I don't think the Mini-Dock will be as practical because if it requires a key, which can be easily lost or stolen in a dorm room.

maingray · #4 Post by **maingray** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:04 pm

nsuperman86 wrote:Is the Keylock on the Mini-Dock an actual key, with a keyhole and everything that you have to turn and all?

Yes.
You get a spare key plus a keyfob thing with the key number for replacement. I love my mini dock, the extra USB ports are wonderful.

mrbjr · #5 Post by **mrbjr** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:28 pm

Mini-dock II is the way to go. As mentioned the powered USB ports are great.

dpb · #6 Post by **dpb** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:34 pm

The Mini-Dock (which I bought for my daughter to use in her dorm) does indeed require you to use a key to lock and unlock the Thinkpad every time.

The Port Replicator II (which I use at the office) has a pushbutton release, but my reading of the manual is that when you stick in a Kensington lock, it automatically locks the Thinkpad to the PortRep. So you end up locking and unlocking the Kensington lock to get the Thinkpad on and off the PortRep.

If, like me, you don't lock either one, the PortRep is more convenient. If you lock either one, though, it sounds like it's the same hassle either way or maybe a little easier with the MiniDock.

All in all, I would go for the Mini-Dock if I had it to do over.

maingray · #7 Post by **maingray** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 5:09 pm

dpb wrote:The Mini-Dock (which I bought for my daughter to use in her dorm) does indeed require you to use a key to lock and unlock the Thinkpad every time.

You dont need to lock it everytime.. just plop the laptop in and push the button to release. You can choose to lock it while it's docked.

awolfe63 · #8 Post by **awolfe63** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:37 pm

Ditto. I dock mine every day without toching the key.

BTW - the PS is not "proprietary" - it is the G-series supply.

dpb · #9 Post by **dpb** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:40 pm

Thanks for the corrections, gents.

nsuperman86 · #10 Post by **nsuperman86** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 7:02 pm

If I were to get the Mini-Dock, and locked my ThinkPad to it, would it be safe and secure, or would any of you recommend getting a cable lock. I was considering maybe locking the ThinkPad to the Mini-Dock, and keeping the Mini-Dock safe with the cable lock attached to my desk, if that is a possibility.

awolfe63 · #11 Post by **awolfe63** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:28 pm

I think that would work - you would only need 1 cable lock.

hausman · #12 Post by **hausman** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:51 am

One thing people should know about Kensington-style cable locks is that the cable can be cut with bolt cutters. (I know this as a victim of a tethered, yet stolen TP. Fortunately the thief left the remnant of cable so it was easy to make an insurance claim.)

In a dorm, where a TP may be left unattended for hours at a time, I'd want something more secure. Some port replicators and docks have holes on the bottom surface where one can screw/bolt the device to a desk or other immovable surface. That way, when the TP is inserted it covers the screw head, and when it's locked in place, it can't be removed without damaging it beyond use.

nsuperman86 · #13 Post by **nsuperman86** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 12:13 pm

Can a cable lock attech to the Mini-Dock, or would I have to put it on the TP? So in the end the TP would be locked to the desk and the TP to the Mini-Dock as well, but that could become irritating.

nsuperman86 · #14 Post by **nsuperman86** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 1:34 pm

Sorry to being this post up from the depths, but I was hoping for an answer

.

awolfe63 · #15 Post by **awolfe63** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 3:45 pm

Mini-dock takes a cable lock.

nsuperman86 · #16 Post by **nsuperman86** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 4:05 pm

Would any of you recommend getting my Mini-Dock off eBay? Or maybe Bill could sell me one for cheaper?

Anyone that bought their's for a good price please post. =]

sktn77a · #17 Post by **sktn77a** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 5:40 pm

Just got one off e-bay for $65. Works fine!

nsuperman86 · #18 Post by **nsuperman86** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 1:48 pm

I have been watching eBay for the past few days. $65 is a oretty good deal you got on it. I havn't seen anything end in sub-100s yet.

sktn77a · #19 Post by **sktn77a** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 3:33 pm

??? There's boatloads of them for $65-$85. Search for Replicator II under Computers. Here's the one I got with Buy It Now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 85061&rd=1

If you're patient and don't might getting outbid often, you could probably get one for $50.

muffd · #20 Post by **muffd** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 4:53 pm

I'm really hoping to get a mini-dock at a good price. I'm watching a few on Ebay atm. Hopefully, I can also sell my 80gb hard drive to offset my cost:)

nsuperman86 · #21 Post by **nsuperman86** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:10 pm

Ohhh, you got a port replicator for $65. There are subtle differences with the Mini-Dock, and I rather have one of those, but there aren't many listed on eBay, and they sure aren't as cheap as $65, but might get close.

mrbjr · #22 Post by **mrbjr** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:23 pm

Got my Mini-Dock from Bill, probably could have gotten a better price somewhere else, but Bill does an awful lot by hosting this forum. So bottom line, at least for me , is support your friends

The Mini is awesome

sktn77a · #23 Post by **sktn77a** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 9:08 pm

If you do get one off e-bay, MAKE SURE it's described correctly - a couple of sellers are selling the older T2x/T3x prot replicator with a picture of the T4x replicator II. Also, if you get a dock, make sure it's the current one - the older one only has USB 1.1 functionality.

Mini-Dock v. Port Replicator II

Mini-Dock v. Port Replicator II

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