Mini Dock vs Port Replicator II ? decision help needed...

[jeffcrilly]

I'm set on picking one of these up.

Either the mini dock or the port rep II.

Machine is a T42; primary reason is to get DVI out.

As I see it, for about $40 more the Mini Dock provides ...
- 4 port USB hub
- locking base, cable, etc. (like that will deter thieves.)
- dedicated power supply

They looks to be the same size ... are they?

If you use the port rep II w/ the T42 are the two USB ports on thinkpad still usable? (I'm assuming so.)

Any comment on these docks?

E.g. Is the mini-dock better build quality than the port rep II?

Fwiw, I'm leaning toward the mini-dock - mainly cuz I think its more stable. And the additional USB may be handy some day -- even though I have a FOUR port hub on the monitor!

thanks

jeff

[eTools]

I love my Mini Dock. My laptop is usually at my desk, but when I need to bring it with me, it's as simple as unlock and eject. ZERO cables attached. It is important to note that you need the key to dock your computer. It kind of annoyed me at first.

The lock on it is much easier to handle than the actual cable lock, so I leave the cable locked to the Mini Dock making it very easy to unlock. Just a simple key.

I have External Speakers, a Mouse, an External Keyboard, an Ethernet Cable, the Security Lock, the Power Cord and a Printer plugged into the dock (7 Cords Total). I've never had to take any of them off. Also, with the power cord plugged directly into the Dock, I can leave my other power cable for travel use.

I'm using 3 out of the 4 USB 2.0 ports (on the Mini Dock) on it which leaves the 2 ThinkPad USB ports open for quick access for my USB key (and yes they are very accessible). A total of 6 USB's!

The main differences seem to be the lock, additional 3 USB's and the power cord. Both big pluses. From the pictures it seems that the build is almost exactly the same.

[Initial D]

I have a Port Replicator II. I don't think having one USB port is enough. I actually now wish I had a Mini-Dock because of the extra USB ports. Go with the Mini-Dock!

[kano]

I have both. No differences in build quality and stability with docked laptop.
Simple comparison:

- Mini Dock - 4 powered USB ports
- Port Rep2 - 1 unpowered USB

- Mini Dock - dedicated power supply (not compatible with a T42 power socket)
- Port Rep2 - no power supply (a power socket compatible with T42)

- Mini Dock - security cable lock and system key lock
- Port Rep2 - security cable lock.

[alfio]

I have a Port Replicator II. I don't think having one USB port is enough. I actually now wish I had a Mini-Dock because of the extra USB ports. Go with the Mini-Dock!

exactly. port replicator is OK but the mini-dock is the way to go. if only for the USB ports/dedicated power supply.

alfio

[USSS]

You can't go wrong with the Mini-Dock per previous posters' testimonials.

Not only that, but I have a legacy application (SIGINT software) that requires a serial connection between my T43 and the surveillance receiver. I tried a couple of serial-to-USB adapters, but none of them worked satisfactorily. Hence, the serial connector on the Mini-Dock was key to my purchase decision.

[monkey243]

I recommaned MINI-DOCK.
Less wire,more convenient.

[davidspalding]

Worth noting that the Port Rep II can lock the laptop in there, but the locking mechanism is the Kensington lock. So (as per the manual) if you leave your TP locked up inthe Port Rep, and want to undocked, you have to disconnect the Kensington lock. Minor annoyance unless you expect to dock/undock throughout the day (as I did).

Since it has its own power supp, if you only have one TP power brick, you can leave yours in your bag while using the MiniDock.

Also, I've worked with two people who required a planar replacement on T40/41s due to the internal USB burning out. For that, having plenty of powered USB ports on the dock is worth more than the mere $40 difference. Just IMHO.

[leon_charl]

I'm set on picking one of these up.

Either the mini dock or the port rep II.

Machine is a T42; primary reason is to get DVI out.

As I see it, for about $40 more the Mini Dock provides ...
- 4 port USB hub
- locking base, cable, etc. (like that will deter thieves.)
- dedicated power supply

They looks to be the same size ... are they?

If you use the port rep II w/ the T42 are the two USB ports on thinkpad still usable? (I'm assuming so.)

Any comment on these docks?

E.g. Is the mini-dock better build quality than the port rep II?

Fwiw, I'm leaning toward the mini-dock - mainly cuz I think its more stable. And the additional USB may be handy some day -- even though I have a FOUR port hub on the monitor!

thanks

jeff

After u chose the mini-dock, u will find 4 port USB hub is very usuful.

[pae77]

Another vote for the Mini Dock. Well worth the slight additional cost for the reasons already noted above.

[jeffcrilly]

The mini dock has arrived.

It is worth noting that the DVI is a plus. The external flat panel LCD is noticably better w/ DVI.

Also, I have found that I can run two screens at 1600x1200 w/ the mini dock. One on the DVI and one on the analog port. When I attach the mini dock, the "monitors" tab (part of the ATI drivers) given me the option for enabling four outputs - the laptop, the TV out (svideo), the "flat panel", and the monitor. I can only use two at a time, but those two can be a 1600x1200 monitor and a 1600x1200 LCD.

I currently have the keyboard/mouse plugged into another computer, and "share" them using synergy....
http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/
But the USBs would be useful for attaching keyboard/mouse.

jeff

P.s. I purchased from newegg instead of lenovo. While the "base" price was less at lenovo, the shipping was horrendous. I've used the zero cost shipping before (with the T42) and it took forever to arrive. The next best shipping is 2 day fedex which they charge $25, and they dont garauntee they'll ship w/in 5 days. By the time I added up ship+tax, I could get it from newegg within 3 days garaunteed for the same price. Turned out it arrived two days from when I placed the order.

[pae77]

Lenovo shipping for Thinkpads can take "forever" due to availability or lack thereof of the particular model ordered. Most parts, however, like the mini dock (if in stock which they can tell you when you place the order) ship very quickly even using the cheapest shipping method.