X31 with Ultrabase/Port Replicator and external LCD screen?

[leesiulung]

I own a X31 and thinking of getting an external screen for it, but the Ultrabase does not have a power on/off button. I can't even have the screen on the laptop closed, because this hibernates the computer.

Does anyone have a working solution where you can turn on/off the laptop connected to an external monitor without opening the Laptop screen? Perhaps a dock of some sort? I am thinking the IBM Port Replicator 2, can anyone confirm if this solution works?

Also, what is the picture quality like with the DVI/analog connector?

[mpcook]

I use the IBM Port Replicator A/R/T/ X series 02K8668 in several locations with the laptop closed and external monitor, no problems.

[leesiulung]

mpcook,

so do you just dock the laptop with the screen closed into the dock and press the power button (on the dock) and everything works fine?

Thanks for the response.

[mpcook]

That's exactly what I do. I have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, ethernet cable all connected to the port replicator in two of my three offices. The third office has just a mouse and ethernet connected to a port replicator. I can snap the laptop into the port replicator while in standby mode from my last location, press the power button on the port replicator , and everything will come alive in any of the other locations just fine. I bought several of these port replicators on ebay for $15 - 20 each, including power brick. I usually use standby mode when I move around with the laptop and it will sense whatever it needs to when it wakes.

-Mike