Dock/Port Replicator II Question

[james2008]

I'm looking at getting a dock for my desk so I don't have to constantly plug and unplug a:

Monitor
Power Cord
Ethernet Cable
USB Ultranav keyboard/mouse combo device

I was thinking the Port Replicator II would be perfect for my needs, but I just read this in an eBay listing for one:

The ThinkPad Port Replicator II supports the same operating system as the system. The ThinkPad Port Replicator II does not support LINUX. USB 2.0 is not supported on Microsoft Windows 95, Window 98, Windows Me, or Windows NT. USB 1.1 is not supported on Windows 95 or Windows NT*.

* Limited support for USB keyboard and mouse only by using customized 2 driver.

Any idea what that might be referring to? Does that mean my Ultranav might not work?

Are there any other limitations with the Port Replicator II?

It only has one USB port, but I'm assuming the ports on the laptop itself still work when attached to the PR, right?

What about a "quality" loss in the signal sent to the monitor?

[mpcook]

I have no problems with any USB 2.0 devices on either an X31, X32 nor T40 nor T43. The USB port on the replicator is pass through, so it will pass through 2.0 if that's what you have on your laptop and your OS supports that version. Also, I find no discernable loss of signal on the monitor. You do not mention what TP nor what OS you are using. The USB version (2.0 vs 1.1) is solely a function of your system, not the replicator in this case.

Mike

[sktn77a]

The port replicator II is a pass through device. If your computer supports these feartures, then they will be supported through the port replicator II. I have the same setup as you except I use a PS2 mouse.

The minidock II is the same as the port replicator II except that:
it has a beefier, dedicated power supply to power the:
4 USB ports at the back.

[james2008]

Thanks for the info, guys.

I should have mentioned that I have a T42 running Windows XP.

With the PRII, are the two USB ports on the laptop still available for use while the PRII is connected? IE, if your laptop has 2 USB ports, with the PRII, do you have 3 USB ports?

Also, my cell phone doesn't charge on either of the laptop USB ports. I guess since the PRII doesn't have the beefier power supply the MDII does, the passthrough port won't be any different?

[awolfe63]

You do get all the ports.

Minidocs are really cheap used and they come with an extra power supply. I would get that instead.

[sarbin]

You do get all the ports.

Minidocs are really cheap used and they come with an extra power supply. I would get that instead.

+1
i got mine on ebay for ~$20, new in the box. the dedicated power supply and 4 usb2.0 ports are quite convenient.

[james2008]

Thanks again for the info.

Another question: can you keep the lid of the laptop open while docked? It looks like it might not open up to a 90 degree angle when connected to the dock.

[sarbin]

no probem with my t43 on an advanced minidock. opens to 180 degrees.

[sktn77a]

Also, my cell phone doesn't charge on either of the laptop USB ports. I guess since the PRII doesn't have the beefier power supply the MDII does, the passthrough port won't be any different?

I ise a Dock II at work with the dedicated power supply and it doen't charge my motorola KRZR phone, so I don't know what the deal is with charging cell phones on these devices.

[mpcook]

I am able to charge my Motorola Slvr on X32 and T43, both from the laptop, and via the replicator.

Mike

[SteveS]

Minor clarification on some point made above:
The USB ports on Minidock II are not pass through as they are on port replicator II. The Minidock contains a USB hub.
This has a minor additional advantage of providing some isolation and protecting the southbridge chip from ESD damage from USB devices. I only say minor because of the connector locations, owners are not likely to use the connectors on the Minidock for everyday attach and detach of temporary USB devices like flash drives and cameras. The side ports, which are not well protected, will likely be used for this purpose.