best docking station for X31?

[godling]

After four years, my X31 and X3 Ultrabase combination finally succumbed to the "x31 stuck to docking station" issue. I was able to use floss and a butter knife to throw the latches in the back, but the mechanism is busted for good, so I need to replace it.

Should I get another X3 ultrabase, or is there a better choice?

-J

[Harryc]

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... nxntp.html

[godling]

So Harry, would you say the X3 Ultrabay is actually the best docking solution for me out there? It supports a second battery, and built-in optical drive. Do the Port Replicator I or II do the same? Are there any other advantages?

[Harryc]

The port replicators do not support an optical drive or second battery. If anything they may be more reliable than the Ultrabase in the long run, but you'd have to get a USB optical drive for OS loads and such. OTOH the X3 Ultrabases seems to be cheap these days, and a new one would probably outlast your X31.

[rkawakami]

Not sure how portable your needs are, but if you can be chained down to a desk and have the space then either one of these could work:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... URSWX.html (Thinkpad Dock I)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 46393.html (ThinkPad Dock II)

Both have an Ultrabay 2000, identical to the one in the X3 Ultrabase. They also can support half-sized PCI cards. In case you have (or get) other Thinkpad systems of this vintage, the Dock I supports A2 (but not A2xe), A3, T2, X2 and X3 systems, while the Dock II expands on this and will also mate with R5 (not R5xe) and T4 systems.

[shadowlight]

My X31 recently got a broken keyboard bezel in the front next to the metal parts of the ultrabase!
A Dock II would have avoid this because the X31 would sit on the docking station and not hanging in the air.
Just my 2 cents.

[godling]

My X31 recently got a broken keyboard bezel in the front next to the metal parts of the ultrabase!
A Dock II would have avoid this because the X31 would sit on the docking station and not hanging in the air.
Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the advice, all. I ended up making a quick purchase of another Ultrabase, as it was only $20 and it arrived within a couple days.