ThinkPad Dock II, Mini-Dock, OR Port Replicator II

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dd · #1 Post by dd » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:18 pm

Ok

Can anybody explain the differences between the dock II, min-dock and the port replicator? I am looking to buy a replicator (Or whatever you call it) and attach TFT screen (With DVI) etc.

Anybody care to say which is best?

I have read somewhere that 1 of these acts as a HUB?

Any advice sincerely appreciated.

zver17 · #2 Post by **zver17** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:48 pm

check http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... Id=2581897
for detailed specs.

all have DVI, ethernet pass thru etc

But but dock II also has PCI slots, ultrabay, 4 USB hub, whereas mini-dock lacks the PCI/ultrabay, whereas port-replicator only has 1USB.

dock II is IMO best, but grossly overpriced ($400 via ibm, >200 on ebay).

weebo523 · #3 Post by **weebo523** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:53 pm

I believe the main difference between the mini-dock and the port replicator II is that the mini-dock has it's own power supply, the PRII uses the one that came with the notebook. The dock II has extra expansion ability, such as room for a DVD RW, PCI card, extra hard drive, etc.

Kenn · #4 Post by **Kenn** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:03 am

weebo523 wrote:I believe the main difference between the mini-dock and the port replicator II is that the mini-dock has it's own power supply, the PRII uses the one that came with the notebook. The dock II has extra expansion ability, such as room for a DVD RW, PCI card, extra hard drive, etc.

The minidock does have a larger power supply, as well as a built-in 4-port USB 2.0 hub, and a key/lock system to keep the laptop attached (presumably that is only useful if you use the kensington lock slot to keep the minidock secured as well

)

I wish I picked up a minidock instead of a PR2 right now because the USB 2.0 hub I had to buy is somehow incompatible with my webcam.

zver17 · #5 Post by **zver17** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:01 am

interesting... i also found an iogear 4-usb hub to be incompatible with webcam (creative studios) on a T42, whereas a targus hub works fine. more amuzingly, both hubs work fine on a T22.

from what i can see the PR2 is fairly useless other than a glorified DVI adapter. the tradeoff between dock and minidock is essentially the card slot and ultrabay in the dock.

dd · #6 Post by dd » Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:40 am

Many Thanks for all your usefull comments

#7 Post by **RonS** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:58 am

You can put a 32-bit PCI card in the Dock II. It's the only real dock that I know of that can do this. It makes the Thinkpad a lot like a real desktop.

trikster2 · #8 Post by **trikster2** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:15 pm

Wow you guys are right

$179 for the dock II factory sealed on ebay. Beats the $319 EPP price. How do they do that, did it "fall off a truck"?

For the ULTABAY 2000 in the dock. Is that connected via USB? Or is it a regular ultrabay interface as in the laptop.

Would be a cool to have either a 2nd hard drive or a 2nd optical drive in the bay. Sure with USB 2.0 it's less usefull these days but it's a lot tidier than having stuff laying all over the place (esp with kids).

Thanks for all the good info on this forum!

Leon · #9 Post by **Leon** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:39 pm

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ThinkPad Dock II, Mini-Dock, OR Port Replicator II

ThinkPad Dock II, Mini-Dock, OR Port Replicator II

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