Do You Really Need A ThinkPad Dock?Using a ThinkPad dock can make your life easier. It is really that simple. A ThinkPad dock gives you the convenience of easy cable management. It allows for a simple one-touch disconnect of your ThinkPad notebook from the peripherals that you may be using. This includes network and modem connections, as well as external monitors and keyboards. In a nutshell, it can turn your notebook into a desktop in a snap. At present there are two models available: the ThinkPad dock and the ThinkPad dock II. Each has its benefits and you should spend some time carefully reading the specs of each to ensure that you get the right one for you and your computer. The newer model of the Lenovo ThinkPad dock includes: It is backed by IBM Service and Support. It is compatible with the ThinkPad X20/30, T20/30/40/41/42/43, R50/R51/52 and A20/30 Series notebooks. NOTE: It does not support the R40/40e, R50e/51e or the A21e. It has an integrated key-lock as well as a system tray and slot for optional cable lock. These devices ensure that your notebook stays where it belongs. Of prime importance is the integrated power supply that provides power pass-thru to the ThinkPad and all functions of the ThinkPad dock. The new model of the ThinkPad dock also has a DVI pass-through port. This will support resolutions up to 1280x1024 based on attached system. USB 2.0 pass-through port (will function as USB 1.1 port for system with USB 1.1). In addition there is a gigabit Ethernet pass-through port which can function as a 10/100 Ethernet port for system without gigabit Ethernet. A huge benefit to some consumers is the pass-through notebook ports including Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), including modem (RJ-11), 4-port USB 2.0 hub, DVI, VGA, serial, parallel, PS2-keyboard, PS2-mouse, diskette drive, audio line-in and line-out. The ThinkPad dock also has 1 half-size PCI card slot. Two Type I/II (or as one Type III) PC CardBus slots. The model contains Ultrabay 2000 for additional device expansion, such as optical drives or a second hard disk drive. And lastly, it offers buttons on the ThinkPad Dock II which make it very easy to turn on and off as well as a one-touch disconnect button that many users simply love. Once you have your ThinkPad laptop docking station set up it use is easy and fast. This allows users to slide their computer in and remove it with just a few movements. The amount of time that it can save the user, either coming in and needing to get set up or going out, can be dramatic. Even though the ThinkPad dock does so many tasks for the user, it is still one of the most affordable peripherals that you can buy. Check them out and see if one isn't right for you. |