This is the LEAST odious docking solution for IBM
Written: Oct 01 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 4 USBs, Power Adapter, and Lock included
Cons: Determining compatibility, "Fiddle and slide" to dock.
The Bottom Line: If you need to dock your IBM this is the least offensive solution.
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| rorsteven's Full Review: IBM 287810U IBM ThinkPad Mini-Dock - Expansion bas... |
IBM really needs to be taken to the woodshed over their docking debacle. The sad thing is that the Mini-Dock is their best model and they actually got a FEW things right.
First let us address some vocabulary:
"docking stations" theoretically provide additional features like a CD drive, or a CardBus slot which can be used when the laptop is mounted on it.
"port replicators" however are merely cable-management devices. Their purpose in life is to make it simple to manage the various cables for monitors, keyboards, mice, USB drives... etc.
Both devices provide connectors and typically would be placed in a stationary location on a desk. Their purpose is to provide quick method for hooking up all of your peripherals. For the average user, the difference between a "dock" and a "replicator" is only confusion. It is also worth noting that some laptops (the IBM T40, for example) does NOT HAVE CONNECTORS for mouse or keyboard - if you want to use an external keyboard you MUST have a dock or replicator or occupy the (only available) USB port.
My major gripe: to dock an IBM anything on any IBM docking station or port replicator you have to "fiddle around". First of all, the Mini Dock has this "sliding collar" that must be pushed back. The different sized IBM laptops have their "mating" connector on the underside in the middle toward the back. The corresponding connector on the docking station is also in the middle. There is no rail, pin, or guide to line up to do the docking.
I resorted to marking a white-out arrow on my laptop and docking station to reduce the "slide it around 'til it fits" fiddling needed.
Next Major Gripe: Good luck figuring out which laptops are compatible with which docks/replicators. The IBM site is not much help. There are 4 major "docking" stations - named variously "Dock II", "Mini Dock", "Port Replicator", "Port Replicator II" (and there are also two models of the UltraBase). I actually have both the Mini Dock (at the office) and the Port Replicator II (at home).
Time for Another Gripe: The replicator II and the laptop both have the same power adapters - a single plug. The Mini Dock has a four pin adapter and a big beefy power supply [so that is good!]. HOWEVER - this means you can only use the Mini Dock with the power supply they give you - and basically means you would never carry it with you on the road because 1. it is big. 2. it won't mate with your laptop.
Another Worry [Port Replicator II]: In my arrangement at home I use a KVM (keyboard, video, monitor) switch to allow me to have one desk with one monitor, keyboard and mouse to work with both my laptop and my desktop computer. However, when using the KVM, the T-40 laptop will not boot if I connect the mouse cable! In fact, I can't use the mouse cable at all. I do not know if the Mini Dock would have the same problem, but it effectively means I have to use a USB mouse. Yuck.
One GOOD thing: The mini-dock has lots of connectors, and includes a 4 port USB hub, so if you have several USB appliances on your desk, you may not need to get an external hub.
One REALLY clever thing: The Mini-dock has both a port for a "leash" (a device for securing the docking station) *AND* it has a keylock that locks the laptop to the docking station. The key can be used separately. (See Comparison with Toshiba Dock for why this is cool).
One Last OK thing: The Mini Dock includes a power adapter - most of the other models (replicator, etc. do not - so you are really paying more than it appears since you will need the power).
If you have already purchased an IBM Laptop (T-40 in my case) you're basically stuck with a not well conceived docking station. Of the IBM possibilities mentioned earlier, the best appears to be the Mini Dock.
Comparison with Toshiba 10/100 Network/DVD Dock II [PA0037U]
Prior to the T-40, I used a Toshiba and had the PA3007U
docking stations at home and at the office. Here is how they compare:
Attaching laptop to dock: Winner: Toshiba - hands down! Orientation of the laptop is very obvious, unlike the IBM. Toshiba dock also does not have the sliding "collar" that the IBM does.
Dock features: Winner: Toshiba (includes separate volume control for headphones and speakers, floppy in the dock (also a DVD, but this is already present in most IBM laptops). The Mini Dock does have the extra USB connections.
Power Connection: Toshiba - same connector for all power arrangements.
Security: IBM. Not only does the Mini-Dock have the handy extra lock, but the lock-port is in a place where it does not get in the way. Toshiba placed theirs on the side next to the DVD drive! [What WERE they thinking?]. Also to secure the Toshiba to the dock, you have to UNLOCK the thing, flip a switch and re-lock it. Really painful if you take your laptop with you more than once a day.
Disconnecting: Tie. Both are pretty simple to disconnect.
Connection reliability: Too early to tell. The "fiddling" needed to dock an IBM makes me think the Toshiba wins here - but the mating of the Toshiba laptop to the dock has flaws (the dock bent the shutters on my laptop)
Overall Rating If you need to dock your IBM laptop, the Mini Dock will produce the least stench in your nostrils.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rorsteven
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Location: Silicon Valley, USA
Reviews written: 29
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About Me:
Tech geek; Amateur Magician; Silicon Valley
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