Techdude49's Full Review: IBM ThinkPad PORT (02K8668) Port Replicator
I have owned this replicator for over two years and used it with my IBM T22 for my home office. This device is simple, cost effective, and has done a great job with cable management.
In looking at the Epinions description, several things were left out.
Here is a quick summary:
The ThinkPad Port Replicator provides easy cable management and ThinkPad port pass-through. The ThinkPad Port Replicator offers pass-through connection to RJ11 (modem) and RJ45 (Ethernet)*, DVI (if supported by attached ThinkPad), serial, parallel, keyboard, mouse, FDD, monitor, USB, line-in, line-out, and support for cable lock.
Supported Laptops:
ThinkPad A Series - 2628, 2629, 2633
ThinkPad R Series - 2656, 2657, 2676
ThinkPad T Series - 2647, 2648
ThinkPad X20 - 2660, 2661, 2662
My Personal Port Replicator Configuration/Setup:
IBM T22 (DVD, PCI Card)
External Floppy (from 600E)
Linksys Etherfast DSL Router
Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Logitech Mouseman Optical
Viewsonic PF790
HP OfficeJet T45xi
Palm Vx
My experience:
I have never used the cable lock feature, so I can't comment on it. The rest of the features were great with my configuration, which included an external serial floppy drive connector. This was great for my old 600E floppy drive and kept me from having to swap the floppy with the DVD drive. It plugged right in and was extremely convenient. As far as attaching the laptop to the actual replicator, it was easy. There are two guide pegs that line up with the laptop. You can easily tell once they are in place, at which point you push the laptop on the pegs and it locks securely in place. That's it! With all the previously mentioned peripherals attached, I was able to work easily. The keyboard and mouse were quickly detected and the resolution from my 19" monitor looked great! It was a great relief to be free from the tiny screen and keyboard of the laptop and still be able to print, fax, copy, and sync my Palm Pilot.
A few things to mention:
It does require the use of the ThinkPad AC Adapter that ships with your laptop, but buying a second one is more convenient if you need AC at two different locations. Also, you must have the mini-PCI Card in the ThinkPad communications bay to enable the network support.
Bottom Line:
Everyone knows IBM is usually the most expensive product when comparing similar products. So it wasn't a surprise, when this item was first introduced, it was fairly expensive. However, you can purchase one directly from IBM for $90 or get it for half that price on Ebay.
Now, you really can have the best of both worlds a single computer that can meet all your needs in the office and away without sacrificing function or...More at eBay
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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