This isn’t something I touched upon much in the review, but the T400s does support actual docking, compared to the X301 which has to make due with a rather unimpressive USB port & video replicator solution. Unfortunately, the docking connector is different from those adorned on the current T/R/W systems and as such, the T400s will require its own series of docks. I have some information on these devices below and will try to fill in the rest of the blanks soon.

Unfortunately I don’t have photos of these docks right now, but between the product descriptions and dimensions we should get a decent image. All of these devices are actually the same size, but do vary a bit in weight. The measurements are as follows:

• Approximate height: 55.5 mm (2.2 in)
• Approximate width: 345 mm (14 in)
• Approximate depth: 198.5 mm (7.8 in)

ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3

• Left corner alignment for easy system attachment
• Convenient eject button for one-step system removal
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• VGA monitor port
• RJ-45 Ethernet port
• Cable lock slot to secure both your port replicator and your notebook
• Uses the system AC adapter, which can be purchased separately
• Backed by a one-year warranty
• 1.85 lb
• PN 433610W
• MSRP $149
• Purchase here

As you can tell from the specs, this is not really a dock, but rather a dedicated port replicator. It only does VGA pass-through and doesn’t even include a power adapter. But for those with no intention of using a digital external display, this would work and avoid the extra cost & complexity of an actual docking station.

ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3

• Left corner alignment for easy system attachment
• Convenient eject button for one-step system removal
• Six USB 2.0 ports
• Multiple video ports: 1 VGA monitor, 1 DVI, 1 DisplayPort (Note that the video controller allows for any two video ports to be used simultaneously)
• Audio ports: Analog microphone in, headphone out
• RJ-45 Ethernet port
• Integrated key lock and cable lock slot for physical security
• Ships with a 90W AC adapter
• Backed by a one-year warranty
• 2.0 lb
• PN 433710U
• MSRP $199
• Purchase here

The Mini Dock will likely be the most popular one and should have plenty of features to satisfy everyone. You get more USB ports, audio replication, and a nice 90W adapter. What REALLY sticks out here is that you have VGA, DVI, and DisplayPort output on this puppy. If that’s not enough, Lenovo’s documentation indicates that it is possible to use two video ports at once! This is something all notebooks have had issues with and while ThinkPads traditionally have better display management (thank you Presentation Director), they too have been limited. The next burning question I have is whether you can use two external displays AND the system LCD. I’m betting not simply due to how the system would have to manage those, but I am inquiring and will provide the official answer to everyone once I have it.

ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3

• Left corner alignment for easy system attachment
• Convenient eject button for one-step system removal
• 6 USB 2.0 ports
• Multiple video ports: 1 VGA monitor, 2 DVI, 2 DisplayPort (Note: This allows for any two video ports to be used simultaneously.)
• Video controller
• Audio ports: Analog microphone in, headphone out
• e-SATA storage connector
• RJ-45 Ethernet port
• Integrated key lock and cable lock slot for physical security
• Ships with a 90-watt ac adapter
• Backed by a one-year warranty
• 2.1 lb
• PN 433810U
• MSRP $229
• Purchase here

This Mini Dock Plus gains a little weight due to the extra ports and circuitry required. The specs are awful similar to the regular version, but the added ports make me giddy: dual DVI, dual DisplayPort, and eSATA. This will let you drop your sexy T400s right into a dock that has all your USB periphals, any choice of DUAL digital monitors, and a high capacity/high performance external drive via eSATA. Corporate suits may not opt for the extra $30 when deploying hundreds or thousands of these docks, but I can imagine every reader of this blog certainly would!

All in all, a very solid dock offering for the T400s, and reasonably priced too. The main long-term concern here though is the fragmentation of accessories for the ThinkPad line. Once upon a time, the only difference in accessories was with the X Series, whereas everything else shared batteries and docking solutions. Today, you have six sets of batteries among the ThinkPad lineup and now the docking solution options are fragmenting more as well. This may just be a consequence of today’s market place and the requisite fast pace of innovation, even if it’s only in small steps.