New ThinkPad T400s docks to work on future ThinkPads

by John Hobbes , posted 07/22/09 8:18 AM

When we first reported on the docking solutions for the new ThinkPad T400s, the main critique against them was that it breaks docking compatibility with older ThinkPads. A new report from CNet Asia indicates that these new docks will be compatible with future ThinkPads.

This makes me breathe a sight of relief, as Lenovo has been steadily diversifying their accessories in the ThinkPad lineup. What once was a nearly singularly universal set of accessories for ThinkPads is now a highly fragmented, complex set of options that you must carefully research to ensure you’re purchasing the right accessory. It is especially good that these docks will be compatible with future models, as they support dual DVI and dual DisplayPort out, a first for ThinkPads.

However, the real catch is that the ThinkPad T400s is the first to sport a new proprietary dock connector. This means the previous range of ThinkPad accessories will not be compatible with this new notebook. As a result, expect higher cost of ownership as new docks have to be purchased. Fortunately, Lenovo confirms that this new connector will appear in future ThinkPads. In the meantime, the old line of docking solutions will be phased out eventually after a few years.

Source: [CNet Asia]

Filed under: ThinkPad T

Tags: docking, thinkpad t400s

5 Responses to “New ThinkPad T400s docks to work on future ThinkPads”

1. jtreble says:

   July 22, 2009 at 9:23 am

   +1. The ThinkPad docking variables are now so involved that I look at the docks first before I make a TP selection. TP Dock Multi-DVI and DisplayPort out, IMHO, are long overdue. Don’t get me wrong, the IBM/Lenovo TP/Dock offerings were/are the best available (by far). It would have been nice, however, if IBM/Lenovo had put a little more effort into their docks over the years. Hopefully, with new Series 3 this has changed. We’ll see – I’m hopeful.

   Reply
   • John Hobbes says:

     July 22, 2009 at 9:26 am

     I’m waiting for an X Series with a GOOD display (I haven’t sampled the X200s WXGA+ yet) and a dock with dual digital outputs. I love the T400s but I think it’s still just a bit too big for me – I love my X61.

     Reply
2. Robo says:

   July 23, 2009 at 7:43 am

   Nice Nice

   Reply
3. none says:

   July 24, 2009 at 7:31 pm

   Are you saying the T400s dock supports dual link dvi out of the box, with the T400s’s Intel 4500 graphics chip? That should make it possible to use a 2560×1600 monitor with Linux/X and no proprietary drivers, something impossible with the NVidia-based machines that were the only ones that supported dual link before. One of my Intel G945-based T61′s bigger shortcomings is it only supports single link dvi, meaning 1920×1200 max resolution. From what I understand about Displayport, it has no linux support at all, and for that matter seems to be an outright failure, obsolete before it got off the ground.

   If I can confirm the above about the T400s, I might buy one. Thanks!

   Reply
4. none says:

   July 24, 2009 at 7:33 pm

   One other question–does the new dock have a fan? That would be another deal killer.

   Actually, if forthcoming models of thinkpad will support the new dock and dual link dvi, I’ll just wait for the X210 or T510 because of the T400s’s excessive compromises. I got a little excited there since I’ve always wanted one of those big monitors.

   Reply

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