Used Thinkpad docks without the key included

[cadillacmike68]

Isn't it true that in order for the key in all ThinkPad docks to be removed the dock must be "locked"? And further, while the dock is "locked" one cannot attach or remove a ThinkPad from the dock? Are there any exceptions to this?

Thus any dock sold with "no key" as many are offered on ebay, is broken in some manner? Am I wrong on this? I can't get the key out of any of my docks while unlocked and cannot get the computer in or out of the dock with no key in it, power connected or not.

Since this applies to most or all series ThinkPads, please feel free to move it to the proper area. I'm specifically looking up T530 and W530 docks at present, and 75% or more on ebay have "no key".

[dr_st]

This used to be true for old docks. Right now I have Advanced Mini-Dock (6x-x00 series), Mini-Dock Series 3 (**10-**30 series), X220 Ultrabase and Ultra Dock (**40-**70 series). All of them allow the key to be removed in either position. However, I also have an older Advanced Mini-Dock (manufactured 2007/03), which does not allow the key to be removed when unlocked. Perhaps that was a transitional model.

[cadillacmike68]

Thanks, dr_st.

I finally found two, both Series 3 plus with USB3 (only ONE of the seven ports on the docks is USB3!?!) one being a NIB with the boat anchor 170W ac adapter. The other is just the dock. Both have the keys. Found another boat anchor for only $20. I can cut away the prongs so they fit other ThinkPads, but they will just go in the docks That way there is no potential issue with hanging 3 or 4 USB HDDs off of the dock ports.

I don't mind (yet) carrying around the boat anchor. After all, I drive land yachts.

[dr_st]

Yes, only one port is USB3. They got cheap on putting a proper USB3 hub in the dock, apparently.

[cadillacmike68]

They arrived over the weekend.

The NIB one came with a setup "guide" but no detailed info on max # of monitors or how the USB ports will function with the T530 / W530s 4 existing ports.

The "booklet" with it was only a 38 page multi language "Danger, Will Robinson" warning.

[dr_st]

The NIB one came with a setup "guide" but no detailed info on max # of monitors or how the USB ports will function with the T530 / W530s 4 existing ports.

Probably because that's highly specific to the system configuration. The docks support multiple models, after all. Such information is available online.

[cadillacmike68]

Thanks. I did find out some info on using 3 displays (different procedures for intel vs nvidia) and will just experiment with the USBs. I'll never use 11 ports but do hope that I can use all three USB 3.0s at the same time.

I'm going to try and get the T530 (intel graphics) set up for the boss lady with 3 displays including the internal display so she can use the built in camera for zoom meetings. I'm going to hog the W530 for me for testing and other nefarious purposes.

[dr_st]

If you got the Mini-Dock Plus, then setting three displays should be a no brainer - with 2xDisplayPort on the dock, and the third can be the laptop screen (or DisplayPort on the chassis). There should be no issues using the dock USB 3.0 port and all chassis USB 3.0 ports at the same time.

[cadillacmike68]

Thank you. That's what I got, two Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0. Two different part #s, one made in Sep 2012 and the other in Apr 2013. They must have changed the PNs for a reason, but I can't see any physical difference. I Hope there wasn't an issue with the 2012 builds...