what is thinkpad essential port replicator?

Question

I want to buy an IBM/Lenovo thinkpad Z60m for the original price of 679 dollars, and one of the options is a thinkpad essential port replicator. It says it's essential, but I don't know wut it does. Can u guys tell me wut it is and wut I might need it 4? I am trying 2 get a good deal, so I need 2 know if I absolutely need it. I am buying the extra 512MB RAM option, microsoft works, and a 2 year warranty. I looked up the product # on their website and nothing showed up. I'm really confused about wut it does, so plz help me.

Answer 1

This device makes it easier to work with many peripherals at home and still makes it easier to disconnect when you want to go portable. Think of it as a docking station.



"The ThinkPad Port Replicator II provides easy cable management and one-step connection to desktop accessories at home or in the office. It offers pass-through connection for Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and DVI, as well as standard ThinkPad notebook ports. An integrated system tray provides a stable fit and comfortable typing angle. One easy step eliminates the hassle of connecting multiple devices one-by-one to the ports on the ThinkPad system.



Pass-through (replication) of ThinkPad notebook ports including: Gigabit ethernet (RJ-45), including modem (RJ-11), USB 2.0, DVI, VGA, serial, parallel, PS2-keyboard, PS2-mouse, diskette drive, audio line-in and line-out Gigabit Ethernet pass-through port (will function as 10/100 ethernet port for system without gigabit ethernet) USB 2.0 pass-through port (will function as USB 1.1 port for system with USB 1.1) On/Off switch - System can be powered on/off using the button on the ThinkPad Port Replicator II Includes a slot for an optional cable lock Power pass-through -- use the AC power adapter that ships with your ThinkPad or with an optional power adapter Compatible with X20/21/22/23/24/30/31, T20/21/22/23/30/40/41/42, R30/31/32/40/50/50p/51, and A20/21/21e/22/22e/30/31 (Does not support X40/41, R40e/50e, or G40)"

Answer 2

A port replicator is in essence a docking station. The device is used to replicat certain ports when attached to the laptop ie keyboard, mouse, video, USB and such.



Is it needed? for the system to operate Nope it is used only to replicate ports.



An IBM port replicator has the following ports



1 modem port

1 Ethernet port

1 Serial port

1 Pinter port

1 VGA Port

1 DVI Port ( optional)

1 USB port ( the ones on the laptop still work)

1 PS2 mouse port

1 PS2 keyboard port

speaker out

mic



The replicator will not do wireless. hoever if the laptop is desinged to be wireless ... the function will still operate as normal from the system itself

Answer 3

The lap top is too small to have all the ports you will need. This snaps on to it, making it a little bulkier, but it gives you all the ports you would find on a standard desktop.