This chapter provides instructions on how to use hardware devices to expand your computer capabilities. It includes the following topics:
• “Finding ThinkPad options” on page 89
• “ThinkPad docking stations” on page 89
Finding ThinkPad options
If you want to expand the capabilities of your computer, Lenovo has a number of hardware accessories and upgrades to meet your needs. Options include memory modules, storage devices, network cards, docking stations, batteries, power adapters, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, and more.
You can shop at Lenovo 24 hours a day, 7 days a week directly over the World Wide Web. All you need is an Internet connection and a credit card.
To shop at Lenovo, go to
http://www.lenovo.com/accessories/services/index.html
ThinkPad docking stations
You can attach your computer to a supported docking station to expand working capability. Depending on the model, your computer might support the following docking stations:
• ThinkPad Basic Dock
• ThinkPad Pro Dock
• ThinkPad Ultra Dock CAUTION:
When the computer is attached to a docking station, never pick up the assembly by taking hold of the computer alone. Always hold the whole assembly.
Locating controls and connectors on the ThinkPad docking stations
This section introduces the locations of controls and connectors on the ThinkPad docking stations.
ThinkPad Basic Dock
Front view
1 Power button: Press the power button to turn on or turn off the computer .
2 Eject button: Press the eject button to release the computer from the docking station.
3 Sliding adjuster: Use the sliding adjuster as a guide to align the docking station connector on your computer when you attach the docking station.
4 Docking station connector: Used to attach your computer.
Rear view
1 Always On USB connector: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0 or charge some mobile digital devices and smartphones when your computer is in sleep or hibernation mode.
2 USB 2.0 connectors: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0.
3 USB 3.0 connector: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 3.0.
4 Ethernet connector: Used to connect the docking station to an Ethernet LAN.
Note: If you need to use an Ethernet connector or an external monitor connector when your computer is attached to a docking station, use the Ethernet connector or the external monitor connector on the docking station, instead of the one on the computer.
5 ac power connector: Used to connect the ac power adapter.
6 VGA connector: Used to connect the computer to a VGA-compatible video device, such as a VGA monitor.
ThinkPad Pro Dock
Front view
1 Power button: Press the power button to turn on or turn off the computer.
2 Key lock indicator: This indicator turns on when the system lock key is in the locked position.
3 Docking status indicator: This indicator turns on when your computer is docked.
4 Eject button: Press the eject button to release the computer from the docking station.
5 Sliding adjuster: Use the sliding adjuster as a guide to align the docking station connector on your computer when you attach the docking station.
6 Docking station connector: Used to attach your computer.
7 System lock: Use the system lock key to lock the eject button. When the system lock key is in the locked position, the eject button of the docking station is locked; you cannot attach or remove your computer.
Rear view
1 Always On USB connector: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0 or charge some mobile digital devices and smartphones when your computer is in sleep or hibernation mode.
2 USB 2.0 connectors: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0.
3 USB 3.0 connectors: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 3.0.
4 Ethernet connector: Used to connect the docking station to an Ethernet LAN.
Note: If you need to use an Ethernet connector or an external monitor connector when your computer is attached to a docking station, use the Ethernet connector or the external monitor connector on the docking station, instead of the one on the computer.
5 ac power connector: Used to connect the ac power adapter.
6 DisplayPort connector: Used to attach a high-performance monitor, a direct-drive monitor, or other devices that use a DisplayPort connector.
7 DVI connector: Used to connect a monitor that supports Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connection.
Note: The DVI connector provides a digital interface only. This connector can only be used with a computer that supports DVI connection.
8 VGA connector: Used to connect the computer to a VGA-compatible video device, such as a VGA monitor.
9 Audio connector: Used to connect headphones or a headset that has a 3.5-mm (0.14-inch) 4-pole plug to the audio connector to listen to the sound from the computer.
10 Security-lock slot: To protect your docking station from theft, you can use a security cable lock, such as a Kensington-style cable lock, that fits this security-lock slot to lock your docking station to a desk, table, or other non-permanent fixture.
ThinkPad Ultra Dock
Front view
1 Power button: Press the power button to turn on or turn off the computer.
2 Key lock indicator: This indicator turns on when the system lock key is in the locked position.
3 Docking status indicator: This indicator turns on when your computer is docked.
4 Eject button: Press the eject button to release the computer from the docking station.
5 Sliding adjuster: Use the sliding adjuster as a guide to align the docking station connector on your computer when you attach the docking station.
6 Docking station connector: Used to attach your computer.
7 System lock: Use the system lock key to lock the eject button. When the system lock key is in the locked position, the eject button of the docking station is locked; you cannot attach or remove your computer.
Rear view
1 Always On USB connector: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0 or charge some mobile digital devices and smartphones when your computer is in sleep or hibernation mode.
2 USB 2.0 connectors: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 2.0.
3 USB 3.0 connectors: Used to connect devices that are compatible with USB 3.0.
4 Ethernet connector: Used to connect the docking station to an Ethernet LAN.
Note: If you need to use an Ethernet connector or an external monitor connector when your computer is attached to a docking station, use the Ethernet connector or the external monitor connector on the docking station, instead of the one on the computer.
5 ac power connector: Used to connect the ac power adapter.
6 DisplayPort connectors: Used to attach a high-performance monitor, a direct-drive monitor, or other devices that use a DisplayPort connector.
7 HDMI connector: Used to connect a high-definition television.
8 DVI connector: Used to connect a monitor that supports Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connection.
Note: The DVI connector provides a digital interface only. This connector can only be used with a computer that supports DVI connection.
9 VGA connector: Used to connect the computer to a VGA-compatible video device, such as a VGA monitor.
10 Audio connector: Used to connect headphones or a headset that has a 3.5-mm (0.14-inch) 4-pole plug to the audio connector to listen to the sound from the computer.
11 Security-lock slot: To protect your docking station from theft, you can use a security cable lock, such as a Kensington-style cable lock, that fits this security-lock slot to lock your docking station to a desk, table, or other non-permanent fixture.
Attaching a ThinkPad docking station
To attach your computer to a supported ThinkPad docking station, do the following:
Note: The ThinkPad Basic Dock does not have the system lock.
1. Disconnect all cables and devices from the computer.
2. Ensure that the system lock key is turned to the unlocked position (horizontal).
3. Align the top-left corner of the computer with the position mark of the docking station. Attach your computer to the docking station vertically until you hear a click 1. Then turn the system lock key to the locked position 2.
4. Check the docking status indicator. If the docking status indicator is not turned on, it indicates that your computer is not correctly attached to the docking station. Check the ac power adapter of the docking station, or disconnect and reattach the ac power adapter.
Note: The computer will be in battery mode if you attach it to a docking station that is not connected to ac power.
Detaching a ThinkPad docking station
To detach your computer from a ThinkPad docking station, do the following:
Note: The ThinkPad Basic Dock does not have the system lock.
1. Disconnect all cables and devices from the computer.
2. Ensure that the system lock key is turned to the unlocked position (horizontal).
3. Press the eject button until the computer moves up. Then, grasp both sides of the computer to remove it.
Connecting external displays to a docking station
For the ThinkPad Pro Dock, if you connect two external displays to the DisplayPort connector and the DVI connector, the DVI connector is inactive.
For the ThinkPad Ultra Dock, if you connect two external displays to the DisplayPort connector and the DVI connector, the DVI connector is inactive.
For the ThinkPad Ultra Dock, if you connect two external displays to the DisplayPort connector and the HDMI connector, the HDMI connector is inactive.
Security features
The system lock key has two positions as shown in the drawing.
The security feature is different when the key is in different positions:
• When the key is in position 1, the eject button of the docking station is locked, and you cannot remove your computer. The key lock indicator is on when the eject button is locked. The security cable is locked.
• When the key is in position 2, the eject button of the docking station is unlocked, and you can remove your computer. The key lock indicator is off when the eject button is unlocked. The security cable is locked.