Dock Descriptions

Can anyone clarify what the most recent USB 3.0 series of docks offer (by part number?) I ordered part 433615W (Port Replicator Series 3 with USB 3.0) and got a dock with a single USB 3 port, 3 USB 2, a single VGA connector, and power port with no power supply. I ordered this part with a T430 order, and it arrived overnite from a in state depot, it's just not what sales promised me.

Both online sales and indian tech support claim that what I ordered should include a power supply, audio ports, and a display port. A indian sounding supervisor promised to make the situation right but still has no idea what the difference between the docks is. It would be great to at least understand what I am bargaining for after 3+ hours of negotiating thus far.

All of the newest docks list this misleading blob of text as the description.

 

What you got is accurate with the description of the port replicator. You haven't bought a "Mini Dock", hence you did not get Audio, Displayport or a PSU.

If you read/format the description properly you can easily see this for yourself:


The ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 with USB 3.0 family is ideal for notebook users who need instant connectivity to Ethernet, multiple USB devices, audio and video equipment, and robust key lock security.

The ThinkPad Series 3 Docking Station with USB 3.0 family includes:

• ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3 with USB 3.0
• ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 with USB 3.0
• ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 90W
• ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 170W

One Super-Speed USB 3.0 Port on each dock

• Left corner alignment for easy system attachment
• Convenient eject button for one-step system removal

USB Ports:

• Port Replicator: 3x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
• Mini Dock: 5x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
• Mini Dock Plus (90W & 170W): 6x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0

Multiple video ports:

• Port Replicator: 1x VGA
• Mini Dock: 1x VGA, 1x DVI, 1x DP

The video controller allows for any two video ports to be used simultaneously.

Hence, there is no point in arguing with customer support. If you are unhappy with the Port Replicator you will have to return it and buy a Mini Dock instead.

I agree that even properly formatted that description can be difficult to understand.

• Audio: All but the Port Replicator have analog audio and mic ports
• Video: The Mini Dock Plus has 1xVGA, 2x DVI and 2x DP
• PSU: The normal Mini Dock comes with a 90W PSU (at least in Europe), although it is not listed in the description

Hope that helps.

 

Even with what is written its still hard to get a clear picture per say, but your comments do help.

I would normally acknowledge that I should need to upgrade by reordering but after having
1) Initial Sales Representative for the computer + port replicator+ warranty
2) Technical Support Level 1
3) A Technical Support Supervisor

All insist over 3-4 hours of my time that my port replicator does have both audio ports, a display port, and a questionably a power supply I really would expect Lenovo to make good on what they keep insisting on telling me.

The most frustrating part is not one of these 3 people could even tell me what part number I should be ordering even if I paid the difference, and that is the real problem from the sales rep that sold me the whole package on up, since not even they can decipher this description.

 

I understand your frustration, Sales Reps should know the difference between the Port Replicator and the Mini Series. I guess your best option is to return and reorder.