Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 Dock

This dock adds essential functionality to the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 to perform as a mini-workstation.Unpowered peripherals such as external hard drives or optical drives that connect to the low powered USB 2.0 port on the Tablet 2 itself unfortunately will not work. When connected to an external power supply, this dock supports 3 high powered USB 2.0 ports which allow for unpowered peripherals to run off them.If Ethernet connection is important to you at home or in the office, then the presence of an RJ45 jack is a sight for sore eyes.The dock also comes with a full size HDMI port to allow for connection of the Tablet 2 to an external monitor.The charging cable that comes with the Tablet 2 connects via a low voltage micro-USB and results in very long charge times (upwards of 4-6 hours). However, the 65W AC adapter on this dock allows for rapid charge times on the order of approx. 1-2 hours.Though somewhat pricey for what it is, I think this dock does just enough to warrant the cost.

This expensive add-on accomplishes two things: Charging the tablet quickly (I've found about a 1:3 ratio for charging time:normal use) and using USB-powered devices.The first use shouldn't be necessary -- who ever heard of a docking station charging something faster than the included cable?I understand the second use, and this is the only reason why this doesn't get one star. A tiny light tablet like the ThinkPad 2 can not be expected to power external drives, usb soldering irons, etc. But as another reviewer pointed out, when you remove the tablet from the docking station, all the usb ports go dark! Terrible - remove one star from five.Secondly, it took me probably two hours of head scratching to figure out why my Logitech Unifying USB dongle that was plugged into the one and only USB port on my tablet would shut down when I put the tablet in the docking station. Head scratching turned into forehead slap when I finally figured out that the USB port on the tablet itself shuts off when in the docking station.You might have figured it out faster than I did, but I was downloading new drivers, looking for good-old IRQ conflicts and all kinds of software and driver nonsense. It never occurred to me to take the dongle from the side of the tablet and plug it into the back of the dock. Another star removed.Finally, I find myself putting my wallet underneath the front of this so that I can view the screen properly while seated at a desk. Otherwise at a normal distance it points the screen right at my sternum.So:Pros:Charges faster than included power supplyCan power high-amperage USB devicesIs a USB hub adding two more ports (plus audio in/out and HDMI and LAN)Cons:Included power supply charges slowerUSB port built into tablet shuts off when dockedUSB ports in dock shut off when tablet removedViewing angle of tablet not adjustable and too lowFor the price I paid, this thing should make espresso in its underwear. Instead, I get an awkward (and sharp btw) chunk of plastic with some flawed port replication.

Does what it's supposed to do. It's well made and has enough weight to it that it doesn't slide around on your desk. If there's a downside it's that it's overpriced. But that's pretty much par for the course with Lenovo accessories. They are still banking on IBM's reputation to let them sell stuff that's about 75% the quality of what IBM made for 100% of the price. Seriously, this probably cost Lenovo less than $20 to make. Can't say I blame them though, it's a solid business plan, and if you want a dock for this tablet, you have no other choice. I'm comfortable recommending this though. As long as you don't mind the price, it's very useful and it charges the tablet and hold it conveniently and it charges MUCH more quickly in this dock than it does just plugged in with the included USB cable. Solid accessory and a good choice for anyone who uses a ThinkPad Tablet 2 regularly.

It's a shame. Bought my first IBM respectively Lenovo decades ago. The quality became more and more inacceptable. The Lenovo Tablet 1 was completely waste of money. The mini USB charger was damaged after a few weeks with a lot of warranty bla bla these and that I got it repaired back- Meaning they had to change the whole motherboard because of that mini USB thing which is soldered cheap. Guess what happened. Yes same issue a few days later. So I bought a Docking Station for Tablet 1 but then after 1 year whole thing somehow collapsed. I mean I want something I can use what's that.I gave Lenovo a second chance, since I am a T model User and appreciate Lenovo. I don't like apple, don't like Samsung especially because they don't provide USB Slots etc. and I thought, come on this thing has windows, so it should be like a PC. But I realize it is not the same thing. For instance u can not install Linux on that thing. Anyway I bought Tablet 2-To make long story short-it is completely useless even though it was one of the most expensive Tablets in the market. Nevertheless it is more useless without this overrated, way too expensive Docking Station. I mean Lenovo are kidding us, you are selling the most expensive useless Tablet with a charging system which is not working properly, where we have to buy an additional item just to charge the item properly.I'm really disappointed. Not to mention all the problems I had with Wi-Fi etc.Really to everyone out there, don't buy Lenovo Tablets. Buy a ThinkPad; buy a Working station but not Tablets. You don't get Lenovo Quality. I don't know who is doing the Design, production, promotion etc. But I'm sure it is not the same team.

the dock is fine and does what you would assume. the problem is that the tablet is not powerful enough to drive an external monitor and still be useable. If you can't connect to an external monitor then the dock is basically just a way to use the tablet as its charging.