OneLink vs OneLink Pro vs ThinkPad Docks

Hello All,

I'm on the verge of picking up an x240 or possible the Thinkpad Yoga which I would like to use with a dock and a couple of external montiors. I'm trying to get my head around the docking optionsand have the following questions...

First, does the x240 support Onelink docks? I know it supports the Pro/Ultra Thinkpad Docks but I can't seem to find a clear answer re: the Onelink docks.

What bus interface are the OneLink docks using? Lenovo seems to suggest that the video is passthrough, at least for the OneLink Pro. I assume this means it functions like a traditional dock with no performance penalty or drivers. In other words, it's something like thunderbolt and not USB3 based.

Assuming this is the case, are there any bandwidth related limitations? Could I run a 2560x1440 monitor off the DP and a 1920x1080 monitor off the DVI?

Finally, whatever docking option I settle on, what happens to the internal LCD when it's docked? Could I run all three displays at the same time?

Thanks for the help!

 

Judging by the pictures, the x240 is not compatible with the OneLink dock. I currently have a ThinkPad Yoga and it works great with the OneLink Dock. Though some have been having issues with some USB devices disconnecting/reconnecting from it, I've only experienced it once so far. Lenovo is currently working to find a definite solution for those who are facing problems.

-I am not sure on the details of the OneLink bus interface, but I understand that it is driver free and should have no impact on performance. So far that has been my experience.
-In terms of resolution output, only the OneLink PRO dock can output to 2560x1440 via the display port. With the ThinkPad Yoga, you can run 2 monitors at 2560x1440 simultaneously by connecting one to the DisplayPort and one to the mini hdmi on the laptop itself
-Yes you can use the laptop screen at the same time, so 3 displays in all.

Hope you make the right choice. I must say I've been loving the ThinkPad Yoga since I got it. Best machine I've ever had so far. If you need the various modes, digitizer support, onelink docking, I'd easily choose the TPY over the x240 any day.

Regards,
Soul

 

Thanks Soul, that's a very helpful response. I haven't purchased yet so I'll take another look at the Yoga before I finalize anything.

 

No problem. If you have any questions about the Yoga let me know. In the end it's really a personal decision dependent on your own use and needs.

 

The best solution for multimonitor support is to purchase a DisplayPort MST Hub. It will basically convert one DP (mini DP for ThinkPad) into three separate DP which can power three monitors. Amazon is selling one for $100. DP port is much more versatile than HDMI or DVI.

Amazon.com : Accell K088B-003B Mini DisplayPort 1.2 to DisplayPort Multi-display Adapter : Electronics Cable Connectors : Electronics

I personally use the UltraDock as I wanted all the ports option it had and because It can drive 3 DP monitor (2 DP on dock , 1 mini DP on laptop), power my laptop, and eliminate all the hassle of plugging in any wires.

 

While mostly true, one exception to that appears to be the Ethernet port. With regular docks it just replicates the Ethernet port on the laptop, but with Yoga, which does not have Ethernet on-board, the OneLink Ethernet port is apparently a separate device internally connected over USB, so there's probably some performance penalty over regular PCI Ethernet.

 

Is that true in theory that you can drive three DP's from say, an X230? Would that also work with 2 x DVI (from Dock) and 1 x Mini-DP (from laptop)? Although I can say, no, that doesn't work, as I just tried it.

 

X230 can drive 3 DP, one miniDP and two DP from the Series 3 Workstation dock.

 

If the mini DP port on the x230 is DP 1.2, you can run 3 monitors with that one port. DP 1.1 isn't supported.

On my T440s, I can run 3 monitor using the DP on the ultradock and the DP on my laptop. I think the reason yours doesn't work is because Intel requires that two devices be using DP and only one can use DVI.

 

Hi Soul347,

Thanks for your posts. I am having some trouble getting a laptop, docking station,and external monitor configuration that works well for me, and I was hoping you might be able to help. I have tried to get clear and accurate answers from sales people and technical support but that hasn't worked. Sigh. Here is my setup:


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ThinkPad Yoga.
20CD0032US / No digitizer

OneLink Dock / Not the Pro model

AOC q2963Pm - 29" LED-backlit LCD monitor
LED Backlit · 29 inch · HDMI · DVI · DisplayPort · VGA · 2560 x 1080 · With Speakers
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When the monitor is connected to the dock (via the HDMI) cable, the monitor resolution only goes as high as 1920 x 1200 and looks awful. If I connect the monitor directly to the laptop via a miniHDMI to HDMI cable or to an older laptop via a VGA cable, it looks great. So I am assuming this is a limitation of the OneLink dock. Does that sound right?

Do you think using the OneLink Dock Pro would solve my problem? And if so, which connections on the monitor and the dock pro would you suggest I try to use?

I hope to hear from you!