Questions on Ultrabay 3

Hi,

I'll possibly get a Ultrabay when I order the X220. However I couldn't find much information about it. Basically I'd like to install a HDD in the Ultrabay. Is it possible with the built-in DVD drive? Also I'm not sure but does the Ultrabay feature an expresscard slot like on the laptop? I'd like to install an USB3.0 card in it, is that possible?

Thanks

 

No usb3 or expresscard. As far as i understood, you CAN get an ultrabay tray that will take hard drives.

 

So the HDD cannot simply be slipped in the Ultrabay? I need something additional (tray)? Will this take the place of the DVD drive?

Too bad it doesn't have an express card reader or something to hook-up an aftermarket USB 3.0 adapter... Do you find this Ultrabay useful then? I wonder whether it's a must-have or not...

 

Fist of all, you need to look at the pics and specs of the X220 carefully before you order. The X220 doesn't have an optical drive or Ultrabay so the question is moot.

However, the optional Ultrabase does. You need the Series III hard drive adaptor to use a HDD or SSD in the Ultrabay in the Ultrabase.

 

Yes I was referring to the docking station Ultrabase 3 and not Ultrabay, sorry for the typo!

So this HDD adaptor would fit in the Ultrabase but I guess then I'd need to remove the optical drive?

 

Yup.
And if you don't want to be pulling either one out constantly, buy an external enclosure for the dvd drive to connect it via USB.

 

Yes, using an extra hard drive means you have to make room somewhere. In this case, you need to remove the CD drive in order to fit it in.

The hard drives used in laptops are small, and not the same size or shape as a CD drive. In order to plug it in, you need an adapter - basically a piece of plastic that lets you connect the HDD snugly into the same spot as the CD used to be. This is the UltraBay SATA tray that other people posted about.

 

Fwiw, I'm pretty sure that the ultrabase does not come with the optical drive, but that it is a $179 option.

 

Which is why the ultrabase is an ultra ripoff.

 

Indeed, I'll probably skip it as I thought I could have both the DVD and an additional HDD for backup at the same time. Probably much better to get an external DVD drive for 50$ and plug the USB HDD directly on the laptop...

Thanks guys for your king help!

 

Yup. I'm begrudgingly getting one because I am grabbing my X220 to go quite often, and I don't like going through the unplugging and plugging in routine (it will be sweet being able to just unclick it and go).

But it costs too much. Below i tried the online chat-thingy with a Lenovo agent to get a discount. Denied. When she asked if I wanted the optical drive and I looked at the link and saw that it was $179, I couldn't help myself from laughing. My $40 newegg external DVD will do fine thank you. And I'm getting the ultrabase for a bit less elsewhere (directdial.com).

Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to **Lenovo Rep.
**Lenovo Rep: Thank you for choosing Lenovo chat. My name is Nameless One and my rep ID is xxxxxxxxxx. What can I help you with today?
Customer: Hi. I am interested in the "ThinkPad UltraBase Series 3". What would the shipping charges be to mytown BC Canada?
**Lenovo Rep: shipping would be free, you would only be charged the tax for BC:12%
Customer: Thanks. I wish I had purchased it along with the X220 system that is being delivered, because I could have then received a 15% (or more) discount on it). Is there any way to get a discount on it now?
**Lenovo Rep: I can see what I can do, are you also buying the dvd?
Customer: Sorry, got distracted. Is there a link for the DVD?
**Lenovo Rep: yes sure
Customer: Are you providing me with the link?
Customer: I see that you are distracted also LOL!
Customer: Hello Houston... do we have a problem?
**Lenovo Rep: sorry about the wait!
**Lenovo Rep: I had to take calls from cx..
**Lenovo Rep: ok so the dvd https://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary...DCE704020B8E567C67D3FA082&&hide_menu_area=yes
Customer: $179 Lol! No, I will not be buying that also.
**Lenovo Rep: oh ok, thanks
Customer: So in summary, I am just interested in getting an awesome discount on the Ultrabase!
**Lenovo Rep: I just checked and we don't have a lower price than $219.99 for the ultrabase, i'm sorry
**Lenovo Rep: even the employee price is the same
Customer: Wow, surprising. Do you think it would ever go on sale?
**Lenovo Rep: i don't know, not right now since it is a new product
Customer: Ok. Thanks for your time. Ciao.

 

TBH I don't believe any of this crap. I ended up trying to purchase the extended warranty (3 year w/ TPP) after I bought my x220t. My rep told me that he would need my model number and serial number for him to find the right warranty. I gave it to him. He told me he couldn't get me anything cheaper than $269. Even he couldn't get a cheaper deal as an employee. Stupidly, I listened to him. After I placed my order, on whim I went and looked up the part number for the warranty that he quoted me. Lenovo's site, without ANY COUPON CODES or any special links, was offering me $206ish... It seems that most of these sales reps are LYING through their teeth.

 

In fact if one is interested in having a base to plug all USB cables etc at home, it's probably better to get the port replicator (cheaper than UBase I think) and plug an external USB DVD drive or any other accessories to it.

 

I suppose with the X220 the Ultrabase 3 is not a particularly good deal.

But for my W520 I figured it was as it came with the 170W brick which is pretty expensive alone.

I can also use it with my X220.

I have a scanner, two drives, a USB dongle for my keyboard and mouse, my monitor (soon to be 2) and my internet cable plugged into it.

Plugging and unplugging all that without a base would be ridiculous.

Perry