Which dock for the T430 or T430s?

I wouldn't need it for anything crazy. Basically just to plug in an external monitor which I have yet to buy.

Which one of the Lenovo docks should I purchase and why?

 

You don't need a dock to plug in a monitor.

 

You can connect an external monitor through HDMI port at the back of that laptop.

 

but don't docks provide additional benefits? such as if i were to unplug the laptop each day i wouldn't have to replug everything each time i go to the office?

 

Of course they do. I think some of the responses are just to make sure you know a dock isn't a requirement for a single monitor.

I believe nearly every dock made since the T410/T410s will work with the T430/T430s. There have been very few changes except the recent addition of USB 3.0 and dropping the eSATA port.

See Lenovo Quick Pick

 

This.

You can also consider some of the new USB docks; they aren't really a dock in the true sense of it, but they are cheaper and maybe appropriate if you don't need a whole lot of extra ports, etc.

 

USB 2.0 is going to be starving for bandwidth if you want to do video out on it, I'd go for at least USB 3.0 if you want video though a USB dock. Unless you intend to plug in keyboard, mouse and monitor at the very least, I don't see a reason to get a dock. I got mine because I have those three and a few other devices that I always have connected at the office so it was easier than to plug/unplug everything. If you get a used dock and want a one button solution, you may have to get another power supply as well, at least that's how it was for my Precision.

 

i think there's some good advice in here. i'll hold off on the dock until i actually feel i need one. thanks everyone.