X201 ultrabase and battery question

I got 2 questions:

Is the ultrabase worth it? I know it depends on the enduser, but was it useful to you and worth the 200 dollars extra? Do you ever take it with you while you are mobile so it becomes a small pseudo T series that comes with the DVD drive?

Also, I know the 6 cell battery protrudes down the back. What I cant seem to find verification on is whether the entire X201 gets lifted up a bit on the back, or that it is basically the same dimensions as with the 4 cell battery?

 

I think the biggest plus of the UltraBase is that it allows you to have digital video out - the X201 only has VGA-out for video, so for the best quality high-res video, you'll need to use the UltraBase. The DVD drive isn't much of an added bonus in my opinion, seeing as you can get external CD/DVD burners for as low as $20 if you're lucky.

The entire X201 gets lifted up a bit on the back, so there's slightly more slant when it's sitting flat on a desk - but, it's barely noticeable, so I'd say that the 6-cell is definitely worth it over the 4-cell for the better battery life.

 

For me the ultrabase isnt a must but more of a convenience thing so I can keep the homesetup in place without plugging in. If Im feeling cheap at the checkout I might opt out of the ultrabase.

The biggest shame I notice is that the ultrabase itself isnt a battery also. I sincerely hope they make their ultrabase as such in the future.

 

Not having to plug in your peripherals every time is why they made the ultrabase. You can use modular battery in the ultrabase.

 

Any thoughts on getting the ultrabase new from eBay? I see a couple of well reviewed sellers offering it for $200 w/ DVD burner module included, which is a lot better than the $340 the combo costs through Lenovo. Also, I'm not clear if there are two bays in the ultrabase or just one? i.e. can you have both the optical drive and an extra battery or hard drive?

 

You might do better buying them separately. You may want to post over on ThinkPads.com in the marketplace forum that you're looking for one or both.

 

you can get a second hand one from ebay for around 100 USD or so. I needed the displayport, so it was worth it to me. I got my second one for around 70 USD, which was a bargain in Australia.

 

I used to have a X200 ultrabase but returned it. It was totally not worth it. It was way overpriced at $200 and should cost only $50 for what essentially is a flimsy piece of plastic. Mine didn't even come with the DVD drive at the price. If you must, look for a deal or buy used. Not recommended at $200+.