T400 and Advanced mini dock

[cosma12]

Hi  - I have a T400 with integrated graphics and I'm looking into getting an Advanced mini dock to run an external monitor.

What resolution outputs did you successfully got through the VGA port of the advanced mini dock ? - this will help me figure out what monitor to get, I read that many got poor signal from this dock when using the VGA port.

As my T400 has only integrated graphics, I wont be able to use the DVI port - is this still true, or something has changed ?

Your input would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

Cosmin

[zilla]

DVI will work with a T400 that comes with Integrated graphics only.

On a T400 that ships with both discrete and integrated graphics DVI will neither work in energy savings  (integrated mode) graphics setting  while running with switchable graphics (Vista) nor with integrated graphics set in bios (Vista and XP.)

[fmyhr · Accepted solution]

Hi cosma12,

Your T400 with integrated graphics can output digital video through the built-in DisplayPort or through the DVI connector on the Advanced Mini Dock. It's only the switchable-graphics T400's that cannot use DVI with the integrated graphics, they have to use the ATI chip instead.

The Intel graphics in the T400 can drive 1920x1200 over DVI or DisplayPort-- which I think is the highest resolution supported by single-link DVI. If you're shopping for monitors, I'd highly recommend getting one with a digital input: DVI / HDMI / DisplayPort; the video quality is theoretically (and practically) better than when using analog (VGA).

EDIT: Oops, the T400 (and R400) do NOT have the DisplayPort, while the larger R500/T500 do. My bad.

Message Edited by fmyhr on 05-21-2009 05:23 PM

[cosma12]

zilla - great, then I'll be able to use the dock's DVI port; makes me even happier that I chose the integrated graphics TP.

fmyhr - 1920x1200 is more than enough - I was looking for a 20" monitor; one thing though - the T400 I have has only a VGA port, I didn't even knew they come with a DisplayPort - do they ?

thanks for your input  - I am comfortable with getting the mini dock now,

Cosmin

[fmyhr]

Cosmin,

I'm sorry, I stand corrected: the T400 does not have a DisplayPort like the R500/T500 do. I guess there wasn't room on the smaller 14.1" chassis of the R400/T400.

[cosma12]

fmyhr - ok, I was thinking that I have it and didn't see it until know  : )

anyway I like the mini dock solution better - no messing with the cables everyday.

best,

cosmin