Does the M200 attach to the port replicator like

[mjmattson]

Does the M200 attach to the port replicator like the docking station (with the port underneath the tablet)?

What do people think of it? Does it work well? I would like to have a "dock" to attach my M200 to and hook it up to my Cybex SwitchView KVM. What external ports does it have for mouse/keyboard/video hookup?

Thanks for any help.

[mochant]

Yes it uses the connector on the bottom of the M200. I'm really pleased with the port replicator. It works very well, ejects quickly, and is well integrated with the Toshiba Mobile Extension and Config Free utilities.

When I dock, it automatically switches my connection from WiFi to wired, switches the display to my LCD flat panel monitor (or switches to dual creen mode which I use occasionally) and the whole process takes about 5 seconds.

The only real addition in terms of connectivity you get is extra USB ports (four). There is one hitch - one of the USB ports on the replicator has a glitch and creates problems when you undock. A co-worker who has the same setup as me keeps his keyboard plugged into that slot - I just don't use it.

You will see connectors on the replicator that the M200 doesn't support and so cannot be used (serial, DVI, etc.) It does give you a working parallel port though.

HTH

[edeyler]

Yes, it attaches via the large connector on the bottom of the tablet. As several other users have commented earlier, it also holds the M200 at a very convenient angle for typing or for drawing in landscape mode.

I've been using my port replicator almost every day since January with no complaints whatsoever---every once in a while the computer fails to register on the connector on the first try, but all that's necessary is to wiggle it a little. My primary purpose for it is to avoid the need to plug in cables for a mouse, charger, wired network connection, and so forth. It serves this need admirably. I still use my desktop computer for most office tasks, but the tablet is there when I need it, and the replicator also gives me a trouble-free high-speed data connection via my tiny Linksys switch, which also provides a connection to the Internet. The combination of Windows and Intel ProSet automatically uses the wired network whenever it is available, and the wireless connection (to a WAP down the hall) when it isn't.

Regarding your question about mouse/keyboard/video hookups, there's a list of ports in the documentation on the Toshiba website, but here's a quick summary: When used with the M200, the Port Replicator III adds four additional USB ports, for a total of six accessible USB connectors including the ones on the tablet, and one parallel port. It also replicates the VGA video connector, modem port, network cable port, charger input, and audio connections, although all of these are merely extensions of the existing ports, for convenience in making cable-free connections. The other five connectors on the back of the replicator are not functional with the M200, and are intended for use with larger Toshiba notebooks. I covered them immediately with black plastic electrical tape when the port replicator arrived, so that I'm not even tempted to try using them.

In particular, don't try to use the old-style mouse and keyboard connectors; instead plan to use USB or some sort of adapter. This may be a problem when using your Cybex switch, depending on what it can do.

It's also worth noting that the original Toshiba BIOS had problems with improperly handling disconnections of one particular USB port. However, a BIOS update was issued to correct this issue, so if you have updated to version 1.2 or 1.3, you should be fine.

[edeyler]

Oops! Mochant submitted his reply while I was composing mine. At least we agree for the most part. I think the only differences are that (1) I don't need ConfigFree, at least for my uses, and removed it for simplicity, and (2) I'm pretty sure that the BIOS fix took care of the 'glitch' that mochant mentioned, although I have not done exhaustive testing.

Oh, one other remark---if you are using the Toshiba PA3352U DVD/CD-RW drive, especially for writing, it's preferable to plug it directly into the M200 rather than into one of the added USB connectors. Under some conditions the port replicator USB connectors don't seem to supply as much power as it's looking for, and an error message can result. My impression is that this is an issue only if you do not have the DVD drive connected to ac power.

[mochant]

quote:Originally posted by edeyler

Oops! Mochant submitted his reply while I was composing mine. At least we agree for the most part. I think the only differences are that (1) I don't need ConfigFree, at least for my uses, and removed it for simplicity, and (2) I'm pretty sure that the BIOS fix took care of the 'glitch' that mochant mentioned, although I have not done exhaustive testing.

Oh, one other remark---if you are using the Toshiba PA3352U DVD/CD-RW drive, especially for writing, it's preferable to plug it directly into the M200 rather than into one of the added USB connectors. Under some conditions the port replicator USB connectors don't seem to supply as much power as it's looking for, and an error message can result. My impression is that this is an issue only if you do not have the DVD drive connected to ac power.

Thanks for the tip on the BIOS update. I'll have to check my version to see if I need the update. I always have my USB optical drive connected to AC power at my desk and so have not experienced the underpowered problem you describe but it's a good thing to know.

[michalis]

Has anyone tried to use the DVI port? Is it functional? I am asking this because the DVI port is functional with the Tecra M2 even though the laptop does not have such port (I got this from the M2 specification pdf). I am thinking of buying an external DVI monitor.

[ChadMcAllister]

My new M200 arrived this week, with the Advanced Port Replicator III--Christmas in July [xmas]. I am having trouble setting up an extneral monitor with the Port Replicator. I can get the Tablet LCD and the external monitor to have the same image, but if I close the Tablet (I put the tablet in front of the external monitor, and need to close its lid to see the external monitor) it hypernates. Is there any way to stop it from hypernating.

Also, I would love to dock in Slate mode and be able to see the same image on the Slate as I do on the external monitor. This way I can write on the tablet while seeing a larger display on the monitor. BUT, one image is always upside down--can you tell the Tablet to flip the image on the external monitor?

Thanks for the help!
-Chad

[justjoem2]

ChadMcAllister

quote:Port Replicator. I can get the Tablet LCD and the external monitor to have the same image, but if I close the Tablet (I put the tablet in front of the external monitor, and need to close its lid to see the external monitor) it hypernates. Is there any way to stop it from hypernating.

Open the Toshiba Power saver utility. Open the setup actions. On the when I close the lid tab select “Take no action�

If you just do this for the Full Power setting it will continue to hibernate when you close the screen when you are mobile.

[serf]

re: external monitor orientation

http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/to...TOPIC_ID=14884

or

http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/to...TOPIC_ID=14746

[ChadMcAllister]

Great advice! My tablet no longer hypernates when the lid is closed. It really is the simple things in life that I enjoy most :)

Any ideas on inverting the external monitor display, so it will be right-side up when the Tablet is in Slate mode?

Thanks for the help!