Complete Guide On Lenovo ThinkPad Docking Station Dual Monitor Setup

Here, we will explain the Lenovo ThinkPad docking station (Station) on a brief note. So let us begin without any delay.

About Product

It is an expansion module that is highly portable and helps to connect your computer easily with other multiple devices; monitors, headsets, USB devices, and Ethernet as well.

You can easily set your working area up by connecting the dock with your laptop’s USB-C port and then you can attach multiple devices in the docking station after configuring the dock with your laptop. The dock supplies power to your computer as well when it is connected to it following things are present in the Dock box.

• ThinkPad USB-C docking station
• Power Cord
• Power Adapter
• USB-C cable
• Warranty Poster

What are the Main Features Of Lenovo ThinkPad Docking Station?

After configuring the dock station with your computer now you can enjoy the following features that will definitely add ease to your whole working.

• Number of USB connectors: 3 USB 3.0 connectors, 2 USB 2.0 connectors, and 1 USB-C connector
• Networking connection: Gigabit Ethernet speed
• External Monitors Support: Display Port (DP) monitor and (VGA) video graphics array monitor
• Functions that dock support:

1. In Windows 7 only you can have ThinkVantage Access Connections.
2. (PXE) Preboot eXecution Environment
3. (MAC) Media Access Control address Pass-Through
4. Wake on LAN

Maximum Refresh Rate And Resolution Of ThinkPad Dock

If you want to achieve maximum resolution and enjoy a better display then you must connect 1 or 2 display monitors with the dock at the same time. The refresh rate and the resolution of the Lenovo ThinkPad Docking Station Dual Monitor setup are:

• Output only: 3840 x 2160 pixels (30 Hz)
• VGA output only: 1920 x 1200 pixels (60 Hz)
• VGA and DP simultaneous output: 1920 x 1080 pixels (60 Hz)
• The simultaneous DP and DP output: 1920 x 1080 pixels (60 Hz)

Components And Controls Of The Lenovo ThinkPad Dock

Following is the list of components and their usage as well. It will help you understand the functionalities and usage of different controls present in your Lenovo ThinkPad Docking Station Dual Monitor Setup.

The power button of the dock is just like the power button of your computer. When your java to turn your dock on then press it and when your computer is off press this button to turn the dock off. This power button is used to sleep, hibernate, turn off, turn on, or wake up your dock. You can change the function of the power button in the settings as well.

You can lock your desk to the table or desk, or other security fixing points with the security cable lock and that fits perfectly on the security-lock slot. It will avoid your docking station from theft.

This is a 3.5 mm jack in which you can plug your headset for an amazing sound experience.

With the USB 3.0 connectors, you can attach your USB devices such as printers and USB storage devices. Always connect a USB 3.0 device to a USB 3.0 connector instead of USB 2.0 for a better data transfer rate.

This connector is compatible with USB-C type devices only.

For a direct drive monitor, high-performing monitor, or other devices that require a DP connector for their working.

With this USB connector, you can charge your devices when your computer is in sleep, hibernation, or even turned off as well. You can also use it when the dock is disconnected from the laptop.

Used to connect the dock with an Ethernet LAN via cable

For connecting USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or printers, etc.

To connect VGA monitors or other compatible devices you can use this connector.

This USB-C connector allows a connection between the dock and your computer by using a USB-C cable.

Connects dock to the adapter that gives it power.

Compatible Operating Systems

Before using the ThinkPad Docking station make sure that your computer is running on one of the following operating systems:

• Windows 7
• Windows 10

How To Set Up Your Lenovo ThinkPad Docking Station Dual Monitor Setup?

Here in this section, we will discuss the procedure to set up your docking station and connect it with the laptop. So let us begin from a scratch.

Install The Device Driver On Your Windows OS

Generally, the driver is preinstalled in the dock you just have to plug and play the device. This driver only works on compatible devices. Your device may start working after you connect it to your computer. For the latest dock driver, you can also install it from the official Lenovo website by simply following the steps.

• Go to the official Lenovo Website.
• Select the entry for your dock and follow the on-screen guidelines.

Steps Involved In Connecting Dock With Your Computer

You can connect your computer easily with the Lenovo ThinkPad Dock by considering the following steps:

1. Use a power cord with the AC adapter.
2. Plug the power cord into the electric switch.
3. Then connect the power adaptor to the power connector of the dock.
4. Plug one end of USB Type C cable into your dock.
5. Then connect the other end of the USB C cable with your computer.

For The Connection With External Monitors

If you want to use the Dock for video output then you can use any of its three video output ports. You can add two or more display monitors at the same time, as the dock offers three external displays simultaneously. These external displays are:

• 2 DP connectors
• 1 HDMI connector

Supported Resolutions

The docking station supports the following resolutions that depend upon the Thunderbolt 3 connectors or USB-C connectors which are present on your computer.

The Display port 1.4 that supports USB type C connector or Thunderbolt 3 gives the resolution:

• 1 video/display external connections: up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 60 Hz
• 2 video/display output connections: up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 30 Hz
• 3 video/display output connections: up to 1920 x 1080 pixels / 60 Hz

The Display port 1.2 that supports USB type c connector or Thunderbolt 3 gives the resolution:

• 1 video/display output connection: up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 30 Hz
• 2 video/display output connection: up to 1920 x 1080 pixels / 60 Hz

Configuration Of External Display Monitors

You can also configure the display settings of your device that you have connected externally with your dock.

• Firstly set the display mode by selecting an option that states extend, mirror, single display, or duplicate.
• Then you have to set the color, brightness, sharpness, resolution, and orientation of your display monitor.

For the configuration of display monitors following steps should be taken:

• Select screen resolution (Windows 7) or Display settings (Windows 10) by right-clicking on a blank place on your screen.
• Here you can select your desired display setting or configuration.
• Select the display settings just according to your desire.

Note:

Avoid connecting three monitors, it will lower down the quality and resolution of the video.