New Thinkpad, what port is this?

[Big Rig]

Little confused, what is this port does anyone know? I know on the left is USB-C as I’ve connected my external hdd via that, but the two together, what do they form?

[Smiljan]

One on the right is for the ethernet adaptor, I don't know about the other. My ethernet adaptor looks like this on my works thinkpad

Edited by Smiljan on Saturday 21st November 12:23

[Mr Pointy]

Maybe a Thunderbolt connector?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interfa...

[Big Rig]

Here’s the port specs of the laptop...

[eltawater]

It's their proprietary connector for their Ultra Dock.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/ThinkPad-Ultra-dock-...

[Smiljan]

[Murph7355]

It's a Thinkpad dock connector.

The slot to the left can be used as a standard USB-C port.

[Sheepshanks]

Yes - I've got the dock. A hefty slidely mechanism rams connectors into all three of those ports at the same time.

[Big Rig]

Thanks guys. Would I be able to use a hub like this on it or not?

[Sheepshanks]

Do you have a link for it? I had a quick look and one on Amazon that looks same says its for macbook - the connector has two Type C's (so I guess that's what prompted your original question?).

If the spacing happens to be the same (maybe it's an industry standard, but no idea) then it might physically fit but I guess you'd run into a driver problem then.

I think the stand-alone Lenovo docks just connect with a single USB-C.


The docks are often on eBay but if you go that route make sure you figure out which is which as the functionality varies.

https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/pd02962...

[Big Rig]

Sheepshanks said:

Do you have a link for it? I had a quick look and one on Amazon that looks same says its for macbook - the connector has two Type C's (so I guess that's what prompted your original question?).

If the spacing happens to be the same (maybe it's an industry standard, but no idea) then it might physically fit but I guess you'd run into a driver problem then.

I think the stand-alone Lenovo docks just connect with a single USB-C.


The docks are often on eBay but if you go that route make sure you figure out which is which as the functionality varies.

https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/pd02962...

Thank you. Yeah I was thinking the spacing would be the same, never thought about the driver issue!
I’ll just have to shell out for a proper Lenovo one then I suppose.

[eltawater]

Big Rig said:

Thanks guys. Would I be able to use a hub like this on it or not?

It depends on what you want to do with it. What you've pasted a picture of there is really an enhanced port replicator with display connections and a memory card, not a USB hub as such. The one pasted is also for a macbook.

If you're using the laptop with something like Windows 10 then something like this will also work:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WAVLINK-Docking-Station-O...

I have one of those and also an HP 3005PR which does much the same thing, provide extra display connections for more monitors and a lots more USB 2/3 ports, no drivers required and autodetected by Windows 10.

Both the WavLink and the HP connect via USB3 which you already have on your laptop. If all you're after are some more USB ports all of these options are fairly pricey and overkill however. Something like this to connect to your USB C would probably be a much cheaper alternative.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Splitter-Portable-...

Edited by eltawater on Saturday 21st November 19:41

[Sheepshanks]

Big Rig said:

Thank you. Yeah I was thinking the spacing would be the same, never thought about the driver issue!
I’ll just have to shell out for a proper Lenovo one then I suppose.

The Lenovo ones have drivers but you should be fine with a generic one, as others have pointed to.

I don't know if the spacing on the twin USB one is the same but the description is quite specific for Macbook so don't think I'd risk stuffing it into a ThinkPad.

[Big Rig]

Thanks lads. Have just ordered one of these...


USB C Hub Multiport Adapter - 7 in 1 Portable Space Aluminium Dongle with 4K HDMI Output, 3 USB 3.0 Ports, SD/Micro SD Card Reader Compatible for MacBook Pro, XPS More Type C Devices https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMRB2K1/ref=cm_sw_r...

[Big Rig]

Thanks, I’ve got an Ethernet port on the laptop itself though so should be ok