Which one and why?

Mini PC + Notebook

Just in case you ever have to troubleshoot either.

>>55431099
Real docking station because it docks. USB docking stations plug in and sometimes require separate power supplies

real dock because of dem keys

>>55431099
Real dock any day.

>>55431815
>>55431835

But what about the fact that the real dock blocks the air vent, thus causing overheating?

That problem doesn't exist with the USB dock.

>>55431859
It doesn't cause overheating from my experience.

T420 i5-2420m, 16GB DDR3 1600MHz, intel iGPU.

I have mine in a dock hooked up to two 2560x1440p displays. It turns off the laptop display when using two external displays, but it works just fine.

>>55431884

And this is the Mini Dock Series 3 ?

I might just get one if the blocked vent isnt an issue.

>>55431918
>And this is the Mini Dock Series 3 ?
Yup, I paid $20 for mine.

It might be an issue if you have the original thermal paste in your thinkpad, but worst case just change out the TIM and it should be fine.

>>55431946
I don't know how to chance thermal paste :(
Even if I did, I fear that I would make a mistake and ruin the CPU :(

Is it ok to just keep the same thermal paste?

>>55432786
it would depend on it's condition, after 5+ years it will usually be getting a bit out of shape. unless someone changed it at some point in between.

You can usually tell by checking your temps while idling.