Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 (40AS0090)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A 65W USB-C dock with 10Gbps USB and dual 4K@60Hz display support, but expect potential monitor and peripheral connectivity issues.
This dock offers a comprehensive port selection and 65W power delivery, making it suitable for ThinkPad users who can leverage its specific management features. However, widespread reports of display and USB connectivity issues mean its reliability is inconsistent.
If consistent multi-monitor stability and reliable peripheral detection are critical, look for docks with Thunderbolt 4 certification and higher power delivery (e.g., 90W or 100W) to ensure broader compatibility and performance.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Provides 3x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports for 10 Gbps data transfer.
- Supports up to two 4K@60Hz displays or three 1080p displays, depending on the host system's capabilities.
- Includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired network connection.
- Offers 65W Power Delivery to charge connected laptops.
- Features ThinkPad-specific controls like PXE Boot and System Wake-on-LAN.
- Comes with a 3-year worldwide warranty.
Cons
- Frequent user reports of external monitors not being detected or blinking out, often requiring re-connection or system restarts.
- Some users experience the Gigabit Ethernet port operating at 100 Mbit/s instead of 1 Gbit/s.
- USB peripherals, like keyboards, sometimes fail to connect on startup, needing manual replugging.
- The single USB-C port on the dock can be physically difficult to plug into, requiring excessive force.
- Audio drivers are reported to inconsistently pass USB audio.
Dimension Scores
As a static docking station, it doesn't offer physical comfort or support, so a neutral score is assigned.
The dock is a fixed unit with no physical adjustments for height, tilt, or swivel.
While users describe it as durable, there are reports of units failing and the USB-C port requiring excessive force to connect.
It features a sleek, non-intrusive black color scheme that blends into a workspace, consistent with ThinkPad's functional design.
Best For
- ThinkPad users needing PXE Boot and System Wake-on-LAN functionality.
- Users connecting a single 4K@60Hz display or multiple 1080p displays.
- Desktops needing 10Gbps USB data transfer and a wired network connection.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring consistently stable multi-monitor connections without frequent troubleshooting.
- Users needing more than 65W of power delivery for their laptop.
- Users who frequently connect and disconnect USB-C devices to the dock's input port.
Watch Out For
- External monitors frequently fail to detect or blink out, requiring users to re-connect the laptop or restart the system.
- The Gigabit Ethernet port may operate at 100 Mbit/s for some users, despite being rated for 1 Gbit/s.
- USB peripherals, such as keyboards, might not function on startup and need to be manually unplugged and re-plugged.
- The USB-C input port on the dock is described as requiring significant force to connect the cable.
- The included USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable might not reliably pass display signals for all configurations, with some users needing a Thunderbolt 4 cable.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B082M4MVFG |
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Color | Black, Orange |
| Wattage | 90 watts |
| Item Weight | 11.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Total USB Ports | 3 |
| Total HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Item model number | 40AS0090JP |
| Compatible Devices | lenovo Notebooks/Tablet PC |
| Hardware Interface | HDMI, USB |
| Product Dimensions | 6.73 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users report persistent issues with external monitor detection, where displays frequently blink out or fail to connect, often necessitating laptop restarts or cable re-connections. Some also encounter problems with the Gigabit Ethernet port performing at slower 100 Mbit/s speeds and USB peripherals not initializing on startup. Despite these connectivity frustrations, the dock is praised for its comprehensive port selection and its ability to charge laptops. The physical USB-C input port is also noted for requiring excessive force to connect.
“This dock is a headache, my monitors keep dropping out and I have to unplug everything and plug it back in like three times a day. It charges my laptop, I guess, but the display issues are driving me nuts.”
Common Praise
- Provides a wide array of ports including 3x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2x USB 2.0, 2x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Offers 65W power delivery to keep laptops charged.
- Supports multiple external displays, including dual 4K@60Hz or triple 1080p setups.
- Includes ThinkPad-specific features like PXE Boot and Wake-on-LAN.
- Has a compact black design that blends into a workspace.
Common Complaints
- External monitors frequently fail to detect or blink out, requiring re-connection or system restarts.
- Gigabit Ethernet port sometimes operates at 100 Mbit/s instead of 1 Gbit/s.
- USB peripherals, like keyboards, may not connect on startup and need manual replugging.
- The USB-C input port on the dock requires significant force to connect the cable.
- Audio drivers are reported to inconsistently pass USB audio.
- Some units have stopped working entirely after a short period of use.
Ownership Tips
- Firmware updates are often available and sometimes necessary to address connectivity issues, but don't always solve all problems.
- Compatibility with non-ThinkPads can be hit-or-miss for advanced features.
- The included USB-C cable might not be sufficient for stable display output in all multi-monitor setups, potentially requiring a Thunderbolt 4 cable.
- The power button on the dock is a useful feature for controlling the connected laptop's power state.
- The dock can run warm during extended use, especially when charging a laptop and driving multiple displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this dock charge my laptop?
Yes, it provides up to 65W of power delivery to charge compatible laptops via USB-C.
How many external monitors can I connect and at what resolution?
It can support one 4K@60Hz display, two 4K@60Hz displays, or three 1080p displays, but the actual output depends on your laptop's capabilities.
Will this dock work with non-Lenovo laptops?
Yes, it works with other USB-C laptops that support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery, but ThinkPad-specific features like PXE Boot may not be available.
What kind of USB ports does it have?
It features three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10 Gbps), two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port (10 Gbps).
Are there known issues with monitors disconnecting?
Yes, some users report issues with external monitors not being detected or blinking out, often requiring re-connection or system restarts.
Does it have an Ethernet port?
Yes, it includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
Buying Guide
When buying a USB-C dock, you're essentially expanding your laptop's limited ports through a single cable. You need to know how much power your laptop needs to charge, how many and what resolution monitors you want to connect, and what kind of USB devices you'll plug in. Not all USB-C ports are created equal; your laptop's USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery for a dock like this to function fully.
Power Delivery (65W)
This is how much power the dock sends to your laptop. If your laptop needs more than 65W to charge efficiently, it might charge slowly or not at all while connected to the dock. Think of it like filling a bucket – a bigger hose (higher wattage) fills it faster.
DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0
These are the types of video connections. DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 are newer standards that support higher resolutions and refresh rates, like 4K@60Hz. It's like the quality of the road for your video signal – newer roads can handle faster, higher-resolution traffic.
USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
This refers to the speed of the USB data ports. 10 Gigabits per second is fast for transferring files, much quicker than older USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) or USB 3.0 (5 Gbps). It's like having a multi-lane highway for your data instead of a single-lane road.
Alternatives
If 65W power delivery isn't enough or you need more reliable multi-monitor support, look for docks with 90W or 100W power delivery and Thunderbolt 4 certification.
You Might Also Like
LYMAX Computer Monitor Light Bar with Wireless Remote, Motion Sensor, Fit for Flat/Curved Monitor, Adjustable Color Temperature with Auto-Dimming, Eye-Care USB-C Monitor Lamp, No Glare Desk Lamp
$50-$99A 15.7-ounce aluminum monitor light bar with motion sensing, auto-dimming, and stepless 2700K-6500K color temperature adjustment for flat or curved screens.
Computer Monitor Lamp, Screen Monitor Light Bar for Eye Caring, Screen Monitor Light Bar with Backlight for Eye Caring, E-Reading LED Task Lamp with Dimming Adjustment, Perfect for Reading and Study
$0-$49This BLYGACN monitor lamp offers 3 color temperatures (3000K-6500K), dimming, and a 60-minute timer, powered by USB, for monitors 15-24 inches.
Monitor Light Bar with Touch Control, RGB Desk Lamp Full Spectrum Screen Lamp, Glare-Free Low Blue Light Monitor Lamp with Memory Mode, USB Powered for Gaming, Office & Work
$0-$49A USB-powered plastic monitor light bar with touch controls, RGB modes, and glare-free illumination for basic desk setups.
RGB Monitor Light Bar, Eye-Care Dual Light Reading Screen Lamp, 9 Modes Gaming Backlight LED Computer Lamp, 3 Colors Dimmable Frontlight, 15.75'' USB Desk Lights for Home, Office
$0-$49This is a budget-focused 6.4-ounce plastic monitor light bar with dual-mode lighting and 9 RGB backlight modes, designed for users needing basic task and ambient lighting without cluttering their desk