Some Toshiba laptops send POST codes to the parallel port. You can tell if that is the case for your Toshiba laptop if the laptop's maintenance manual refers to a 'Printer port LED' (a Toshiba device).
The manual will also inform you as to the meaning of the POST codes, but read the manual carefully, because it appears that Toshiba (maybe not in all cases) display the code of the test that has just passed.
A modern equivalent of the 'Printer port LED' is shown at here. It can be purchased from eBay, usually appearing in the results of an eBay search using: laptop post tester
"The Toshiba Desk Station V expands the capabilities of your Toshiba Tecra 700 Series notebook computer."
"COMPATIBILITY: Tecra 700CS, Tecra 700CT"
"The Desk Station V connects with any Toshiba Personal Computer that has a 240-pin docking interface."
"The Toshiba Desk Station V Plus expands the capabilities of your Toshiba Portégé 650CT, Tecra 500 and 710/720 notebook computers."
"COMPATIBILITY: Tecra 710CDT, Tecra 720CDT. (Not compatible with Tecra 700CS/CT)."
"The Desk Station V+ connects with any Toshiba Personal Computer that has a 240-pin docking interface (except the 700CS/CT)."
According to note 2 on the final page of the document at here, the 445CDT is simply a 440CDT with a longer warranty and extra software.
According to note 2 on the final page of the document at here, the 445CDX is simply a 440CDX with a longer warranty and extra software.