Does anyone know of a laptop (brand, model) that can be used only as a processor, with a large desktop monitor, and a larger, external keyboard for desk use? So far, all the ones I have looked at "go to sleep" when you put the laptop lid (screen) down. I don't want the laptop screen up in front of me when I am using the larger desktop monitor. I want to be able to grab the laptop and go at which time I will have the built-in monitor and keyboard when traveling, but can use the laptop strictly as a processor at home. I realize I may have to purchase a docking station to use both the external keyboard and monitor, although I thought that if the laptop has enough USB ports, both of these could hook directly without the use of a docking station. Thanks.
Laptop as processor
- Thread starter bkline
- Start date
wuench
Senior Member
That is a setting under power management in windows you can configure.
wuench
Senior Member
You don't necessarily need a docking station. The power settings under windows allow you to set the action when lid closed for "plugged in" and "on battery". So on battery you can set lid closed action to "sleep" or "hibernate" and when plugged in with or without a docking station, you can set the plugged in setting for lid closed to "do nothing".
tmbrown97
Senior Member
First, the above posters covered that this is a setting in Power Management - I've always set my laptops to allow me to close the lid without going to sleep... that's just how I prefer them.
2nd - look at business line notebooks - HP small business or Dell small business - look for ones with compatible docking stations - the ones they clip to, not plug a cable in. They really are ideal - you just set it on the dock and you're done.
2nd - look at business line notebooks - HP small business or Dell small business - look for ones with compatible docking stations - the ones they clip to, not plug a cable in. They really are ideal - you just set it on the dock and you're done.
I hear you. I mentioned it because it is the cleaner way to do it. It is also easier and better for the peripheral connections to use the docking station connector which is much more durable and rated for the repeated connects/disconnects that you will have if you take it with you every day.
To each their own I guess. If you want a PC buy a PC. If you want a laptop and only plan on taking it out once a month then don't waste your money on a docking station. Personally, I would use a docking station either way. It looks better and is cleaner as far a cabling is concerned, most of the time.
If you want to grab and go as the OP suggested, it's much easier to hit the undock button wait for the click or the green light, and take it with you. Once again, this is only my personal opinion. Spend the extra money of don't spend the extra money, the laptop will work the same either way if you set it up properly as suggested above.
Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions. Research called my attention to the 17.3 inch screen laptops. I just looked at some of those in local stores today. Since I don't plan on having to transport this laptop often, I will probably go with one of those and deal with their bulk and weight on the rare occasion that I need to travel with it. The screen may well be adequate without having to utilize a larger, external monitor. Keyboard will be questionable, but adding an external ergonomic keyboard is not difficult with these machines. I will most likely add a mouse since I use a touchpad on my netbook, but prefer a mouse for preparing and editing complex documents in Word or Excel. If I change my mind, I will come back here for more advice. Thanks again!
