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Author Topic: Using a Laptop as a desktop  (Read 2777 times)

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nomechanic

  • Guest
Using a Laptop as a desktop
« on: November 29, 2009, 07:52:18 PM »
So I went to the computer store to buy a large monitor to use with my laptop. I do a lot of mechanical design work at home. When I told them what I wanted to do they said it couldn't be done. Since I've seen it done, I bet someone out there can set me straight.
What I want to be able to do is to run my laptop with its lid closed (out of the way somewhere), with a monitor connected to the VGA port and a keyboard/mouse connected over USB. Basically, it will work lilke a desktop computer when I'm working at my desk.
Then when I'm on the road, it will work like a regular laptop.
The guy in the Microsoft polo shirt at the big blue store with the yellow tag (whose name shall be unspoken), said this is impossible, since the laptop will hibernate as soon as its lid is closed. In the last company I worked for, this is exactly how the IT guys set up my machine, so I know it can be done.
Ideas?
Thanks!

Gremlin



    Beginner

    Thanked: 7
    Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
    « Reply #1 on: November 29, 2009, 08:38:14 PM »
    Unbelievable. The Microsoft guys an idiot. You are right on target nomechanic. Of course it can be done.

    Simply re-configure what your laptop does when you close the lid.

    From memory go to control panel then power options and in there is the option to tell your computer to do nothing when the lid is closed.

    There are even options to enable you to have one screen on/off or both on mirroring each other and even displaying different stuff on each screen. Thats in your display properties tho.

    rthompson80819



      Specialist

      Thanked: 94
    • Experience: Experienced
    • OS: Windows 7
    Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
    « Reply #2 on: November 29, 2009, 08:59:31 PM »
    Quote
    Unbelievable. The Microsoft guys an idiot.

    Yes he's an idiot, but he's not a Microsoft guy, he just got a free shirt.  And apparently, he has never seen a docking station for laptops.

    Gremlin



      Beginner

      Thanked: 7
      Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
      « Reply #3 on: November 29, 2009, 09:23:00 PM »
      Exactly!

      Salmon Trout

      • Guest
      Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
      « Reply #4 on: November 30, 2009, 05:57:02 AM »
      I run a laptop 24/7 with the lid closed.

      Gremlin



        Beginner

        Thanked: 7
        Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
        « Reply #5 on: November 30, 2009, 01:49:25 PM »
        Gee Salmon Trout how do get anything done. lol ;)

        Salmon Trout

        • Guest
        Re: Using a Laptop as a desktop
        « Reply #6 on: November 30, 2009, 01:53:09 PM »
        Gee Salmon Trout how do get anything done. lol ;)

         :)