turn laptop into desktop

[wolf30]

I just purchased a new laptop. I was hoping to use it to replace my desktop. Is it possible to just buy a monitor, keyboard, mouse and use it as a desktop computer or do I need to get a docking station to do that?

[xalex0]

If you have got video output and USB ports then there's no need for a dedicated docking station.

[wolf30]

My speakers are listed as 6.1 and have 3 plugs. However my laptop only has 1 slot for plugging in my speakers. Do I need to go buy a new external soundcard to get them to work?

[toalan]

I use my laptop as a desktop, I even close the lid and put my lcd ontop of the laptop.

-Make sure the laptop gets enough airflow; I put a laptop cooler underneath my laptop,
-Consider the video output; I would only use a laptop with digital video output as a laptop replacement as VGA just looks horrible at high resolution.
-Power switch; if the laptop is tucked away in the corner it is not convenient to go back and forth hitting the power switch
-Special function keys; some laptops have special function keys that you will use often, if the laptop is tucked in the corner it is not convenient to go back and forth, some of these keys can not be replicated using an external kb.
-Storage expandability; my laptop only has 1 drive bay, I popped in a 120GB SSD in there, sometimes I wish I had another drive bay for a 2nd HDD.

If you can get a docking station for cheap then it is worth the money, but considering that docking stations are ~$200 for a $500 dollar laptop, it usually is not worth it.

[Mark77]

I just purchased a new laptop. I was hoping to use it to replace my desktop. Is it possible to just buy a monitor, keyboard, mouse and use it as a desktop computer or do I need to get a docking station to do that?


Yes, most laptops typically will have a video output, and mouse/keyboard can go into the onboard USB ports. Proprietary docking stations, if available for your laptop, may enable quick and easy mobility however, if you want to switch between using a laptop as a portable device and as a desktop.

I personally have a Dell (Latitude D830) with a proprietary docking station (D-series, PR01X) that, with one button, I can dock and undock. Sure beats wiring up 2 external LCD monitors, power, Ethernet, USB, sound, etc., every time I want to take the laptop off of the desk. Before I had a docking station, it would take me a few minutes to wire everything up -- and Windows often doesn't like it when you plug things into different USB ports than they were originally configured for. Likewise, VGA connectors, Ethernet, etc., get damaged after a few hundred insertions -- so the dock definitely helps preserve the life on those parts.

In my particular case, the docking station 'exposes' the digital video outputs, as well as PS/2 ports and a parallel port, so I can use those even though they're not explicitly provided as 'ports' on the back of the laptop.

[Mark77]

My speakers are listed as 6.1 and have 3 plugs. However my laptop only has 1 slot for plugging in my speakers. Do I need to go buy a new external soundcard to get them to work?

Some laptops support a digital sound output which will be able to transmit multiple channels. But worst case scenario is that you plug into your audio port on the laptop and get basic 2-channel sound (which will probably come out of all 7 speakers). It won't be full surround, but if you're looking for a high-end audiophile experience, then you're probably best buying a desktop configured with the proper hardware.

[sleepyguy]

I use a laptop as a pretty much a desktop as well ( do have a docking station though). Some docking stations like my Lenovo one are very good as they can power 2 external displays (dual 24s for me) which is very nice. You should have no issues.

[DavidY]

I use my laptop as a desktop, I even close the lid and put my lcd ontop of the laptop.

-Make sure the laptop gets enough airflow; I put a laptop cooler underneath my laptop,
-Consider the video output; I would only use a laptop with digital video output as a laptop replacement as VGA just looks horrible at high resolution.
-Power switch; if the laptop is tucked away in the corner it is not convenient to go back and forth hitting the power switch
-Special function keys; some laptops have special function keys that you will use often, if the laptop is tucked in the corner it is not convenient to go back and forth, some of these keys can not be replicated using an external kb.
-Storage expandability; my laptop only has 1 drive bay, I popped in a 120GB SSD in there, sometimes I wish I had another drive bay for a 2nd HDD.

If you can get a docking station for cheap then it is worth the money, but considering that docking stations are ~$200 for a $500 dollar laptop, it usually is not worth it.

You can always add an external hard drive for more storage.

Dave

[willy]

Unless the laptop is coming with a 7200rpm HD or a SSD, why would someone use it as a desktop ? The slow 5400rpm HD is really hurting the computer experience ....

Just curious ....

[xalex0]

Unless the laptop is coming with a 7200rpm HD or a SSD, why would someone use it as a desktop ? The slow 5400rpm HD is really hurting the computer experience ....

Just curious ....Maybe the OP wants the use the same computer at home, at work and on the go.

[_Allan_]

I have an Asus G53Sw-A1 and I do it. It takes me maybe 10-15 seconds to plug in the cables (1x audio, 2x USB [one connected to 2TB Seagate GoFlex Desk external, one connected to Belkin Powered 7 Port USB Hub - thus giving me 9 USB ports on my laptop!], 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x Power) - I have them 'tied together' about 6" from the ends, and the USB always use the same slot (the Belkin goes in the 2.0, the Seagate in the 3.0, for when I buy the dock upgrade.)

[Revva7]

I also use my laptop in place of my desktop. I just bought a new laptop about a year ago. I was also wondering about adding speakers. The only downfall I have found with my laptop is that the internal speakers are not very good. I would also like to add some external speakers - great information! Thanks!

[Mark77]

Unless the laptop is coming with a 7200rpm HD or a SSD, why would someone use it as a desktop ? The slow 5400rpm HD is really hurting the computer experience ....

Just curious ....

Umm who in their right mind actually would buy a laptop without a 7200rpm HDD or a SSD?

[PurePsychism]

Umm who in their right mind actually would buy a laptop without a 7200rpm HDD or a SSD?

More to the point, with SSD pricing these days anyone can upgrade easily if they feel the need to without the large markup.

[forthewinwin]

Just buy a set of external speakers, a seperate keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

HDMI/DVI/VGA cable, audio cable, and wireless USB connectors for mouse and keyboard.
It's not hard.

Most laptops nowadays should have plugs for all of those.

[Forhad]

Just plug in the monitor cable in video output port. Plug in the mouse and keyboard cable in USB ports in your laptop. That's it.

[oldpro]

Yes, most laptops typically will have a video output, and mouse/keyboard can go into the onboard USB ports. Proprietary docking stations, if available for your laptop, may enable quick and easy mobility however, if you want to switch between using a laptop as a portable device and as a desktop.

I personally have a Dell (Latitude D830) with a proprietary docking station (D-series, PR01X) that, with one button, I can dock and undock. Sure beats wiring up 2 external LCD monitors, power, Ethernet, USB, sound, etc., every time I want to take the laptop off of the desk. Before I had a docking station, it would take me a few minutes to wire everything up -- and Windows often doesn't like it when you plug things into different USB ports than they were originally configured for. Likewise, VGA connectors, Ethernet, etc., get damaged after a few hundred insertions -- so the dock definitely helps preserve the life on those parts.

In my particular case, the docking station 'exposes' the digital video outputs, as well as PS/2 ports and a parallel port, so I can use those even though they're not explicitly provided as 'ports' on the back of the laptop.


Some laptops support a digital sound output which will be able to transmit multiple channels. But worst case scenario is that you plug into your audio port on the laptop and get basic 2-channel sound (which will probably come out of all 7 speakers). It won't be full surround, but if you're looking for a high-end audiophile experience, then you're probably best buying a desktop configured with the proper hardware.
These are great points - thanks very much for this !






I use a laptop as a pretty much a desktop as well ( do have a docking station though). Some docking stations like my Lenovo one are very good as they can power 2 external displays (dual 24s for me) which is very nice. You should have no issues.
Do u use HDMI ?
Thanks

[_Allan_]

http://www.amazon.ca/NEEWER-External-Channel-Sound-Laptop/dp/B005LT83SQ

USB 7.1 Sound Card/System.

[ebusinesstutor]

My laptop is my desktop system. I plug in a full size keyboard, extra monitor so I have two screens, wireless mouse and my home stereo system.

Works great! I don't think I will buy another desktop again.