practical to use laptop with tft, keyboard etc

sam83uk · 19 Oct 2006 at 16:50

Im considering selling my computer and buying a laptop in which i plan to take with me when i join the armed forces but when im at home ill keep my tft screen, keyboard and mouse..

does anyone know of any inpracticalities of doing this? will it cause a lot of wear on the laptop? will the laptops own screen be active while my monitor is plugged in?

t31os · 19 Oct 2006 at 16:55

Think that depends how you set it up, as a secondry, primary or clone monitor.

Can't remember off the top of my head, but pretty sure it works the same way as having 2 monitors on a PC.

Could be wrong though.

This may depend on the laptop, might be an idea to discuss your intended uses with the seller and ask if the laptop is suited.

semi-pro waster · 19 Oct 2006 at 16:56

You can set the laptops screen to be active or to switch off when connected, it will cause some wear and tear but most laptops can be bought with port replication stations so you aren't as likely to damage the ports on the laptop itself.

sam83uk · 19 Oct 2006 at 17:36

laptop will be a decent one with good gfx gig of ram

Nazbit · 19 Oct 2006 at 17:37

Its a bit of a hassle but you will get used to it if its what you want to do.

Perhaps try looking for a laptop that works with a docking station, that would make things a whole lot easier for you, just place it on the station that everything is wired in to and off you go.

meghatronic · 19 Oct 2006 at 18:07

Can you actually take a laptop on service with you?

sam83uk · 19 Oct 2006 at 18:21

sure my mate is in the navy he keeps his with him

Adam Senior · 19 Oct 2006 at 18:28

check this thread...im curently building new rig..Using my laptop on my 24" dell. Runs sweet.......ANd you can take it away when needed.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17638038

MeatLoaf · 19 Oct 2006 at 18:38

When i had a laptop you could press one of the F keys and it switched betwwen 3 options. internal display only, internal and external display, or external only. When external only was selected the internal screen was switched off.

I also found it easier to use external keyb+mouse whn i want on the move

sam83uk · 19 Oct 2006 at 19:52

when plugging in usb mouse and keyboard does windows auto detect it and start using that as well..

when u unplug them does it detect that and start using the internal keyboard.mouse?

also : do laptops have external on/off buttons so i dont need to keep opening it up just to turn it on

Scottland · 19 Oct 2006 at 19:55

sam83uk said:
when plugging in usb mouse and keyboard does windows auto detect it and start using that as well..

when u unplug them does it detect that and start using the internal keyboard.mouse?

It doesn't stop using the laptop's own keyboard/touchpad. When you plugin a seperate USB keyboard/mouse it will be able to use them and/or the keyboards own at the same time.

semi-pro waster · 19 Oct 2006 at 23:05

Scottland said:
It doesn't stop using the laptop's own keyboard/touchpad. When you plugin a seperate USB keyboard/mouse it will be able to use them and/or the keyboards own at the same time.

As an addendum most laptops have the option to switch off the trackpad/pointer, some within bios and some (like mine) are a button just above the trackpad itself. I don't know about the keyboard question but there probably is that option as well.

Steeps · 20 Oct 2006 at 07:03

sam83uk said:
also : do laptops have external on/off buttons so i dont need to keep opening it up just to turn it on

most laptops i know you have to open to turn it on. my acer has the on switch on the side however if the lid isn't open it will not boot, will power on and then off straight away. this is to stop it being accidentally turned on when in a bag/accidental.

meghatronic · 20 Oct 2006 at 11:20

My dell has to have the lid open to boot as button is on the inside...