DUMMY'S QUESTIONS

The only way I have seen to use a laptop in the closed position and external monitor is with a Docking Station. The manufacturer specs does list a part number for one.

I figured you could just use the Headphone out jack to some powered computer speakers/sub.

I also think there are quite a few wireless mice that will work at that distance.

Check display settings and power settings
You should be able to tell/set it, so it does not turn off when closed
If push comes to shove you can cut off the little push button on the switch that is pressed down when the lid is closed

In the contol panel select the power options, select advance tab, at the lower portion of that tab is what you want the computer to do if you close the lid. one of the options is to "do nothing".

dan-nickie wrote:
The only way I have seen to use a laptop in the closed position and external monitor is with a Docking Station. The manufacturer specs does list a part number for one.

Not true. True docking stations no longer exist. There should be a monitor jack on the back side of the laptop. you'll need to set the laptop to use an external monitor. Its one of the function keys to set it up. And you'll have to make sure that the power management is set to not shut it off or put it into sleep mode when closing the cover.

SRS labs makes software that dramatically improves sound from laptops and desktop computers. I use it on an Acer netbook. SRS Audio Essentials

Since your laptop is old, it probably doesn't have an HDMI port. Monitors have been using HDMI and the old pin cords for several years. Make sure when you buy the monitor, that it still has the old pin connector so it will connect to your laptop. They may have started leaving them off to save money.

Bill

More than likely his computer has a VGA video port but there are VGA to DVI adaptors available. Many monitors have both VGA and DVI video ports and many are supplied with both cables in the box.

Trackrig wrote:
Since your laptop is old, it probably doesn't have an HDMI port. Monitors have been using HDMI and the old pin cords for several years. Make sure when you buy the monitor, that it still has the old pin connector so it will connect to your laptop. They may have started leaving them off to save money.

Bill

Not totally true, COMPUTER monitors should have DVI (Digital Video Interface) AND VGA (what you call a "old pin connector").

DVI can be "adapted" to HDMI but you won't get any digital audio which may have been routed through the HDMI.

HDMI is really a HD TV Digital interface which includes HD audio plus digital handshaking which is there to prevent an unauthorized device from viewing HD content..

Newer laptops (a couple of years now) often include a digital external video "mini port" connection which CAN provide HDMI, DVI or VGA video..

Mex is asking about an OLDER laptop so really most likely that will rule out miniport, HDMI but could have DVI/VGA port.

Mex should NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM buying a COMPUTER monitor which will support any or all of the possible combinations..

But since space is limited, perhaps Mex should consider buying a LCD HD TV which should also have VGA or HDMI inputs. Newer TVs do very well doubling as a TV and computer monitor..

That is what I do when I go camping, I take a small LCD Tv which has VGA and plug my computer into the TV..

Your laptop CAN be operated with the lid down but you may need to make sure you don't fully close it or the laptop may think you are done and power down or sleep..

Just add a external keyboard and mouse along with a bigger monitor and you will be set..

If your laptop does not have a video port (which would be a bit odd) you can get a external video card which uses a USB port. These do have some possible quality/speed issues but as long as you are not attempting to play HD video they should be passable..

Remember that the laptop still needs the fan running and pulling/pushing air through it to keep it cool.

Campfire Time wrote:
... True docking stations no longer exist. ...

Maybe not as prevalent as they once were but just yesterday I was issued a brand new Dell Latitude E6430 laptop complete with docking station by my employer.

Campfire Time wrote:

dan-nickie wrote:
The only way I have seen to use a laptop in the closed position and external monitor is with a Docking Station. The manufacturer specs does list a part number for one.

Not true. True docking stations no longer exist.

How would you know that that is not the only way I have ever seen?