Laptop set-up like Desktop?

[NAUTIQUE]

In my stick&brick our old desktop was tired and we bought a Lenovo laptop to replace it.
Would like to add the bigger monitor, mouse, keyboard, and ability to hitch up printer. All my older items have different connectors that attached to the desktop tower.
I'm guessing I'll need new add-ons with usb connections? (Maybe use a usb hub to connect to laptop easy?)
Anyone have a set-up like this?
Any suggestions on accomplishing this would be appreciated.

[NAUTIQUE]

Thanks for the replies!
Been doing some further research and finding that there are many used Lenovo Thinkpad mini-docks on flea-bay for cheap (real cheap if you don't want the lock & power adaptor!). Seems like they must pull them from company settings?
Looking like that might be my best way to go.

[APT]

I use a notebook at work with docking station. The more permanent things are attached to the docking station - two external monitors, wired Ethernet, etc. But I have a micro usb dongle for my mouse that I take home or to meetings for example.

[cpaulsen]

We use a laptop with an external 24" monitor...wireless keyboard and mouse with a wireless printer. All works good!

[doxiemom11]

We have a Lenovo laptop and have a wireless mouse. We do not use a printer much, so do not have one, but could have a wireless one if we wanted. We have no problem using the screen that's on the laptop, and we have built-in speakers, so don't need external. It operates the same as any desktop we have ever had.

[dewey02]

Docking station is definitely the way to go.
Used one for years in my work office.
All the comforts of a desktop (big monitor, standard sized keyboard) when you are at your desk, and all the convenience of a laptop when you need to be away from the desk. And all on the same computer.

[wa8yxm]

Soem Leveno models have the proper connectors.. The rest, you can use a USB Docking Hub (universal) or a custom made specific to the model you have dock.

ONE CAUTION:

Leveno, on at least selected models, has shipped with malware installed (Spyware). Please google the issue.

I can not tell you about it as my only Leveno is deceased from old age,,,very old age.

[RoyB]

The DELL XPS LAPTOPs can use one of these DELL D3100 DOCKING STATIONs that will plug into the DELL LAPTOP USB 3.0 connection.

This will run multiple HD Monitors and other devices.

I'm sure other LAPTOPs can do this as well...

I have been using the DELL M90 WORKSTATION laptops doing this for years using a standard DELL DOCKING station that connects to the laptop from a large bottom connector. You just snap the laptop into the large connection and it locks in place.

I really have not had a DESKTOP computer for years now. It is so neat to always carry everything with you when you move around.

My DELL M90 is a XP-PRO operating system which is out-dated now and I have been sort of in a hold now saving up my monies to get a WIN 8 DELL Workstation laptop. I can also use the XPS docking station that would plug into the USB 3.0 port and do almost the same thing alot cheaper...

I am looking on the DELL OFF-LEASE COMPUTERS sites where you can get a real good deal on a certified high end DELL workstation laptop.

Roy Ken

[rk911]

NAUTIQUE wrote:
In my stick&brick our old desktop was tired and we bought a Lenovo laptop to replace it.
Would like to add the bigger monitor, mouse, keyboard, and ability to hitch up printer. All my older items have different connectors that attached to the desktop tower.
I'm guessing I'll need new add-ons with usb connections? (Maybe use a usb hub to connect to laptop easy?)
Anyone have a set-up like this?
Any suggestions on accomplishing this would be appreciated.

yup, we do. when we're home our laptop is connected to a full size monitor (via vga port) and a wireless keyboard/mouse (usb dongle), external DVD drive (usb), external hard drive (usb) and external speaker (usb or mini jack). what ports do you have on your Lenovo?

[strollin]

Some laptops have an extra port (usually on the bottom) to be able to connect to a dedicated docking station. If your laptop has a docking port then I would suggest getting the dedicated docking station. If no docking port then a "Universal" USB docking station like the one that RLS7201 linked will work as well.

A docking station is easier to use since it only requires one connection to be connected/disconnected for all of your peripherals like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, external speakers, etc... since all of those things connect to the docking station and not the laptop.

This is different than a USB hub, with a hub you would still need to connect the monitor to the back of the laptop and if you have external speakers they would need to be connected as well (unless they are USB speakers).

My work laptop has a dedicated docking port on the bottom and I have a docking station at my house and another at the office. It makes it very easy to use the laptop in either location without the need to connect and disconnect a bunch of external devices. When working at my laptop with external monitor, keyboard and mouse, it's easy to forget that I am actually using a laptop and not a desktop.

[RLS7201]

When the wife needed a new desktop and a new laptop, I purchased a nice laptop and a Targus Docking Station. Fills the bill for both needs.

Richard

[fla-gypsy]

janstey58 wrote:
We do this at my office. External PC screen attaches to your video port on your laptop, then use a USB mouse and keyboard. Printer can be wireless if so equipped.

This is quickly gaining popularity and we do this as well plus you have the advantage of using a double screen set up and portability with the laptop if needed.

[wildtoad]

You might look into getting a blue tooth driven keyboard, mouse. (No wires) if your lap top does not have built in blue tooth you can get a sub plug in blue tooth device.you may also want to look at a blue tooth enable printer.

[janstey58]

We do this at my office. External PC screen attaches to your video port on your laptop, then use a USB mouse and keyboard. Printer can be wireless if so equipped.