Re: Using laptop as full time "desktop"?

"Roger Mills" <watt.tyler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From the convenience point of view you need a laptop which can connect to a
docking station. You then have a monitor, power supply, mouse, full
keyboard, network cable, etc. all permanently wired into the docking
station - and simply 'plug in' the laptop when required. You can then easily
unplug the laptop and use it in stand-alone mode elsewhere. It helps if you
have a spare power brick so that you can keep one in the laptop bag without
having to remove the one from the docking station. In the last few years
before I retired, my work computer was a laptop - which I used exactly as
described, but could easily unplug it to take it home when necessary.

Sounds good! What model/brand laptop would you advise
that has a good selection of docking accessories? Dell
Latitudes? What do you own?

With regard to the power questions, I don't think any harm will come to
anything if the brick is powered 7 x 24 - although it's clearly better for
the planet if you turn it off when not required. [Don't power outlets on
your side of the pond have switches, so that you can switch them off without
having to remove the plug/brick/whatever?]

Unfortunately not all outlets in American homes are
wired this way but I sure wish they were! My apartment
only has one such outlet wired to a wall switch and it
is the one near the front door

You may need to verify it with laptop manufacturers, but you should be able
to run most laptops directly from the mains without having a battery fitted.
One advantage of having a battery, of course, is that it prevents the laptop
from dying immediately if there is a mains power failure.

.

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