Any way to power on the M17x via keyboard?

Apart from waking from sleep, anyone know of a USB keyboard with a power button that can be used to turn on the M17x (like some Apple Mac computers)?

We want to stow the M17x under a monitor shelf, and it's not convenient to have to slide it out everytime just to open the lid and press the ON button.

Whatever happened to putting the power button on the OUTSIDE of the notebook?

Ideas?

Thanks.

BTW, we're now a TWO M17xR2 family. My daughters XPS 1730M starting acting up and was just days from being out of warranty. Dell sent out a new MB, SLI video, and fans, but the problem persisted (overheating). Dell then replaced the XPS with a brand new (not refurb) M17xR2 with i7, CF 4870's in Nebula Red (just like the XPS was red!). About $2600 worth of AW to replace a $600 used M1730! What a deal!

 

I have a Speed-Link Dark Metal keyboard with Sleep/Resume/Power buttons but afaik it isn't able to turn my laptop on, will double-check when I get home, think there might be a BIOS setting which could fix that.

 

AFAIK, there is sadly no way to do this. This would require some type of dock or port replicator for the Alienware laptop. I don't think something like that exists for the purpose of turning on the laptop externally. There are a host of options for usb docks and etc, but nothing that works like a true "dock" - when I say "dock" I envision my workplace Lenovo that had all the ports replicated (including the power button). That dock connected via a special connection on the bottom of the laptop, most of the docks you can use with the Alienware today (Logitech Alto, heck even the Cryo) connect via usb, and that power on functionality won't work.

The pundits will say "If you are stowing it away, why did you even get a laptop, blah blah blah". but I also happen to like my bigger monitor and nicer external keyboard .

That is awesome that you received a nice R2 for a warranty replacement system for an older M1730!!!

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that is why Alienware designed it with an HMDI and a DisplayPort output...to add an external monitor, in which case, most, if not all, people using that would stow away their M17x. It just makes sense on an already crowded desk!

I was afraid that there wasn't a secondary way to power on.

Yesterday was her birthday, and guess what she was able to unwrap? It arrived yesterday just in time! (even though it didn't cost me a cent, I still considered it a present!)

 

I would consider it a present too!
If my GF (for example) had bought me an M17x R2 (no matter HOW she got it) I would have broke down and wept like a little girl.

Aaaaaanyway...

Yeah I agree about the power-on thing. I am thinking of just wiring up a switch to the alienware head under the control board and sticking it on the side somewhere.

-Ash

 

Isn't there an option in BIOS to allow power-on via USB?

 

I keep subscribed to this thread in case anyone finds a solution! lol.

NullEntity,

There is a bios option to 'wake from sleep', but not power on. The problem is that whatever you plug into the USB is not powered on because the laptop is not on. Therefore, you can't turn on the computer from a usb device (keyboard or otherwise) unless it has power from the system...

 

Thought the M17x had powered USB ports so you could charge stuff when it was off?

 

Im at work...not next to the M17x and I have never charged anything while laptop was off. Can you check for me and report back?
This could be good news, possibility wise...

*Edit - quick research shows that at least one esata/usb port has the usb powershare ability that can charge acccessories when the computer is turned off. Would that mean that the bios is the really only problem that won't allow a cold start from usb powered keyboard with power on capability?

 

Hey, Just checked it and it worked! charged my cell phone, and yah it is only the esata/usb port the rest did nil.

EDIT: also the USB/ESATA port has a little lightning bolt after the USB symbol assuming that means powershare