Using my large laptop as a desktop with accessories?

Hello all,

A couple of years ago I got a lot of great advice from people on this site when I was trying to decide on what kind of laptop computer to buy for myself. At the time, I was in a situation where I needed something equivalent to a desktop, but which I could move around the house as needed. Over time my situation has changed and now I have a space where this computer can sit in a more permanent setup. It's a bulky computer, and most of its components are desktop parts, not laptop versions. I was wondering if it was possible to use this almost in the same way a tower is used for desktop computers? I don't even know where to start for that though, and I am looking for some advice.

I've included a PDF of the specs (I think it's all of the info, if not let me know) with this post. Since getting a Surface Pro for more mobile work, I haven't really been using this computer, and I've fallen out of gaming so it rarely even gets used for that. If I set it up as a desktop sort of thing, and was able to even plug a Wacom tablet into it as well, it would get a lot more use when I'm at home. I really want this to work, this is a great computer.

Thank you,
Pingonaut (Thomas)

Edit -- Apparently I have my specs in my Signature too, so there's that as another source of info on my situation.

 

It first functioned as a Gaming laptop and Second as aka "Desktop Replacement" so in fact you don't have to run game and it will work just fine as a desktop without problem. Just make sure to do a yearly open and dust bunny cleaning as they will suck up more dust then a Desktop. The tablet as long as they have the connection software and driver for it for the Laptop it should work just fine. The Gaming Laptop is a over kill for everyday Desktop work but it will do it just fine.

 

Get a nice big monitor with same resolution as your laptop (it makes dual screen use easier), a good mouse and keyboard. My choice is a wireless keyboard (Logitech K800) so I can easily move it away when I need space for whatever else, like using a laptop on my desk.

 

@Pingonaut unless your laptop keyboard is bad, using laptop keyboard with external mouse, and external monitor in front of mouse, makes much more sense to me. Also, definitely use a cooling pad, for both better cooling and better typing angle. There's absolutely nothing stopping you from using any laptop as a desktop, just for the love of God don't close the lid - it'll cause thermal problems and could cause display degradation!

 

Yeah it has the specs I would be looking for if I were to get a desktop, since I do graphic design and illustration work I'm looking for something that won't slow down during extended use like my portable tablet does on occasion.

Is there some kind of docking equipment I should look to get to plug these things into so the laptop itself could be out of the way?

The keyboard has really small keys for some reason that is a little uncomfortable to type on, and unfortunately the computer is too bulky to move around my desk when I want to move the keyboard elsewhere while the drawing tablet is my main focus. Is there a setup I could use to have the computer lid shut while I use it? I was hoping to sort of move it out of the way so I could have more room on my desk for the keyboard, tablet, and mouse.

 

There is a rather new invention called "usb hub" It's the easiest and cheapest route.

If I googled right your laptop should have usb-c connector that supports thunderbolt/displayport passthru? If that is the case, then a thunderbolt "docking station" might do the trick (except you need to connect power cord too). With such device you could connect all your peripherals to it, including monitor, to achieve a two cable solution.

I hate even to say aloud docking station when it is just a glorified usb hub. Argh. A proper docking station would route all the ports from the computer natively... /rant off

 

Yep I think so; it's been a while since I've used it much so I'm trying to remember. I just am looking for a way to have a work/gaming setup equivalent to a desktop setup in desk space but using this computer I already have that is more than up to the task. I'll look into the docking-station-not-docking-station. thank you!

I planned on keeping the computer shut, but someone here said not to. Is this something I should consider? I don't know enough about this really. but I was hoping to save space and keep it closed.

 

I kept my HP Workstation laptop always closed but it was old and not nearly as powerful. Like Starlight5 up there said, if the laptop heats a lot, it might actually damage the display. Some laptops also move some air thru the keyboard by design.

If you want more space on desk, a laptop stand like this actually helps

It also helps with cooling obviously but when you push it back, it gives a lot more room on desk for many flat things that you will eventually discover. It will also let you route cables so the won't be on your way on the desk.

I used similar setup for a few years:

Laptop lid was closed (because GPU did not support three screens...) and I was running dual 24" monitors. I replaced that system last spring because I needed more powerful computer, so I replaced it with a Xeon powered desktop. That particular stand needs a HP docking station where the laptop sits in, so it is HP only. Idea stays the same.

 

My advice on cooling pad toss it out of the Windows they are worthless as paper weight they don't cool but burn your hard earn cash instead. All it takes is a tilt to the back of the laptop and that will do far better cooling of the laptop. A small book of block that doesn't block the vents and raises it a bit does far better then cooling station those stations would push more dust in the pull it out. I like KLF second setup it looks refined and out of the way.

 

I think maybe you haven't used a good cooling pad.

@Papusan, can you post info and pics of your pad (wife's nylons and all)

 

Or he just bought some of the useless pads you can find everywhere on the Web Stores. And it seems he forgot other benefits with a cooling pad such as almost no need for cleaning out dust from the chassis/fans/grills if you use fan filters.

My Cooler Master U3 cooling pad + my wife's nylons.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...cussions-lounge.794968/page-360#post-10458316



@Q937 Cooler Master U3 mod http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...cussions-lounge.794968/page-360#post-10458203

Another Coolermaster U3 & Bottom Tray Mod from @kosti http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/another-coolermaster-u3-bottom-tray-mod.789298/

@Mr. Fox Cooler Master U3 Mod http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ould-be-the-best-option.808635/#post-10594516

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/laptop-coolers.797581/page-2#post-10377485