external monitor with S6231/S7010

Well, after much research I've decided to buy either the S6231 or S7010. I may also get the port replicator if I pick the S7010. I'd really appreciate some info to help me make my final choice. I intend to use it mostly as a desktop machine, with external monitor and keyboard, occasionally taking it around the house or on trips as a mobile.

1. Does anyone here do this? Is the quality thru the external VGA port good?

2. When using as a desktop machine, will I be able to power the machine on without opening the LCD display panel of the laptop? That is, by hitting eg. the spacebar on the external keyboard? Or does it cause overheating problems if you run with the display closed?

3. I read in the user's guides that you can toggle between internal and external displays with fn+F10. If I set it to external, is this setting remembered after restarting the system, or do I have to set the external display each time I start up?

4. Does anyone have experience with the port replicator? When you connect the port replicator, does the display default to external?

Thanks for your help!

 

I'd be more inclined to get the smaller S6000 if you're going to take it around with you from time to time and will use an external monitor.

1) It works fine, they're all about the same.
2) You can set the machine to do nothing when you close the display to accomplish what you want. If it goes to sleep though, I'm pretty sure you'll need to open it and hit the power button.
3) I use an external monitor all day long and can't remember, LOL. I'm pretty sure it preserves the setting. Definitely out of standby, pretty sure on reboot.
4) Have not tried it.