Laptop and external monitor?

Am looking for a desktop replacement for my office. Have looked at the Tecra A11 but do not know if I can hook up a monitor directly to it. Am thinking of using a monitor and wireless mouse and keyboard with it. Has anyone done this? Does it work without a docking station?

 

What's the specific model of the laptop? Tecra A11 - ....... ?
Tecra Laptops & Notebook Computers | Toshiba Direct

As long as it has VGA out, you can hook up an external monitor (99% of all laptops have VGA out; HDMI out is even better!)

If it has bluetooth, you can EASILY hook up wireless keyboard + mouse to your system. If not, buy a keyboard/mouse combo set that includes a USB wireless transmitter.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

Thanks.
Tecra A11 S3532.

Does the specific monitor matter?

Is there any problem using a laptop as a desktop? My computer goes on at 7:00 a.m. and off at about midnight. Do I have to put it on a stand for venting?

Lots of questions!

 

You can use just about any monitor, OR high definition TV!!!

Here's the detailed specs of your comp: http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/tecra_A11-S3532.pdf

As for the venting/cooling question I don't know. I myself just ordered a Toshiba to act as a desktop replacement, so I too would like to know the answer to that question.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Alex.
The Toshiba person I "spoke" with online said it was a good idea to put it on a stand. I have the 800 number and will call there to find out more specifically. I also wanted to know if there were any monitors I couldn't use, but you just answered that.

Which Toshiba did you order? I'm intrigued by the Tecra because it seems powerful and sturdy but could be convinced if there was another better machine. Thoughts?

 

I ordered the Toshiba Qosmio Q894 yesterday from Costco for $1400. Includes 90 days no-questions asked return policy and a 2 yr warranty from Toshiba.

I was pondering between the Qosmio and the Sony VPC-F136 comp at Best Buy for $1300.

It's labeled as a "gaming" comp, but it's also a great high end machine.
Here's link:

Costco - Toshiba X505 Qosmio Laptop i7-740QM 1.73GHz 1.5GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M Graphics

It has quad-core i7, Nvidia GTX 460m 1.5 GB DDR 5, Bluray, boothtooth, 18.4 inch 720p screen (I know your interested in an external monitor), 4GB DDR3 ram, Windows 7 premium, etc...

I will do some gaming in my leisure time, BUT I bought it to have some future-proofing to it; as I plan to use/keep it for atleast 6+ years.

I'll be heading off to medical school (hopefully!) and know the processing speed and massive graphics card can and will be put to good use. Biochemistry has LOTS of 3-Dimensional rendering on the computer; which I will be studying. Also, lots of Anatomical/Histological software programs, which will be viewed easily on the 18.4 inch screen etc...

 

Interesting. Just got off the phone with Toshiba and they are trying to sell me a Qosmio. It's appear to me is it's sound system and its speed. Otherwise, I won't be seeing a lot of what it can do.

Now to find a place to go see it/them.

 

The problem with the Qosmio is that all the major retailers carry it, but it's ONLY available to purchase on their online site. The Satellite Helios (17.3 inch) has a similar chasis to the Qosmio so you might be able to find it at Walmart like I did.

If your going to use a laptop for business, I would definitely get the 3 year warranty (which is included in the specific Tecra Business model you chose).

Since you want fast access to your files, your going to want the 7200 rpm HD; which the Tecra has. I can see where bluetooth would be a huge bonus, as you can connect a keyboard/mouse without any cords/transmitter.

The cheaper Satellite has SOME of the features I mentioned, but to get the 3 yr warranty will probably cost the same or more than the Tecra

Satellite A660-ST2GX1 Laptop

I see on the Tecra features, it's chasis it designed for some shock and wear (unlike the Satellite/Qosmio). It also is has Autodesk Cert (3D autocad software).

I think for the workplace, the Tecra looks great. It's lacking a bit in performance (smaller HD, lesser graphics card) but makes it up with the 3 yr warranty.

That's my opinion. Let us know what you decide.

 

OH! and the Tecra has more mobility than the Qosmio

Tecra (6 lbs, Battery 3.5) vs Qosmio (10 lbs, 3 hours)