Can Laptop Be Closed When Working with Monitor?

Topic

New Reply

After a number of years of using a desktop, I acquired my first laptop yesterday, an ASUS U56E running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Although the laptop’s screen size isn’t bad, I had hoped to be able to continue to use my 20 inch HP monitor and beloved seven year old Dell keyboard when working at my desk. I bought a PS2 to USB connector to set up the keyboard and, given that my printer is wired and the low-end wireless printers seem so slow, I hope to run both of those gadgets through a USB hub. Do y’all think that will work? (The computer has 1 USB 3.0; 2 USB 2.0; 1 Ethernet; 1 HDMI; and 1 VGA 15-pin D-sub port. I’m using one USB port for a wireless mouse.)

Ideally, I would like to be able to slide the laptop under a metal stand I have that elevates the monitor to eye level. However, closing the laptop lid normally causes the power button to automatically turn off. Is there a way to temporarily override that feature so I can tuck the notebook into the little “cubby” or will I have to find room for it elsewhere on my desk in order to be able to connect it to the big HP monitor?

I’m moderately adept at using the usual Microsoft application software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), but am admittedly rather clueless when it comes to hardware and operating systems. Thanks for any help you can provide!

Victoria in Breezy Texas

Reply | Quote

Replies

Hi,

You can configure the power options so that closing the lid will have no effect. Go to Control Panel -> Power Options and you will get a screen that will inform on the current power plan. On the left pane there will be a link to Choose what closing the lid does. Click it and you will get another screen that allows you to choose what to do when you close the lid when running on battery and when plugged in. Choose Do nothing in one or both dropdowns (depending on what you want) and the click the Save changes button and you’re done. From then on, closing the lid will have no effect.

Reply | Quote

EXCELLENT! And that is something that can be easily toggled back and forth for when I’m working away from my office.
Thanks a bunch,
Victoria

Reply | Quote

You’re welcome :).

Reply | Quote

Finally got a DVI to HDMI adapter and got the big monitor hooked up. The tweak to the Power Options works perfectly. Thanks again!

One thing I discovered is that the “flare” of the adapter makes it difficult to plug thing into the 3.0 USB port because they are so close. I do have two 2.0 USB ports, but have been running my USB hub off the 3.0 port. I guess the best solution is to get a cable to connect between the adapter and the HDMI port since the cable would be far narrower than the flared adapter???

Victoria

Reply | Quote

Also if you have the room on your desk, try using the laptop’s screen as a second monitor, this works well for me.

Reply | Quote

I don’t have that space for that configuration, but have seen the dual-monitor arrangement in action and it looks darned cool!

Thanks,
Victoria

Reply | Quote