How to Use a Laptop as a Desktop
Five years ago I would have turned my nose up at the idea of using a laptop computer as a primary computer. The laptops of yesterday were simply not powerful enough to be desktop replacements. But in the computer world things change quite quickly. Today's laptop computers have enough power, memory and hard disk space to make users wonder if they shouldn't just purchase a laptop and use it for their main computer as well as for travel.
The laptop is a perfect solution for today's mobile society. It is useful for those who move to different places at different times of the year. It is also perfect for those who are "on the road" a lot. Yet, a laptop can be enticing even if you are a complete homebody. Laptops take up less space on the desktop and can easily be moved aside to make room for other endeavors. If you are interested in using a laptop as your main computer either part of, or all of the time, there are a few things you should know.
Price and Upgradability
First, you should be aware that you will always be paying a premium for a laptop computer. The compact size makes laptops more difficult to design and manufacture. Battery power also adds to the cost so a comparably equipped laptop will always be more expensive than its desktop cousin. The compact nature of laptop computers also makes them more difficult and more expensive to upgrade. So if you are purchasing a laptop to use as a desktop computer, you will want to make sure that you purchase a computer that has all the power and functionality you may want in the future.
Laptops Lack
Today's laptops lag behind desktop computers in two places, video and sound. This will not affect the average computer user in any way. The Internet, e-mail, pictures, and word processing documents will all look and sound about the same as they do on a desktop. If, however, you are into high-end graphics or video creation you will probably find the video boards in most laptops are slightly lacking. You may also notice this if you are a serious gamer dealing with fast-moving game characters. If you are into audio creation or want the very best sound quality available, you will find that most average laptops may not fit the bill. But even in audio and video there are laptop options. To get high-end video and audio on a laptop you will want to check out specialized manufacturers and/or add on products. For instance, Alienware makes a laptop with high-end video especially for gamers. The Indigo PCMCIA card from Echo can be used to give your laptop high quality digital sound.
Ergonomics
Laptop computers are certainly portable enough to be used on your lap, but when you need to spread out those financial papers and jot down notes while working on the computer you will want to set the laptop on a more stable pedestal. Yet just placing the laptop on a desk is certain to result in a pain in the neck, arm, and/or wrist, since everything about the laptop seems to be poorly positioned for desktop use. First of all, the keyboard on a laptop is too cramped for constant use and the pointer or touchpad is too awkward. You will want to add a full-sized keyboard and mouse. Remember that if at all possible you will want the keyboard and mouse to be slightly lower than the standard desktop. A pull-out keyboard drawer will put them at the proper level to relieve the stress that may otherwise be put on your wrists.
The small screen on a laptop that rests on a desk is usually too low and with constant use will give you a real pain in the neck. There are too options to solve this problem. You can add an external monitor, or purchase a stand to get the monitor up to the proper level. There are many different laptops stands of various shapes and sizes. One that I find to be an elegant solution is the Lapvantage, which has a 360-degree swivel dome base and adjustable arm that gets your monitor to the proper height while making your laptop look good at the same time.
Adding Monitors, Keyboards, & Mice
Most laptop computers have a video connection that you can use to hook up a full-size monitor. If your laptop does not have such a port, check with the manufacturer. Some laptops need a special adapter for hooking up a monitor. For instance, to hook up a monitor to my older IBM Thinkpad, I had to contact IBM and purchase a proprietary adapter. Keyboards and mice are easier. If your laptop doesn't have a round keyboard and/or mouse port, you can purchase a USB keyboard and/or mouse. Unless your laptop is very old, it is sure to have a USB port. A wireless keyboard and mouse are also options to consider.
Port Replicators and Docking Stations
These are devices that some laptop manufacturers use to add desktop functionality to a laptop computer. A port replicator allows you to connect a laptop to a number of peripherals through a single plug. Some laptops do not have any monitor, keyboard, mouse, or other ports on the laptop itself. These require a special port replicator from the manufacturer in order to add peripherals. Third-party manufacturers like Belkin also make port replicators. These may be cheaper than purchasing from the manufacturer if they are compatible with your laptop.
A docking station is another add-on for a laptop. It is usually a platform into which you slide the laptop. It often has connectors like the port replicator, but also may have slots for expansion cards, bays for expansion, and extra drives like CDs and DVDs. You can hook up a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other peripherals to the docking station. Then you can slide the portable computer into and out of the docking station without having to connect and disconnect the peripheral. If a docking station is available for your laptop, it may be worthwhile, but remember it probably will still not solve the ergonomic problems addressed above.
Don't hesitate to purchase a laptop computer to use all the time. With the right laptop, peripherals, and ergonomic tools you can use your portable computer at home, at the office, or on the road.
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
