Turn on laptop without opening?

[jelifah]

I recently purchased a 22 inch LCD screen for my laptop, 6 year old Inspiron 8100, at home. This laptop already has an external mouse and keyboard attached.

Since I no longer need the physical laptop on the desk I'd like to stash it somewhere out of the way.

So my question is this:
Without me buying a docking station for $100 or so, is there a way to turn the laptop on, without opening the lid, where the power button resides? Considering that the docking station would provide this 'magic button' is there a cheaper/free alternative?

 

[VinDSL]

Interesting question!

Not all laptops have provisions for hooking them up to a docking station/port replicator, but if yours does...

If you can find a schematic with the pin-ins/pin-outs for your docking port, then I think it would be a simple matter to 'rig' something up.

Short of that, you could always open up your lappy case and install a surface mount power switch, kinda like Dell does with their "WiFi Catcher".

Other than that, I *think* you're out of luck...

 

[jelifah]

If anyone else was, truly, interested - The resource google most often turned up was mp3car.com which had individuals using their laptops in cars. Sadly, for me, all of their solutions involve soldering. And I have never done soldering so that leaves that solution out. :/

A 'random thought' - I think I have a PS2 keyboard at home, from an old HP, that had a power button on it but I'm guessing something like that would only act with the proprietary equipment it came with. Am I wrong?

p.s.
Thanks for the 'interesting question' comment.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: jelifah
If anyone else was, truly, interested - The resource google most often turned up was mp3car.com which had individuals using their laptops in cars...

Thanks for the linkage...

I REALLY enjoy using my lappy in the car! The only problem is where to mount it.

I usually place it on top of my briefcase, on the passenger seat - about the right viewing height - but had several near misses, dropping it on the floor while braking and turning, yada, yada.

I *need* to come up with some sort of permanent solution like the cops use...

Also, I need to quit wardriving! I heard they're thinking about making this illegal in my state.

If you read about any solutions for mounting lappys in cars, let me know.

The connection dilemma is simple - EVDO - but, I don't want to invest in it until I can figure out a way to strap down my lappy...