If you're used to working with a desktop computer, it can be hard to transition to a laptop computer of any kind. It's usually easier to get used to a large, wide screen notebook than it is to the little brother known as a netbook or mini-laptop. Converting it to the "case" for a desktop computer is a route you may want to consider, especially if you're using it as a backup computer like I am.

A Docking Station

I guess that's what you would call it. My netbook, for example, has a monitor port and three USB ports. I can plug in a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, and a standard monitor. The extra USB port can be used for a USB printer, scanner, or an external storage drive (USB flash drive or USB external hard drive).

I have Windows XP on my netbook, but I'm sure similar things can be done with Linux and Windows 7. After I plug the monitor in, I can right-click on the desktop and get the display properties. There is an "output to" option and four or five selections are available (I don't remember, sue me). By choosing the "monitor" selection, the display immediately switches to my larger monitor and all I have to do is adjust the resolution to make it the same as my desktop computer resolution settings. To switch back, I select "output to notebook". I understand some laptops require the "fn/F2" combination to make the switch. My netbook does not. I can adjust the power settings so that when I close the netbook, it doesn't go into standby mode or shutdown. That keeps it flat and in front of my keyboard, actually between the keyboard and the monitor.

I don't have a working USB keyboard anymore, so I can't set up a workstation like this right now. If a new USB keyboard seems too expensive, a PS2 to USB adapter can be found for as little as $7.00. I have two USB to PS2 adapters, but no PS2 to USB adapters.

Why Use a Laptop as a Desktop Workstation?

If you work from home, whether it's data entry, database programming or writing content for websites, it's much easier to get the job done when you have a large monitor. Having a wide keyboard and a mouse are important for people like me. I don't know about you, but I can point and click a whole lot faster with a mouse than with a laptop trackpad.

A modern laptop computer can completely replace a horizontal desktop case or vertical tower. My netbook has as much memory as my desktop computer and the processor is just as fast. With netbooks being priced lower than $400.00 (and some can be found for less than $300.00), it's cheaper to replace a netbook than it is to replace just a desktop computer case.

Mobility isn't hindered too much. I mean, if you need to take your laptop with you, all you have to do is unplug the peripherals and go. This is the kind of setup I will eventually have in place. I'm not in a hurry; at least not until my desktop computer decides to crap out on me.

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