Run a laptop with the lid down

[alisdair4]

Does anyone know if it is possible to run a laptop with the lid closed, so that I can place it inside the chart table, and use an external monitor to view the chartplotting software. Most laptops which I have seen have a little switch which shuts them down automatically. I have never been able to disable this (probably for good reasons!). However, the netbook in question is running Windows XP, and is certainly fast enough for Seapro. The screen is, however, way too small. Any ideas?

 

[lustyd]

It's in power settings in control panel. Just look for the option for closing the lid in advanced settings.

 

[prv]

Definitely some can. Lots of people where I work do this with their Thinkpads. However, there was a range of Macs which could not be used while closed because the heat was normally vented from the top surface; it's possible that other laptops exist with the same limitation.

Pete

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Yes you can. Have a look under Power Settings which will either be Windows generic or manufacturers specific. There will be an option for what you want the computer to do when you shut the lid (standby/hibernate/nothing). Nothing is what you want it to do. The lappy screen will go out (a bit like the fridge door) but the external monitor will not.
You will of course have to configure dual/clone display for the external monitor.

If using your lappy without an external display closing the lid reduces power consumption dramatically. Yes yes yes, I know you can't see where you're going. All you have to do is lift the lid to view your track, or plot a course to the next waypoint, then close it again.

 

[Martin_J]

As the others have said.. Power settings should control what happens when you close the lid.

What you need now though is a laptop that has the power on button located on the side and not under the lid. You won't even have to open the lid to power it on then!

 

[noelex]

We do that to watch movies.
Netbook and 21 inch led screen. The netbook screen is off to reduce power consumption and the lid is closed.

The screen only uses less than an amp, direct from 12v.The net book about an amp, but it is also powering a external hard drive or DVD drive.

 

[alisdair4]

Laptop shut

Thanks - I'll give it a try when next on board.

 

[jwilson]

Does anyone know if it is possible to run a laptop with the lid closed, so that I can place it inside the chart table, and use an external monitor to view the chartplotting software. Most laptops which I have seen have a little switch which shuts them down automatically. I have never been able to disable this (probably for good reasons!). However, the netbook in question is running Windows XP, and is certainly fast enough for Seapro. The screen is, however, way too small. Any ideas?

I do this on a normal 15" laptop in a desk drawer - there is a setting in Windows to shut lids and leave power on. On mine though the drawer has a few vent holes drilled, and I leave the laptop screen lifted half an inch to improve heat dissipation.

 

[Pete R]

It's in power settings in control panel. Just look for the option for closing the lid in advanced settings.

Thanks very much. Never knew you could do that.