using a laptop as a desktop system..

  • Thread starter Thread starter MrJumbles
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MrJumbles

Are then any issues with using a laptop like a desktop system? I want to run
it 24/7 as a quieter and smaller alternative to a tower/monitor set up.....I
would use an external kb/mouse/tablet as well.. live in australia so
ambient temps as high as 30c..
are laptops up to this type of use..
any info or experience appreciated.
steven.
 
MrJumbles said:
Are then any issues with using a laptop like a desktop system? I want to run
it 24/7 as a quieter and smaller alternative to a tower/monitor set up.....I
would use an external kb/mouse/tablet as well.. live in australia so
ambient temps as high as 30c..
are laptops up to this type of use..
any info or experience appreciated.
steven.
Click to expand...
I've essentially been doing it for 3 years now. Issues to consider: the
HD is considerably slower than a desktop system; heat can sometimes be
a problem, make sure that all of the vents are clear of obstructions;
the sound card is extremely susceptible to heat, mine starts making a
horrible sound after its been running for a while. Also, realize that
leaving it plugged in all of the time will effectively ruin the battery.
If its possible, you'll want to remove that. The CD-ROM, at least in
my notebook, is noticeably louder than a desktop drive when it spins up.
If it matters, the laptop is a Toshiba Satellite 2805-S503. Other
than those considerations, I wouldn't think it a bad idea. Good luck.

~wm
 
ok,thanks very much for that info.

wm said:
I've essentially been doing it for 3 years now. Issues to consider: the
HD is considerably slower than a desktop system; heat can sometimes be
a problem, make sure that all of the vents are clear of obstructions;
the sound card is extremely susceptible to heat, mine starts making a
horrible sound after its been running for a while. Also, realize that
leaving it plugged in all of the time will effectively ruin the battery.
If its possible, you'll want to remove that. The CD-ROM, at least in
my notebook, is noticeably louder than a desktop drive when it spins up.
If it matters, the laptop is a Toshiba Satellite 2805-S503. Other
than those considerations, I wouldn't think it a bad idea. Good luck.

~wm
Click to expand...
 
Are then any issues with using a laptop like a desktop system? I want to run
it 24/7 as a quieter and smaller alternative to a tower/monitor set up.....I
would use an external kb/mouse/tablet as well.. live in australia so
ambient temps as high as 30c..
are laptops up to this type of use..
any info or experience appreciated.
steven.
Click to expand...

To a degree, it depends on the laptop. Good ones will handle the 24/7
operation, and they normally handle temperatures ok, but the one in the
desktop replacement class will have fans that can also be noisy when they
operate a full speed to cool down the system. They will be slower than
desktops, mostly due to slower hard drives (most laptop drives are 4200
rpm, with the "fast" ones being 5400, the same speed as the slowest desk
top drive). They will also be more expensive than a Quiet desktop.

I would look at one of the quieter small desktop model instead. Much
cheaper and likely faster than a laptop, and not much more space and the
same amount of noise.

JT
 
JT said:
To a degree, it depends on the laptop. Good ones will handle the 24/7
operation, and they normally handle temperatures ok, but the one in the
desktop replacement class will have fans that can also be noisy when they
operate a full speed to cool down the system. They will be slower than
desktops, mostly due to slower hard drives (most laptop drives are 4200
rpm, with the "fast" ones being 5400, the same speed as the slowest desk
top drive). They will also be more expensive than a Quiet desktop.

I would look at one of the quieter small desktop model instead. Much
cheaper and likely faster than a laptop, and not much more space and the
same amount of noise.

JT
Click to expand...
yep,thats good advice..thanks..
 
I've been thinking of the same. Some random (and maybe incorrect)
thoughts :

Get a video card with dual monitor out. That way you can hook the
laptop upto a bigger monitor. Maybe plug in a USB keyboard at the
back... and it works as a desktop. I don't know if this is practical
but I think it should work.

The downside of laptops is that you pay through your a$$ for something
you will be using mostly as a desktop. Do you really need the
portability?

It is nice to work a project on a laptop mind you. Very nice...
ahhh.... I wish i could have one.
 
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