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Choosing a Laptop with Power-On via External Dock for Photo Editing & Gaming

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  • #1 17396532
    radek0010
    Level 2  
    Hi, I`m planning to buy a laptop mainly for photo editing and sometimes for gaming. I really want to be able to turn it on without lifting the cover because I plan to connect two monitors to it. Something like this MSI has: x-kom.pl/p/441028-notebook-laptop-156-msi-gs63-i7-8750h-16gb-2561tb-win10-gtx1060.html Do you know any other laptops with this option? I`m still considering the option x-kom.pl/p/444950-notebook-laptop-156-asus-rog-scar-ii-gl504gm-i7-8750-16gb-256pcie1tb.html plus a docking station morele.net/ replicator-station-asus-simpro-dock-1482279/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8O7bBRB0EiwAfbrTh_KXYYkIBiYCtaP4F0yxrsGIMEwnjN1WXOReZhuuVe1DEx4udbUthRoCY8cQAvD_BwE
    I just don`t know if it will be compatible and whether it will be possible to turn on the laptop itself using this power?

    Please advise and thanks in advance.
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  • #2 17396580
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #3 17396594
    enhanced
    Level 43  
    By default, everyone falls asleep, but it`s not a problem.

    He`s talking about the docking station - I don`t know if the one he linked works with the computer, because it should, but the ones from the old Precision M6600 or HP definitely work as the main power switch.
  • #4 17396610
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #5 17396615
    radek0010
    Level 2  
    What I mean is to turn it on, not wake it up. And closing the lid is not a problem, it can be easily turned off in the power options in Win10 or Win7

    Added after 1 [minute]:

    In ITX? can you elaborate?
  • #6 17396627
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #7 17398923
    radek0010
    Level 2  
    I would like the laptop to turn on like a desktop computer, e.g. MSI GS63 has this function. Maybe you have any other suggestions? Choosing a Laptop with Power-On via External Dock for Photo Editing & Gaming
  • #8 17399873
    BANANvanDYK
    Level 42  
    Business models/mobile workstations that work with the docking station have a power button on the docking station, and the ability to connect additional monitors to the docking station. Working with the lid closed and with an external keyboard and mouse is no problem.
    Even 10 years ago, it was popular to equip laptops with an infrared remote control (multimedia gadgets), which also made it possible to turn on the computer from the remote control.
  • #9 17403127
    radek0010
    Level 2  
    Any examples of such docking stations?
  • #10 17403191
    iron64
    Level 41  
    But the type of station depends on the laptop. It doesn`t go the other way. Decide what kind of laptop you want, and then look for whether it has a port for the station. If not, keep looking.
    Delle, HP, and Lenovo business or professional series have such connectors. I use Dell e5430 this way.
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  • #11 20420274
    gilek123
    Level 3  
    And what, masters, is there any solution? I hid my laptop under the desk, the problem is that I can't turn it on because I have to open the cover with the screen and there is no space under the desk. How to turn on the laptop without opening the lid?
  • #12 20420297
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    gilek123 wrote:
    How to turn on the laptop without opening the lid?
    Remove the cover permanently or change the position of the items under the desk so that the cover opens freely. :D
    I don`t believe you won`t be able to find 30 cm vertically.
  • #13 20420323
    gilek123
    Level 3  
    Well, unfortunately I don't have room... Choosing a Laptop with Power-On via External Dock for Photo Editing & Gaming
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  • #14 20420379
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
    gilek123 wrote:
    Well, unfortunately I don`t have room
    Well, you don`t, but the laptop is in the desk pocket, not under the desk.
  • #15 20420462
    stachu_l
    Level 38  
    radek0010 wrote:
    Any examples of such docking stations?
    I have (basically, the company has) an HP EliteBook and a docking station https://www.x-kom.pl/p/312930-stacja-dokujaca-do-laptopa-hp-hp-2013-ultraslim-docking- station.html
    It`s not a new set, but the station lasted two generations - my IT tries to replace computers every 3 years and the station fit two subsequent HPs. Recently they told me that it no longer fits the new ones.
    Previously, I had an IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad and also docking stations.
    It is nonsense to have to lift the flap - the switch at the station turns on the power when the flap is closed and you can work like that. Sleep is triggered by closing the flap, not its current state, so when you open and close it, it will actually go to sleep - of course in the default power settings because it can be configured differently.
    Considering a modest 3 years x 4 laptops, I have been working like this for at least 12 years - I only open the flap with the screen when I go to a meeting where the computer will be needed or when traveling.
  • #16 20972973
    bigle
    Level 11  
    Refreshing the topic. Currently, dedicated laptop docking stations are no longer used. Stations with a USB-C connector are now available. And here there is a problem with full laptop-station compatibility. For example, an HP docking station with a power button connected to a non-HP laptop will most likely not turn it on. In this case, you need to lift the lid of the laptop and press the power button on it and then close the lid. This is not convenient and sometimes completely impossible due to lack of space to lift the flap. The same applies to DELL laptops, which cannot be turned on with a station other than DELL. HP USB-C Dock G5 stations work best with HP laptops - note that they come in different power options! It is similar with DELL laptops, they work with DELL WD 19 or higher stations, but stations from other manufacturers will not turn them on at the touch of a button. DELL stations also come with different power variants and sometimes the laptop "screams" that the power supply is too weak. If someone does not want to turn on the laptop using the button on the docking station, you can basically use any USB-C station as long as the power supply is adequate for the laptop. from the station.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting a laptop suitable for photo editing and gaming, with a specific requirement for the ability to power on via an external docking station without opening the lid. Users highlight that most laptops default to sleep mode when the lid is closed, but this can be adjusted in the power settings. Suggestions include using business models or mobile workstations that support docking stations with power buttons, allowing operation with the lid closed. Compatibility between laptops and docking stations is crucial, as not all brands support this feature. Recommendations include Dell, HP, and Lenovo models, with specific docking stations mentioned for their functionality. The conversation also touches on the potential for using external graphics cards for enhanced performance.

FAQ

TL;DR: Want to power on a closed‑lid laptop from a dock? “I have been working like this for at least 12 years.” That setup uses business laptops and brand‑matched docks with a dedicated power button. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]

Why it matters: Creators and gamers docking laptops under a desk can run multi‑monitor setups and start them without opening the lid.

Quick facts:

Quick Facts

Which laptops let me turn them on from a docking station button?

Business and mobile workstation laptops are built for this role. Their matching docks include a physical power button. You can connect extra monitors and work lid‑closed like a desktop. Look for business lines rather than consumer gaming models for reliable dock power control. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]

Will any USB‑C docking station power on my laptop?

No. HP docks power on HP laptops, and Dell docks power on Dell laptops. Mixed brands usually cannot start the laptop. You must open the lid and press power. Pick a dock with sufficient wattage. Too‑low power often triggers a “power supply too weak” warning. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]

How do I work with the lid closed without the laptop sleeping?

Change your OS power settings so closing the lid doesn’t sleep the system. In Windows 10/7:
  1. Open Power Options.
  2. Choose “What closing the lid does.”
  3. Set “When I close the lid” to “Do nothing,” then save. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17396615]

Can the dock’s power button turn on a closed‑lid laptop?

Yes, on supported business docks the dock switch powers the system even with the lid closed. “The switch at the station turns on the power when the flap is closed.” Sleep is triggered by the act of closing, which you can reconfigure. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]

What are examples of docks that support power‑on?

Modern USB‑C examples include HP USB‑C Dock G5 for HP laptops and Dell WD19 for Dell laptops. These docks come in different power variants. Choose the version that matches your laptop’s power needs for a clean, single‑cable start. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]

How should I choose a compatible docking solution?

Pick the laptop first. Then select the station that matches its dedicated dock port or supported USB‑C/Thunderbolt features. If the laptop lacks a compatible port, consider another model. Business series from Dell, HP, and Lenovo commonly provide suitable connectors. [Elektroda, iron64, post #17403191]

Can I disable the laptop’s internal screen and use only external monitors?

Yes. Connect an external display and disable the built‑in panel in your graphics driver settings. This avoids lighting the internal screen and wasting GPU resources. You still need to adjust power settings to prevent sleep on lid close. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17396580]

Is using many external monitors on a laptop a bad idea?

It can increase heat and fan noise, since the laptop GPU works harder. An external desktop GPU via USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt is a quiet, powerful alternative. If adding a box anyway, a compact ITX desktop may be simpler. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17396610]

Can I turn on an MSI GS63 or ASUS ROG via a dock?

The MSI GS63 was reported to support desktop‑style external power‑on. Confirm dock support for the exact SKU before buying. Many gaming laptops lack vendor‑integrated dock power control, especially with generic USB‑C docks. [Elektroda, radek0010, post #17398923]

I hid my laptop in a desk pocket. How can I power it on without lifting the lid?

Use a brand‑matched USB‑C dock that includes a power button. With a non‑matching dock, you must open the lid to press the laptop’s power button. Also ensure the dock’s power delivery meets your laptop’s requirement. [Elektroda, bigle, post #20972973]

Do older, proprietary docks act as the main power switch?

Yes. Legacy docks for systems like the Dell Precision M6600 or comparable HP models can serve as the primary power button. They are designed to start the laptop directly from the dock. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #17396594]

Will a dock work across multiple laptop generations?

Sometimes. An HP 2013 UltraSlim Dock worked across two laptop generations in one setup. The company replaced laptops every 3 years, but the latest models no longer fit that dock. Verify model‑to‑model compatibility before upgrades. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #20420462]

Can I power on a laptop with a remote control?

Some older laptops shipped with infrared remotes that could turn the computer on. This was a popular feature about a decade ago, but expect it on legacy models rather than new ones. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #17399873]
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