How to turn your laptop into a desktop workstation

A desktop workstation is a powerful, powerful tool. It’s a device that enables you to do the things you do on your computer with a high degree of comfort and productivity. But it’s not always as simple as unplugging your laptop and plugging your desktop in. You may need some tweaks and modifications to your existing desktop workstation. Here’s a few simple tips for anyone looking to turn their laptop into a desktop workstation.

The main difference between laptops and desktop computers is that the latter are, well, bigger: they’re designed to be set on a nice, comfortable desk and adorned with a variety of accessories. However, if you already own a laptop or you can read more about best laptop under $800, you already have all of the components of a desktop, plus some. Why not relax and enjoy the full desktop experience if you’re not going somewhere for a while

Why? Because you probably don’t have all you need for a complete desktop setup. However, buying that gear is simple, as is putting it together in such a way that taking your laptop in and out is a breeze. You’ll have the best of both worlds: a complete, comfortable desktop setup when you want it and a portable laptop when you need it. This post will teach you how to transform your laptop into a desktop workstation.

Desktop components are the good stuff.

The main benefit of putting together this arrangement is that you can utilise your laptop with fantastic, easy-to-use desktop components. (Of course, you’ll also need a desk or table, as well as a chair.) You can use as many or as few as you want, but here are the most important:

Monitor: a larger external screen that allows you to rest your eyes while watching movies or playing games. You can utilise your laptop’s screen and an external monitor at the same time, or numerous monitors if your hardware allows it for a complete “battlestation.”

HP’s 24-inch, 1080p display is a typical no-frills budget monitor for $125.

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Logitech

Mouse: While most laptop users are masters of the trackpad, seven the most seasoned users will agree that a mouse is preferable. If you want speed, go with a USB model; if you don’t want to use a USB port, go with Bluetooth.

The greatest productivity mouse is the $100 Logitech MX Master 3.

When using a laptop at a desk station, many users just use the keyboard that came with it. Consider adding a wired or wireless keyboard if yours is very uncomfortable, or if you want to get into the booming mechanical keyboard scene.

The best wireless keyboard is the $60 Logitech K800 Illuminated.

Speakers: Your laptop’s speakers will work while you’re at a desk, but if you want a louder, bolder sound, invest in a set of dedicated speakers. (Or a decent headset or a pair of genuine wireless earphones, if you like.)

Creative Pebble for $20 is the greatest computer speaker under $100.

primary pcw streaming mics

IDG / Rob Schult

Other extras: This is where you put everything else. For meetings, you might wish to attach a high-quality external webcam and microphone, as well as a game controller or an external hard drive. For your digital camera, you could want a hardwired network connection, a DVD drive, or a card reader. Almost every external item designed for a desktop PC may be used with a laptop if you can figure out how to connect it.

Keep your laptop awake by closing the lid.

It’s worth noting that you can close the lid on your laptop and keep it operating while connecting it to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. To enable this, you’ll need to change your power settings such that the laptop “does nothing” while the lid closes. This may be found in Windows 10’s Power Options menu, beneath the “Choose what closing the lid does” link on the side. (Press the Start button, then select Settings > System > Power & Sleep.)