5thwheeleroldman
Texas
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Joined: 06/26/2007
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We currently have two desktops about 6 years old and the wife's is making a grinding noise. Probably a cooling fan losing its bearing. I plan to replace all of it with a new desktop for her and a laptop for me (which we can travel with). But when I'm at home, I think I want to use the standard keyboard, mouse and 17" monitor I already have. Is this tricky to do?
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strollin
San Martin, CA
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Joined: 06/12/2003
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Whatever is making the grinding noise on your wife's computer can be repaired but at 6 years old you're probably best off upgrading to newer equipment.
The ability for a laptop to use an external monitor and keyboard is not tricky at all. Just make sure that the laptop you buy has an external video connector (most do) to be able to attach your monitor. I think the trend is to omit an external keyboard connector on laptops these days but you could always get a USB keyboard or an adapter to convert your existing keyboard with a PS2 style connector to a USB.
You didn't mention a printer but most newer printers connect via USB nowadays so that shouldn't be an issue.
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bobcouch
Southeast Texas
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Joined: 12/01/2008
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As long as you have a USB keyboard and mouse, not a problem at all. Your new laptop may not have a place to plug PS/2 devices.
I use, and like, a wireless keyboard and mouse with my laptop - mine is from Logitech, but there are several out there and they are not expensive.
Bob and Honey Couch
Miniature dachshunds Tinker and Dusty
2008 Keystone Everest
2007 Dodge MegaCab w/ 5.9 Cummins
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mdock2
RV-MOBILE
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Joined: 06/25/2007
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I have a 17" monitor and a wireless keyboard and mouse in the MH hooked up to my laptop and it works great, no problems what so ever..
Marty and Shirley
with our DutchStar
following our Dream
Since 1/15/09
Click here for Great RV Related Travel Photos
The map shows our travels since January, 2009
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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Works like a charm.
Glenn & Karen
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys
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ShapeShifter
Buffalo, NY
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Joined: 04/03/2007
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If looking for a new laptop, consider one that has a docking station available. Look for one with its own power supply, and all the connections you need (keyboard, mouse, video, speakers, network, printer, etc.)
The ability to keep the docking station in place, with everything connected, is wonderful. It only takes seconds to latch the notebook in place, rather then connecting everything up each time. Also saves wear on the connectors.
There are universal USB docks available, but a dock specific for the laptop, using its own dedicated connector, works much better in my opinion.
I won't buy a laptop without a dock anymore - it's the first feature I look at. My current system drives two 24 inch monitors, has USB keyboard and mouse, three printers, network, power, and speakers hooked up all the time. And I just click the notebook in place, and go. Once docked, I can't tell 'm working on a notebook. I have the same dock/workstation at home and in the office.
Now, if only I could find a place to permanently set up a third workstation in the MH... Alas, I have to use the notebook as is while on the road...
2007 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40PDQ
400 ISL Cummins/Allison
2002 Chevy Avalanche toad
Inside: Him, Her, and a pack of little furballs...
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jharrelson
Carson City, Nevada
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Joined: 01/01/2003
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The "Plug and Play" system is the best thing since sliced bread.. just plug any peripheral into a USB port and .. poooof you are ready to go..
Because my HP Pavilion laptop has a large screen, I don't need the extra monitor...
But I hate typing on the laptop... because my glaucoma makes it hard to see the laptop keyboard..
So I use a cordless mouse and keyboard.. I bought the combination mouse/keyboard from Walmart for $29.99 ..
it comes with a small "plug-in" stick ..(1/4" x 3/4" x 3")..that allows both the mouse and the keyboard to connect to the laptop without all the wires...
The keyboard and mouse fits inside the shoulder bag with the laptop and other "Office Supplies" that I need when traveling.
Makes a neat and compact office/computing package..
John
John Harrelson
Carson City, Nevada
fulltime since 1977
93 Ford 350 4wd Diesel
95 Prowler 30.5 ft 5th wheel w/slide
TWO CENTS WORTH
The story goes that a man died and was approached by the Devil who told him that he could buy his soul back for a dollar. The man searched his pockets and could only come up with 98 cent. While begging the Devil to forget the two cent he was short, an Angel happened by and hearing the Devil laughing, asked the man, "Would you mind if I put in my two cents ?" The Devil got so mad that he exploded in a puff of smoke and the man's soul was saved.
The moral: Sometimes putting in your two cents worth makes a difference.
JOHN "the cook" 1997
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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These days you can get one of the following for most any laptop
1: Docking station, custom made for your laptop. has video out, Keyboard and mouse and many have several other ports as well
2: USB dock, this plugs into one usb port, normally acts as a USB hub, also has connectors for KB, Mouse and more
USB-PS/2 Keyboard and mouse only
USB-Video monitor
Visit any decent computer place or www.microcenter.com
Note: I have shopped Micro Center and been happy with 'em (Brick/mortar type)
But I suggest the visit there because they have one of the best catalogs of computer junque I've seen.. If you can't find it there.. GOOD LUCK!
And then you can go to Best Buy or Fry's or _______ to make your purchase.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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