Can I separate a laptop and use it as a desktop?

rgerber · Apr 27, 2015

The hinges of my Lenovo broke, and since Lenovo makes terrible hinges, I want to know if it is possible to remove the screen (still works perfectly) and rewire it to work as a plug in. I assume the screen just needs a power and display cable that could be adapted to some sort of electrical plug. I would create an antenna for wifi and webcam attached to the body separately.

The purpose of this would be to have the screen at home and still be portable. I.E. able to use the computer with external monitors elsewhere.

Calculagator · Apr 27, 2015

Unless you are pretty good at hacking things together, you are probably going to find it difficult to get the screen working as a standalone monitor. Once you consider the costs of a controller board for converting the signal, a power supply, and an enclosure, it would be cheaper for you to pick up a 19/20 in monitor and either throw out your old LCD or sell it for parts.

You can certainly use your laptop as a sort of portable desktop, but it's not going to be especially convenient.

Maarsch · Apr 27, 2015

The answer to your question is "Yes"

Although I'm assuming your follow-up question will feature the word "How" which I am not able to answer.

You are very much on the right path though.
You have a button on the body somewhere that handles the different external screen/beamer setups?
You know about the wifi antenna in the screen you will have to replace/re-locate.
You know to look up the specifics of the power your screen requires and adapt a powersource for that.

Happy tinkering.

reedo_43 · Apr 27, 2015

It would be much easier to just get a decent 19 in led monitor. But I do like your thinking!

rgerber · Apr 27, 2015

Maarsch :

I guess to clarify, I want to keep all existing wires or extend them, then create a breakable connection where the hinges used to be. That way I could use the power source and hardware from the laptop and not hack things together. I haven't yet opened the computer (summer project type thing as I need it right now) so I don't know how the wiring is set up.

Calculagator · Apr 27, 2015

There are some standards for laptop LCD connections, but there is no telling which your laptop uses without knowing more details about your model. There is a good chance that even if your laptop uses a standard, you will not find any pre-made extensions that fit your requirements.

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Can I separate a laptop and use it as a desktop?

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