Using my keyboard to turn on my computer

[AstroTaylor]

This may sound weird to some, but its the situation I have currently. I have a laptop that doesn't have PS/2 ports on it. The location of the laptop makes it hard to use the power button (its mostly used as a desktop with an external monitor, keyboard, mouse). I am trying to find a way to make the laptop power on without having to dig it out and push the button. I have seen some keyboards with a power button, but I'm not sure if the button is only for power off or if it will allow me to power on the system. I have yet to find a USB keyboard with a power button, but have thought about trying to use a PS/2 to USB adapter so that I could use a PS/2 keyboard in the USB port. If anyone has any ideas about how I can make this laptop power on without having to lift the lid and hit the power button please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

I am the noob that asks questions constantly, but only so that I can learn and one day be your boss!

 

[Guest]

From what I understand, the power button can only work if the bios supports it. If it does, there should be an option there under "wake on"

 

[pscowboy]

If the BIOS supports it, it will be in the Peripheral section, "Keyboard Power on". There is no power button per se. You can choose any one character as your power on. If you choose more than one, you have to hit Enter as well as your multi-key combo. Better just one key.
Some BIOS's also let you power on with a PS/2 mouse. Choose your poison.

 

[Syndil]

Actually my old Epox 7KXA has a Keyboard Power On feature. The PS/2 port is still powered when the PC shuts off (numlock light will stay on), and if you hit ANY key on the keyboard, the PC will boot up. As far as I know, Epox is the only mobo manufacturer to include this feature. I have no idea why it hasn't caught on with the rest of the market, I love it. It's great to be able to just mash your hand down anywhere on the keyboard and have it boot up. Beats having to reach down and press the power button on the case.. and it's useful if you're drunk, sleepy, or otherwise impaired...

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Armadillo<font color=orange>[</font color=orange><font color=green>TcC</font color=green><font color=orange>]</font color=orange> at Lanwar and MML

 

[ytoledano]

reaching out and hitting the power switch is really hard, isn't it... man, I can understand if the power button is unreachable but some people are just lazy.

Coppermine, Banias, Opteron, Prescott, Barton... How 'bout investing less in the CPU and more in its name?

 

[Syndil]

For some people, it conceivably could be difficult. Like if you're wheelchair-bound for instance. However, even if you have no trouble reaching the power button, its just nice to be able to operate all functions of the PC entirely from the keyboard. Already have volume controls, sleep, power-off, etc. To me it only makes sense to be able to turn it on as well.

<font color=white><b>_________________________________________________</font color=white></b>
Armadillo<font color=orange>[</font color=orange><font color=green>TcC</font color=green><font color=orange>]</font color=orange> at Lanwar and MML