I have a Dell Inspiron 4100, and have wanted to be able to do this since I decided I’d liike to buy an exterior monitor (for ease in reading text on the screen). I’d rather not have to open the laptop each time to switch the unit on, and the support pages (Dell’s website) mention a docking station (using the large docking jack on the back of the unit)…any better ideas for switching the laptop on & off with the lid shut?
Get the docking station. I have a ThinkPad with identical docking stations at work and home; it’s my main computer for both places. Just pop it in, turn the key (optional), and hit the power button on the dock. I can go weeks without opening it.