Thread: Alternative laptop power up solution?

How about this, most laptops have a connector that goes to a port replicator or a docking station correct? I have to believe that one of those terminals controls the power button, because a port replicator/docking station is just a bunch of wires unless there is a micro-controller in the thing right?

So here's what i need, i don't have a bench to work with, thus no way of applying a +5 voltage or whatever is needed to those ports to try it out. I'm thinking this will solve the whole issue about powering on the laptop without hacking it apart for those of us with warranties to uphold. Otherwise, i'm just going to buy the port replicator and gut it. But i think this makes sense, i just cant find a wiring diagram anywhere.

Could anyone with a docking station try this out for me and see if they can jump a few terminals to get the power button to function; this would definately solve a great many concerns with my project.