Help with adding external power/reset switch to laptop

[JPeac2]

All -

I have a unique application where a laptop is enclosed inside a locked cavity. There are times where this needs to be reset and it would be nice to do without opening the cavity. Is it possible to add an external switch/reset button in case of software freezing?

I know of Wake on lan, but do not think it would accomplish what we are looking to do.

Also, I am aware that some laptop manufacturers have the ability to have the bios settings set so that when AC power is turned on it will automatically boot up, so this might work somehow.

It should be mentioned the application is for 100 + devices so opening and soldering individual laptops would be tough. Selection of laptops has not been determined so I am open to whatever you all suggest. Although it would seem easy to just buy a laptop with an external power button or a docking station, but the locked cavity prevents access to either.

Any ideas?

Best

 

[C1]

Think that you answered your own question. Set up the notebooks so that they reboot after power interruption. There are other possibilites of course depending on how elaborate on wants be. Many units have an IR port (or it can be added with a window in the cavity); you could contact/control the units via the wireless, or use a wireless mouse, etc.