Ah, new laptop? Yes, you can't close the lid before it's "off" on mine (Dell) either.

I just bought a couple plugs and don't use it "alone" much, just move it between the two cables (one by my easy chair, here, and one over on the table w/the printer, etc.). I only pack and take it for classes or vacations (took it RVing :-) and even then I take the cables, etc.