I really have no idea where to ask this or what I’m even doing, but I definitely need advice before I make a major purchase and get in over my head.
The only computer I have right now is a laptop. It’s maximum resolution is 1280x1024, or something like that. I need a screen with 1600x1200 resolution. The nice LCD’s are too pricy, but I’ve found some CRT’s with those specs for only 129.
So, I’d like to buy a nice 1600x1200 monitor, hook it up to my laptop, and use it as my monitor when I’m at home. Problem is, I’ve never done anything like this before so I don’t know what all this entails. Some basic questions:
Since the laptop only supports a smaller resolution, will I need to get a new video card, or driver, or special software, or something like that to get the full resolution out of the new monitor?
If yes to 1, how big of a pain/ expense will this be?
2a) If no to 1, same question. Can I just plug the cable in the back like I do when I plug in my mouse or printer, have the computer automatically detect the new extension, and be good to go?
Most importantly, is there any way to be really sure of all of this before I shell out my cash for a monitor, only to discover it’s not compatible with my laptop, or I have to jump through a million hoops?
Thanks for all the help everyone. I actually do have some clue when it comes to computers, but not that much, and I’ve never done anything remotely like this before.
What kind of laptop is it? I’m using a ThinkPad now that has a resolution of 1024x768 for its own LCD, but on an external monitor, it will run up to 1600x1200.
If your laptop doesn’t support 1600x1200 on an external monitor, you’re sunk. With only one or two exceptions on the market, it’s impossible to upgrade laptop video.
I actually have two laptops. One is a Toshiba Satellite, with the limited 1280x1024 resolution. The other is a Dell Inspiron that allows you to go to 1600x1200. It just doesn’t all fit on the screen at once, but presumably would with the external monitor. Thanks for the info.
If you can tell the model number of the toshiba (on the bottom probably) or the name of the video card (windows device manager), then it would be possible to give a definitive answer as to whether it can do 1600x1200 on the external monitor.
You might regret buying a cheapy CRT… even if the quality of the CRT image is good, at 1600x1200 a laptop video card is probably only going to give you 60Hz, which gives me a headache.
If it’s just video real-estate you’re after, you might be better off getting a decent mid-range CRT or LCD, and adding it instead of replacing your laptop screen.
If you’re running Windows XP, you can have each monitor be a separate desktop and drag applications between them. At work, instead of tossing my old 15" CRT, I kept it and made it a second monitor to my newer 15" LCD. I find it quite handy to have one screen handle your web browser, and the other your code window or email or whatever else you’re doing. My entire visible desktop there is 2560x1024.
The refresh frequency issue is quite important re using a CRT. Most notebook video hardware is not going to be able to give a high refresh rate and high resolution. Some high end multi media oriented notebooks with 17" screens and/or high powered video hardware like my HP zd7000 series at work can do this, but they are the exceptions. I use my home notebook with a 19" CRT monitor and anything beyond 1024x768 looks nasty. The refresh issue is much less important on an LCD flat screen.