# How to import a video signal to a laptop?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-import-a-video-signal-to-a-laptop/490253>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 21, 2009, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-import-a-video-signal-to-a-laptop/490253 "2009-03-21T13:09:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-import-a-video-signal-to-a-laptop/490253/1 "2009-03-21T13:09:57Z")

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Hi,  
I’m looking for a way to use one of the many laptops I have floating around to work as a temporary display for a desktop computer. Why is this so hard to do?? Most computers only have Video-\>out functionality, but no import.

I am not editing video or anything like that, I just need a quick monitor and it would be a great solution to be able to carry a laptop over to where you need one and then export your display from the box or other laptop (trouble-shooting) that requires one.

I thought for sure there’d be a USB style device that would do this maybe with some software to load on the system or maybe even a PCMCIA card with a video out that I could buy just for the laptops, but I’m not see anything available- what gives?

Does anyone know of a way I can export a video signal to a laptop display?

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**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-import-a-video-signal-to-a-laptop/490253/2 "2009-03-21T16:21:07Z")

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The simplest solution might actually be network-based; programs like [MaxiVista](http://www.maxivista.com/) can turn your laptop into a virtual monitor that connects to your desktop over the Internet, ethernet, or local Wi-Fi. No additional hardware required. There might be some lag so this probably isn’t the ideal solution for gaming, etc., but it might just work for everyday office tasks.

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**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-import-a-video-signal-to-a-laptop/490253/3 "2009-03-21T16:43:14Z")

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You can also use the built in Remote desktop app if they are windows system.