# Why Do Laptops still include a VGA port instead of DVI-D?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 13, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610 "2019-08-13T16:13:32Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/1 "2019-08-13T16:13:32Z")
I bought a Dell Latitude laptop for my mom last winter. Her tower PC died and I wanted something smaller & much lighter. I want to connect the laptop to her 20 inch flat screen monitor. We’ll also use a USB keyboard and mouse. The laptop is just replacing the bulky tower.
It’s amazing laptops still use VGA. I dug a 20 year old VGA flat screen out of storage to test the laptop port. It works.
Mom’s monitor is DVI-D or DVI-I and about six years old. I’m trying to find a adapter to connect it to the laptop.
Bought one of these. It didn’t work. Monitor never came on.
[StarTech.com](http://StarTech.com) (DVIVGAFMBK) DVI-I to VGA Cable Adapter - Black - F / M - DVI I to VGA Adapter for Your VGA Monitor or Display [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6IYIW/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_abUuDbBWQW1X3](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6IYIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_abUuDbBWQW1X3)
I’m going to buy one of these next and try. It’s an active adapter and requires USB power.
UGREEN VGA to DVI-D 24+1 Male to Female Adapter Cable Supports 1080P Full HD with 1.5ft USB Power Cord for Computer, PC, Laptop, HDTV, Projector, DVD Graphics Card and More VGA DVI Enabled Devices [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYNDYJW/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_6dUuDbG2JGDVB](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYNDYJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6dUuDbG2JGDVB)
Why do Laptops still use obsolete VGA ports instead of DVI-I or DVI-D?
Do they even sell VGA monitors anymore?
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### Author:  [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/2 "2019-08-13T16:14:51Z")
Does the laptop have HDMI?
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/3 "2019-08-13T16:18:55Z")
Unfortunately not. The only graphics port is VGA.
Unless HDMI can be accessed through USB? I’d have to check the Specs from the Dell service tag. Find out more about the graphics chip in the laptop.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/4 "2019-08-13T16:29:00Z")
I know almost nothing about HDMI except it comes on the new TV’s.
DirectTv used HDMI to connect my mom’s flat panel tv. I think it’s 36 inch? Maybe 40.
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### Author:  [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/5 "2019-08-13T16:30:37Z")
Lots of companies out there who have old, expensive, but still working projectors which VGA is the only PC input.
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### Author:  [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/6 "2019-08-13T16:34:47Z")
> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> Why do Laptops still use obsolete VGA ports instead of DVI-I or DVI-D?
They’re both obsolete, but VGA is like the 3.5mm aux plug of video ports, it’s backwards compatible with just about everything so business laptops often have it to work in old conference rooms.
Are you sure there’s no displayport or mini-displayport on the laptop? What’s the model number? I’d be really surprised if VGA was the only output.
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### Author:  [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/7 "2019-08-13T16:41:22Z")
If I remember correctly, the Dell Latitude series is designed & marketed as business laptops. Many business users still need VGA regularly because many businesses & institutions are slow to upgrade their conference rooms, and still have projectors with only VGA input.
By the way, DVI is pretty much obsolete, replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort. A modern laptop should have one of those, or USB-C/Thunderbolt-3 which can output HDMI and DisplayPort through an adapter. Are you sure this Dell Latitude doesn’t have any of these? Which model is it exactly?
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/8 "2019-08-13T16:41:33Z")
Latitude 3580
[https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln306748/dell-latitude-3580-visual-guide?lang=en](https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln306748/dell-latitude-3580-visual-guide?lang=en)
That’s a visual guide. I see the HDMI port. I had mistaken it for another USB port.
So all I need is a HDMI to DVI adapter to connect a standard flat screen digital monitor?
I can ignore the obsolete VGA port?
This adapter should work?
HDMI to DVI Adapter, CableCreation [2-Pack] Bi-Directional HDMI Male to DVI Female Converter, 1080P DVI to HDMI Conveter, 3D, 0.15M Black [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FM521W2/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_.IUuDbR6ZWPBP](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FM521W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.IUuDbR6ZWPBP)
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### Author:  [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/9 "2019-08-13T16:42:38Z")
> [@steronz](#):
>
> Are you sure there’s no displayport or mini-displayport on the laptop? What’s the model number? I’d be really surprised if VGA was the only output.
I suspect OP’s either got an older model or he doesn’t know what he’s looking at. On Dell’s Latitude product page, every machine I see on there has HDMI. Some of them have VGA, but they all have HDMI.
> **[Dell Latitude Laptops | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/sf/latitude-laptops)**
>
> Latitude business laptops & 2-in-1s, built with the latest processors, provide performance & reliability your business needs. Free Shipping!
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### Author:  [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/10 "2019-08-13T16:45:04Z")
> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> So all I need is a HDMI to DVI adapter to connect a standard flat screen digital monitor?
Check if your monitor has an HDMI port. You want to avoid video adapters whenever possible.
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### Author:  [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/11 "2019-08-13T16:47:52Z")
never mind
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/12 "2019-08-13T16:48:10Z")
I’ll check my mom’s monitor next time I’m at her house.
IIRC it was purchased around 2010 or 11. Her previous flat screen monitor had burned out.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/13 "2019-08-13T16:53:31Z")
I really, really appreciate your help. Thank you. 😃
My HDMI experience is extremely sparse.
I’m used to graphics cards with DVI ports. I’ve upgraded a lot of pc’s with single port to dual port DVI’s. Our staff at work all use dual monitors.
Staff doesn’t use laptops at their desk. We have the mini towers.
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### Author:  [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/14 "2019-08-13T16:57:35Z")
Actually I’m not sure if there are HDMI to DVI adapters? I think I’ve only seen DVI to HDMI adapters (i.e. DVI output on a computer to HDMI input of the monitor).
Anyway, always keep in mind that an adapter usually only works in one direction. That’s why the DVI-VGA adapter didn’t work, because those only convert DVI to VGA, not the other direction.
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### Author:  [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/15 "2019-08-13T16:59:23Z")
Don’t lump Apple in with your assumptions of prejudice. Apple laptops are diligently equal-opportunity in the absense of _all_ ports except USB-C. Oh, I always forget - there’s still a 3.5mm headphone port for some reason.
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### Author:  [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/16 "2019-08-13T17:00:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> I know almost nothing about HDMI except it comes on the new TV’s.
>
> DirectTv used HDMI to connect my mom’s flat panel tv. I think it’s 36 inch? Maybe 40.
HDMI is electrically compatible with DVI and DVI devices can be connected to an HDMI port with a simple adapter. HDMI came about because the TV vendors didn’t like the existing DVI specification for a variety of reasons. DVI only carries video, so the TV connection would still require extra audio cables. DVI didn’t carry enhanced color space information that the TV vendors were using, or control functions for consumer electronics. And finally, they didn’t like the bulky DVI connector with the screw connections (which people don’t screw in half the time anyway) for consumer electronics. It was a design goal that HDMI be backwards compatible for DVI connections via a simple passive adapter.
With thin laptops coming into style, they started sprouting HDMI or display port connectors because of the size of the DVI connector. The newer display port intended for computer connections is also compatible with DVI via a passive adapter.
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### Author:  [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/17 "2019-08-13T17:04:27Z")
> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> This adapter should work?
> HDMI to DVI Adapter, CableCreation [2-Pack] Bi-Directional HDMI Male to DVI Female Converter, 1080P DVI to HDMI Conveter, 3D, 0.15M Black [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FM521W2/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_i\_.IUuDbR6ZWPBP](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FM521W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.IUuDbR6ZWPBP)
Never mind my above post, this adapter does say bi-directional so it should work.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/18 "2019-08-13T17:04:36Z")
Ok. I’ll use HDMI if my mom’s monitor has that port. Otherwise I’ll get the adapter.
I got too reliant on adapters after the VGA flat screen monitors became obsolete. Dell included a adapter (in the box) so newer PC’s could still use the legacy VGA monitors that companies were still using.
I haven’t kept up with graphics in several years. I don’t do as much hardware support at work anymore.
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### Author:  [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/19 "2019-08-13T17:06:04Z")
Basically hdmi to dvi in either direction is generally rock solid. They make cables that are also adapters. Internally no converting is being done, same signal wires just different connectors on the ends.
So this will generally be completely reliable and is your best option. Crossover cables are about 4 bucks. Gosh I had one in 2007.
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### Author:  [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2019, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-laptops-still-include-a-vga-port-instead-of-dvi-d/838610/20 "2019-08-13T17:10:12Z")
These work fun for what you need.
AmazonBasics DVI to HDMI Cable [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I8UQJY/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_api\_i\_36UuDbVHQZ9B0](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I8UQJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_36UuDbVHQZ9B0)
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