DUMMY'S QUESTIONS

Trackrig wrote:
Since your laptop is old, it probably doesn't have an HDMI port. Monitors have been using HDMI and the old pin cords for several years. Make sure when you buy the monitor, that it still has the old pin connector so it will connect to your laptop. They may have started leaving them off to save money.

Bill

Not totally true, COMPUTER monitors should have DVI (Digital Video Interface) AND VGA (what you call a "old pin connector").

DVI can be "adapted" to HDMI but you won't get any digital audio which may have been routed through the HDMI.

HDMI is really a HD TV Digital interface which includes HD audio plus digital handshaking which is there to prevent an unauthorized device from viewing HD content..

Newer laptops (a couple of years now) often include a digital external video "mini port" connection which CAN provide HDMI, DVI or VGA video..

Mex is asking about an OLDER laptop so really most likely that will rule out miniport, HDMI but could have DVI/VGA port.

Mex should NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM buying a COMPUTER monitor which will support any or all of the possible combinations..

But since space is limited, perhaps Mex should consider buying a LCD HD TV which should also have VGA or HDMI inputs. Newer TVs do very well doubling as a TV and computer monitor..

That is what I do when I go camping, I take a small LCD Tv which has VGA and plug my computer into the TV..

Your laptop CAN be operated with the lid down but you may need to make sure you don't fully close it or the laptop may think you are done and power down or sleep..

Just add a external keyboard and mouse along with a bigger monitor and you will be set..

If your laptop does not have a video port (which would be a bit odd) you can get a external video card which uses a USB port. These do have some possible quality/speed issues but as long as you are not attempting to play HD video they should be passable..