Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

[babythug23]

I have a dell that's 3 years old but the screen went out. So the last 1 1/2 years its been under the bed. But i just saw i could hook it up to a tv/monitor. But before i go buy a vga to s-video plug in(i think that's what i need). Will it just work when i plug it up to the tv or monitor? The screen does not work but will I have to do something on the notebook to get it to work on the tv? I can't see nothing if that's the case

[TIm]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

I don't know about Dell, But on my IBM laptop on the F keys F1, F2, F3, etc have different color illustrations on them. In my case I have a FN or Function key. So I hit Fn F5 to bypass the laptop montior. With that said in my case I tried the Svideo way and I couldn't really read the Text.....I think that is more my Videocard then anything. I have a Hdmi converter coming in I got from Monoprice.com that I will let you know the results. It was only 30 bucks

On a side note, The movies or video came in pretty good...

[23]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

I have a couple of Dell's an inspirion and a latitude

All you have to do when you plug the laptop into the monitor is hit the function key (FN) and the crt/lcd key (F8) at the same time to switch it to the tv or exteral monitor.

I have my Inspirion hooked up that way

[p_rushing]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

It should work, but you might have problems with the text as mentioned. You will need to modify the resolution and maybe text size, but it will be usable.

[23]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

I think its best to buy a laptop base that connects to the monitor, but you can hook it up either way.

[babythug23]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

Thanks yea all i had to do was press FN and f8. I tried it out on my Monitor. So what would be better a vga to s-video or vga to HDMI. I guess HDMI since it will be in HD huh? Can i buy one at like best buy? I want to go buy one today but if i can't fine one i can always order one.

[e0820]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

Thanks yea all i had to do was press FN and f8. I tried it out on my Monitor. So what would be better a vga to s-video or vga to HDMI. I guess HDMI since it will be in HD huh? Can i buy one at like best buy? I want to go buy one today but if i can't fine one i can always order one.

Never buy cables at Best Buy, they are overpirced. I seen a DVI to HDMI for 53 cents on Amazon, IM sure Best Buy sells it for 59.99. Goto Big Lots they have cheaper prices or try Meijer, Walmart or Target.

[TIm]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

Never buy cables at Best Buy, they are overpirced. I seen a DVI to HDMI for 53 cents on Amazon, IM sure Best Buy sells it for 59.99. Goto Big Lots they have cheaper prices or try Meijer, Walmart or Target.

Also go to Monoprice.com Great place

[23]

Re: Hooking a notebook up to a External Monitor? help

Id go to Frys but you might not have one, but its still best to get a laptop base when you can.

Monoprice is always great