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Hook up a monitor to a laptop

2005/08/05 14:25:50

Can a flat-panel monitor with both digital and analog connections be used as a screen for a laptop computer?

-- Submitted by: J.B.

Answer by:
Lara Luepke, CNET.com

As long as your laptop has a capable graphics chipset and corresponding DVI (digital) or VGA (analog) ports, you should be able to connect to any monitor.

Most desktop-replacement laptops come with a built-in VGA ports, while many of today's smaller ultraportables come with optional port replicators, which offer an expanded array of ports, often including VGA or DVI ports. If you have the appropriate hardware, all you'll need is a corresponding cable to finish the setup.

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Connections in a snap

A good docking station or port replicator can make your laptop's homecoming much easier, consolidating all of your office peripherals and online connections into a single hookup. See which devices go a step further by transforming a notebook into a desktop PC.

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