Gateway Destination 27 inch as 2nd Monitor

[apoppin]

I am thinking of getting a Gateway Destination 27 inch Monitor just for gaming and watching DVDs ($319 refurb Grade A).

Since the monitor is only capable of 600x800 resolution, it would be poor for graphics and regular computing.

However, 800x600 is better than the best normal televisions.

What would I need to run it ALONG with my regular monitor. (I have a Radeon 64 VIVO that does not support dual monitors.) Is there a box that will allow switching between monitors?

I suppose I would also need a PC TV tuner card to watch regular tv.

Suggestions? Forget it? Have I lost it completely here?

EDIT: I ordered a 27 inch Class A Refurbished Gateway Destination Monitor for $319 plus tax (I will pick it up tomorrow unless you give me reason to cancel today).

 

[rbV5]

You wouldn't need a PC Tuner if you hooked a vcr into the composite-in on the VIVO, I believe you can get a switch to use one or the other, but I'm not sure about both (Its VGA correct?) I watch DVD's and play games on my crappy TV with my AIW and its pretty good actually, so it should at least as good as that, so no, you haven't lost it.

 

[apoppin]

Does anybody know about switching between monitors if the videocard does not support dual-display?

Yes, both monitors would use standard VGA connectors.

Help, please. I may buy one (big one) tonight!

 

[Smbu]

Can you hook it up using the Video Out on the Radeon card? I know you could do that using a regular TV, but I'm not sure about the Destination monitors. Read your manual. What type of connectors are on the Destination monitors?

 

[apoppin]

No manual - yet. I am just thinking of buying this big a$$ monitor (today).

It only has a VGA input. TV out won't work from my Radeon.

So, back to my original question - is there a box that will allow switching between monitors? (I don't even mind rebooting.)

 

[apoppin]

PCI videocard?

 

[divinemartyr]

Most windows OS's support dual monitors which should allow you to use 2 monitors at once.



<< However, 800x600 is better than the best normal televisions >>



Actually most TV's these days which are that large have 750 lines of resolution (the same spec as the 600 in 800x600) and since TV's don't have PIXELS, and only deal in horizontal lines, DVDs are going to look nicer on an actual TV instead of one of those huge 34 inch monitors. My experience with those (even the nice high end ones) is that they are substandard. Buy yourself a stand alone DVD player instead, and save yourself a lot of money and get a better picture on a regular TV with it.

dm

 

[apoppin]

I noticed from your post in OT, divinemartyr that you do not like the look of DVD on monitors. However, I am really (really) happy with my DVD-ROM picture on my computer monitor. It is far better than on my Trinitron TV.

The 27 inch Gateway I am considering actually costs less than a reqular quality 27 inch television. Since I ALREADY have a good DVD-ROM, it seems the way to go.

Do I just get a switch box to use 2 monitors on one computer?

 

[hans007]

i dont think you can play a dvd on a secondary vid card. At least i cant in windvd if i drag it over there, even in fully software rendering. A switchbox would work, but it degrades picture quality unless you get a really good one. I would get an external tuner (i have one for my 2nd monitor) , and just use a regular dvd player

 

[Raspewtin]

my dad uses the 31&quot; Gateway Destination monitor and likes it a lot.

 

[apoppin]

Raspewtin, what does your dad use it for - a computer monitor or just as I suggest, a second monitor? How is it for gaming and DVDs?

 

[apoppin]

Thanks for all your help.

Based on comments here and in OT, I went ahead and ordered it (27&quot; Class A refurbished Gateway Destination Monitor for $319) and will pick it up tomorrow.

If you see any flaws in my plans to use it as a second monitor for DVDs and gaming, PLEASE post here. I can back out of the deal without penalty BEFORE tomorrow.

I will let you know how it works here, later.

Many thanks,
Mark
aka apoppin

 

[divinemartyr]

<< I noticed from your post in OT, divinemartyr that you do not like the look of DVD on monitors. >>



Yeah to me, human faces just don't look correct when they're done using pixels, they look much more realistic to me on a standard TV or projection screen. I guess my tastes are probably a bit more discriminating though than the average individual, as I've always been prone to notice things that many people don't. If you like the look of DVD's on monitors, that still doesn't guarantee you'll like the way it looks on the 27-inch you ordered, but you probably have a better chance to like it than most.

dm

 

[apoppin]

Well, if it sux, I can return it within 30 days and get my money back minus the 15% restocking fee. I think $319 is a good deal for a 27 inch monitor (even if the resolution is only 600x800 - that is still better than most quality TVs).

Thanks for all your replies.

It looks like a good switchbox will be in order for me. The are under $50. (Of course, until I decide to keep the monitor - I will plug and unplug the monitors while the computer is off.)