Laptop + 17" LCD = Dual Monitor Display and spread desktop?

[CaptainKahuna]

I have a Thinkpad R40, and I just ordered a 17' Samsung SyncMaster LCD. I was wondering if it's possible to spread my desktop between the laptop's builtin 15" screen and the 17" LCD. I've seen this trick done on Powerbooks and tower PCs, but never on a laptop. Is it possible? Oh, I'm using WinXP.

 

[WackyDan]

Not sure on an R40.. I've done it on a T40 with updated firmware and drivers.... IBM has used some common video chipsets so you may be able to.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

Do you just set it up in Display properties?

 

[Confused]

Yep, it is almost certainly possible. I'm doing it right now with the 15" 1600x1200 screen on my Dell laptop, and the 17" LG L1710S running in 1280x1024 next to it

Multiple monitors rock for productivity


Confused

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: Confused
Yep, it is almost certainly possible. I'm doing it right now with the 15" 1600x1200 screen on my Dell laptop, and the 17" LG L1710S running in 1280x1024 next to it

Multiple monitors rock for productivity


Confused

And your doing it on a Dell.... May be a moot point... But they are different brands--choice of external monitor has nothing to do with it.

 

[jpeyton]

Depends on your graphics chipset. I have a Mobile 9200 chipset, does dual-display fine.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Depends on your graphics chipset. I have a Mobile 9200 chipset, does dual-display fine.

Bingo. Most newer Nvidia and ATI mobile chips will let you do dual monitors.

 

[thomsbrain]

it just depends on your graphics chipset, as jpeyton pointed out.

the mobile 9600 in my Sager does it. but unfortunately the VGA out is so noisy that it's not really worth it.