laptop into secondary input on monitor???

[vesity]

I have a Dell LCD monitor with multiple inputs: VGA, DVI-D, S-Video, Composite and Component. I'm currently using the VGA with my desktop, but would like to also connect my laptop, which has VGA and HDMI outputs. Which combination would be the most simple and inexpensive? I've already tried VGA to DVI-D adapters, but quickly learned that I need a converter, which is too expensive. Looking forward to your suggestions.

 

[corkyg]

It depends on the laptop's video out port. Many use S-video. Many use VGA. That would go to the monitor's analog in port - VGA.

 

[VirtualLarry]

You could always use an HDMI-to-DVI cable, and connect from the laptop's HDMI port to the monitor's DVI port.

 

[Throckmorton]

Laptop -> HDMI cable -> DVI adapter -> Monitor

 

[Lanyap]

Are you currently using onboard video on your desktop or do you have a video card?

Do you do any gaming?

If you are using onboard video now and don't game I would consider a lowcost ($25?) desktop video card with DVI out and connect it directly to the monitor. Then use the VGA port for the laptop. If you go this route you don't have to worry about messing with adapters and you should be able to use your existing monitor cables.

 

[gsaldivar]

Laptop -> HDMI cable -> DVI adapter -> Monitor

This.

But you can just buy an HDMI > DVI cable and skip the adapter if you want. $10 - problem solved:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=2284&seq=1&format=2

 

[Throckmorton]

This.

But you can just buy an HDMI > DVI cable and skip the adapter if you want. $10 - problem solved:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=2284&seq=1&format=2

I prefer using a DVI adapter because you can screw the adapter into the monitor, then the HDMI cable is easy to unplug/replug.

And then you also have a perfectly good HDMI cable for connecting to a TV or something.

 

[Throckmorton]

BTW I have that cable from Monoprice but I don't use it. It's too thick and stiff, therefore puts a lot of stress on the poor little HDMI port. I instead use a soft Belkin cable I got on sale at Sears.

 

[corkyg]

Hmmm. Not all laptops have HDMI ports.