easy computer ?

[baz67]

I need to replace my desktop. I have a good laptop with xp home on it, but the screen is cracked. I want to use this as a cpu only. Is there a way I could connect a new monitor and have windows find it since I do not have a screen I can see to change the monitor settings to the new monitor. Or, in other words, if I just hook up the new monitor, windows will find it and adjust accordingly.
Brian

[zbugger]

Most laptops have a port in the back where you can hook up a monitor. Take the computer to a computer store and they can tell you what you need.

[DarkBuddha]

I feel for you... I just dropped my new Mac aluminum powerbook and cracked the LCD. $750 to fix. :squint: It's still useable for now, so I'm waiting as long as possible.

Anyway, I concur... as long as the laptop has a place to hook up the monitor, it should out put the video signal to it.

[baz67]

it does and windows should pick it up with no problems?

Brian

[rocketrod]

Yes, just connect the monitor to the correct port on the rear of the laptop and windows will recognize it.

Rod

[David Pozzi]

if it doesn't automatically find the new screen, hit function and F5 keys to switch to it.

[camarorider]

They are right. Your video card; either on board or an actual card should recognize the external monitor.
Otherwise I would take a look on ebay and just buy another laptop monitor that matches your laptop.
Anyone here can replace parts from their laptop. I just replaced my cdrom and heatsink fan.

[Matt]

You can find a replacement screen for a hair more than a good monitor, but then you still have the portability.

DarkBuddha- that made me wince, the lcd on my powerbook has some abrasions on it, but I'm not about to pay 750 for a new screen.

[baz67]

Thanks Matt, but the replacement screen is 800 or it was when I priced it earlier last summer. I already replaced the laptop. Thanks all. I will do that when I get home next week.

Brian

[David Pozzi]

My HP Pavillion ZT1130 laptop has a composite video out plug that could be plugged into any video device like a TV. Of course a TV is not a good monitor, but if yours has this output, you could do some experimenting to see if the laptop is working or not. To switch to video output, I have to hit the fn/F5 keys, I think it cycles to the video output, then ext monitor, then back to the built in screen, but I only used it once to play a DVD on my TV.

[Matt]

What kind of laptop is it? Let me see if I can find any good deals. At least to give you another option.

-Matt