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XPS M1530 - Connecting External Monitor
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying an XPS M1530. I want to be able to connect it to my external 24" monitor (Samsung Syncmaster 245b) so I can do design work in the office. The monitor has a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 and only has VGA and DVI inputs.
So my question(s) is what's the best way to connect it all up; docking station, separate VGA cable or a HDMI to DVI converter cable (the laptop doesn't have a DVI connnector I believe?. Also what is the ideal display and graphics card to spec?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Paul
coolsurf
7 Posts
0
July 3rd, 2008 16:00
DeathRider
549 Posts
0
July 3rd, 2008 23:00
It's not that expensive. If in the US, got Monoprice.
You can either purchase a HDMI->DVI cable (as cheap as $3.31 for a 3ft cable), or a HDMI->DVI adapter ($3.63) and a standard HDMI cable (as cheap as $4.49 for 3ft/ferrite cores).
XPSM1530_owner
315 Posts
0
July 4th, 2008 03:00
Use your HDMI port, you don't need an expensive Monster brand cable - $20 HDMI to DVI cable will do.
This utility will help you configure multiple monitors: http://www.binaryfortress.com/displayfusion/
I use my VGA port for my 17" LCD and my HDMI port for my 24" LCD (DVI).
Cheers!
TheRealFireblad
4.6K Posts
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July 4th, 2008 09:00
It's not even that expensive an option in the UK... and I never thought I'd hear/see myself saying that :smileysurprised: :smileyvery-happy:
A direct cable connection is by far the better option (in my opinion).
I personally try to avoid using adapters/"dongles" wherever possible, because they add a potential weak point in the connection, with the (vertical) 'play'/movement they allow.
You don't need to visit specialist AV stores for the cable(s) you need.
As I've done myself in the past (see below)... you can buy decent enough HDMI - HDMI/HDMI - DVI cables on Ebay.
I've seen 5m HDMI - HDMI cables - with "gold" connections, for just £3.24... delivered!!
Whilst I prefer not to buy the cheapest cables available (such as those)... I'm quite sure - for those on a strictly limited budget... they'd do the job just fine.
If you're in the UK... may I suggest the following (Ebay) shop, as a good starting point: A1 Computer Shop.
They have a very wide range of good quality HDMI/DVI cables, at competitive prices.
Be assured, I have absolutely no affiliation whatsoever with the store!
If you'd prefer to buy your cables elsewhere... that's your perogative ;)
I only suggest that store as a starting point... because I've bought from him in the past myself, and received first class service ;)
Even if you decide not to buy from there... or you're not from the UK... the prices will at least give youan idea of the sort of price you can expect to pay for good quality cables.
Thereafter... you might want to be wary of cables which cost a lot less... or a lot more.