Dual Monitor Setup with a laptop?

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CLKeenan

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Jun 24, 2006
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Hi guys,

I'm looking to create a dual monitor (laptop screen + LCD monitor) setup for myself. I just ordered the docking station for my laptop (IBM Thinkpad T43p): Lenovo Support & downloads - ThinkPad Dock II - Overview

I was wondering if you would recommend any monitor specifically for my setup. I'm thinking about going as large as 22" and spending as much as $350.

I was looking at the Samsung SyncMaster 225BW-Black - flat panel display - TFT - 22" Reviews. LCD Monitors Reviews by CNET. which looks appealing.

Input would be greatly appreciated!

-Chris
 


Your docking bay supports sxga, and according to wikipedia:
SXGA is an abbreviation for Super eXtended Graphics Array referring to a standard monitor resolution of 1280 × 1024 pixels.

Your monitor has a native resolution of 1680x1050. I have seen IBM thinkpads that when you tried to use the monitors non-native resolution, they were all fuzzy and crappy. It REALLY depends on the DVI quality.

IF POSSIBLE, see if you can hook up to the EXACT monitor for testing locally before buying online.

Last company I worked for we had 23" samsung monitors with with VGA/DVI. The VGA from the IBM's was crap at any resolution, but the DVI would only do 1024x768. When I hooked up my Toshiba laptop via VGA, I for 1600x1200, and it was crystal clear.

Really, see if you can test one before you buy online!
 
I actually have the 19" version of the Samsung, and got it at Circuit City thru there web department a couple of months ago.

My thoughts-

The good:
Great clear monitor with an amazing refresh rate

The not so good:
The Navigation controls for adjustment suck in my opinion!

...And for whatever reason, if I disconnect the monitor from my laptop or toggle between the screen and the monitor, it loses the color profile that was set up. What that means is I have to go back and adjust it. Perhaps it is user error and I do not have something set up right,but it is annoying for sure.

-=Chipmunk=-
 
Optimal Setup

I highly recommend that whatever size or brand you go with, make sure the monitor is height adjustable, since a laptop sits low on the table. This way, you can make the screens near the same eye level. I use a dell monitor with my laptop and I can lower it right down to the table surface, which is the kats a$$. This one would be perfect for you!
 
chatmasta said:
I just ordered that monitor last night. All the reviews say it's perfect. I'll let you know how it goes.

edit: nvm, i got the 226bw... Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1(DC 3000:1) - Retail

im cooler than you.
Click to expand...

After I read the reviews, I just ordered that exact same one :)

Both the docking station and the LCD monitor should be here by Friday... monday at the latest.

Now I just need to pour water all over my laptop and then return it under the 'accidental coverage' warranty to get a new one :) Then I'll have the perfect setup!

-Chirs
 
how about you get a real computer, and two real monitors....

like a pair of 30" apple cinema displays or equiv and a nice full tower box with some fat shiz up in there, ya heard?!
 
CLKeenan said:
After I read the reviews, I just ordered that exact same one :)

Both the docking station and the LCD monitor should be here by Friday... monday at the latest.

Now I just need to pour water all over my laptop and then return it under the 'accidental coverage' warranty to get a new one :) Then I'll have the perfect setup!

-Chirs
Click to expand...

bitch didn't even ask for an affiliate link.....

haha jk :P Nice buy, mine's going to be here tomorrow. Should be really nice.
 
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