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    For M17x users who are frustrated by not being able to use an external display

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by wornways, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. wornways

    wornways Notebook Geek

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  2. str4ktt

    str4ktt Notebook Consultant

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    I used my 42" HDTV as an external display. I had problems at first, but then got the latest drivers, and worked perfectly.
     
  3. wornways

    wornways Notebook Geek

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    I have the latest drivers... But now you have me wondering if having a different kind of display would make any difference. However, after my experience with this display that was given to me, I'm reluctant to actually spend money on one.
     
  4. str4ktt

    str4ktt Notebook Consultant

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    Did you try using the Function + F6 key on your keyboard? Once wire (I use HDMI cable) is connected, press that key, then on your laptop go to screen resolution and choose "DUPLICATE DISPLAY", and both screens ( Laptop and monitor ) should show the same display.
     
  5. wornways

    wornways Notebook Geek

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    I'm extending the display. I won't want to see the same thing on both displays. The external display works, but the operating environment becomes unstable the longer it is attached. In a short while my WiFi connectivity disappears until I disconnect it. Also, my primary GPU maxes out uncomfortably. It's all discussed in the link I posted.
     
  6. isamura

    isamura Notebook Guru

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    I use an external display all the time, and rarely have any issues. I've used it with both the nvidia and ATI cards. You will need to install decent drivers in order to size it to fit your screen. I set mine to only display through my 47" toshiba when the HDMI is plugged in, this way I can support 1900x1080 since I didn't go for the HD laptop screen upgrade. I'm using windows 7, but have also done this in Vista.
     
  7. wornways

    wornways Notebook Geek

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    Which drivers are we talking about? I have the latest Nvidia drivers (195.something). Is it possible that the HDMI to DVI adapter is the problem? Must I use a display that directly supports HDMI and not a DVI display that requires the adapter?