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    Dell XPS 15 --> external VGA monitor

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by MechE, Jan 5, 2011.

  1. MechE

    MechE Newbie

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    I have a Dell XPS 15 L501X laptop and am interested in connecting it to an external monitor (actually a projector) with a VGA input. My laptop does not have a VGA output, but does have HDMI and Mini DisplayPort ports. What's the best way to do this? Thanks!
     
    MechE, Jan 5, 2011
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  2. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

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    USB to VGA. Google!
     
    pmassey31545, Jan 5, 2011
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  3. mtj111

    mtj111 Newbie

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    What? No.

    Minidisplay port > VGA or HDMI > VGA. Just buy one of those adapters of ebay. We're talking a few dollars shipped.

    You have 2 video output ports, why not use one of them.
     
    mtj111, Jan 5, 2011
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  4. MechE

    MechE Newbie

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    That's what I was thinking. I haven't been able to find a direct HDMI to VGA cable that's compatible with a computer or laptop, but there seem to be plenty of Mini DisplayPort to VGA adaptors out there. Many of those are manufactured by Apple. Would that present any problems, or would an Apple cable work with my PC laptop?
     
    MechE, Jan 5, 2011
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  5. srikat

    srikat Notebook Enthusiast

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    srikat, Jan 5, 2011
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  6. gtkansan

    gtkansan Notebook Guru

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    I bought a minidisplayport to vga adapter from best buy. Their in house brand (dynex) works fine. No problems to report. used multiple times.
     
    gtkansan, Jan 6, 2011
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  7. pmassey31545

    pmassey31545 Whats the mission sir?

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    OK. That may be the best. Mine may be the EASIEST though.
     
    pmassey31545, Jan 6, 2011
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  8. MechE

    MechE Newbie

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    This is what I ended up going with. I got a Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adaptor and a regular VGA-to-VGA cable, both from Dynex. They've been tested and work well. The only complaint is the screws on the cable won't thread into the adaptor (not long enough), which is unfortunate considering they're the same brand - you'd think they'd be 100% compatible.

    As a bonus, the laptop knew I had the external monitor plugged in and automatically set up the output signal and correct screen resolution.
     
    MechE, Jan 29, 2011
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  9. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    How is an external USB video adapter any easier?? It's more expensive, more complicated, and less functional.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 29, 2011
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  10. stephanhome

    stephanhome Newbie

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    Was this for a MAC or PC. I just bought the new dell xps15z but off of amazon and i need a adapter for my external monitor. Can you assist please?
     
    stephanhome, Aug 23, 2011
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  11. capitankasar

    capitankasar Notebook Deity

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    I´m using atm one minidisplay to vga adapter i bought from amazon and works like a charm.

    really easy to use, just plug the stuff and select the external screen at the screen panel. also the minidisplay output is conected to the intel card, so it is able to display image even after boot the os, like on the bios, unlike the integrated hdmi port, wich is NOT connected to intel card.
     
    capitankasar, Aug 23, 2011
    #11