Laptop + External LCD Monitor Question

I just ordered a T60 with a 15" UXGA (1600x1200) resolution screen. If I bought a widescreen monitor, say the Samsung 204bw, which is a widescreen monitor, would I be able to hook this monitor up to my T60 which is not a widescreen and use them both at the same time? Does it matter that my laptop is not widescreen and the external montior is? Keep in mind that I want to use them both at the same time as one big desktop. Also, assuming this is possible, would I need anything other than a VGA cable to make this work? Thanks!

 

Yes it works. Sometimes the standard drivers are annoying and dont allowe widescreen resolutions but if you update to modded ATI drivers it should work.
Only a VGA cable is needed and a bit of configuration in the settings. Mainly just the ticking of the extend desktop checkbox under display properties.

 

Hook up the monitor via VGA, and then right click on Desktop, go to Properties, and go to settings. The simplest way is to simply use your external display quick key. (Fn + ...). That way, you'll have all settings adjutsed. My Dell Inspiron 8200 also has a 1600 x 1200 LCD, and my nVidia GeForce 440 does not support widescreen resolutions, although it does support resolutions above 1600 x 1200. This is something to bear in mind before buying a widescreen monitor. Not all GPUs support widescreen resolutions. I would go to a shop that has the monitor and try out your notebook on it before rushing in. It might also say on Lenovo's or your GPU manafacturer's website what the max output resolution is, and whether or not you GPU supports widescreen resolutions.

 

Looks like my laptop will support the monitor, but I have one more question. I'm concerned about the wallpaper on each monitor. If I use the two monitors as one desktop, can I use a different wallpaper for each? Since the monitors will be in different resolutions I'd like to have the proper resolution wallpaper for each.