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    Old laptop as external monitor

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ZJE123, Aug 30, 2011.

  1. ZJE123

    ZJE123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    First off I would like to say I am not sure if this is the right place to put my thread.

    I currently use a Dell XPS M1530. I would like to get an external monitor, but don't want to spend the money. I thought for a while about my options. Then I remembered I have an old Compaq Presario 1700t, which is really a doorstop for now (pentium 3 500mhz with 256 mb ram and usb 1.0 from 2000). The 14 inch screen is in good shape though. I would like to know if there is a way to basically rip off the screen, not literally, off the old laptop, then take the cable plugged into the motherboard and turn it into an hdmi/ power cable. I looked up online ways to use old laptops as monitors and all I found was basically remote desktop clients, which this computer is way too old for. Any help will be appreciated. And if there aren't any ways to do this, then I will just save up :) .

    P.S. I would like to keep this project cheaper than a new monitor, or else it wouldn't be worth it.
     
    ZJE123, Aug 30, 2011
    #1
  2. chimpanzee

    chimpanzee Notebook Virtuoso

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    Are both machine in running condition ? If yes, RDP from compaq is the easiest way though for 14", I doubt how useful it can be.
     
    chimpanzee, Aug 30, 2011
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  3. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    It is a tough and costly DIY project. You are better off buying a small cheap old LCD.
     
    Qing Dao, Aug 31, 2011
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  4. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    KLF, Aug 31, 2011
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  5. AMATX

    AMATX Notebook Consultant

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    oops, KLF beat me to the punch w/maxivista. Good product. Allows a 2nd laptop screen to be used as an extension of a primary laptop's screen/desktop.
     
    AMATX, Aug 31, 2011
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