DVI connection options?

I have a Tecra A6 and want to connect it to a new LCD using DVI. The lappie doesn't have DVI and the Advanced Port Replicator III Plus with the DVI port costs $275. I don't need any of the other port replicator ports and so its alot of cash just for a DVI connection. Is there any other option instead of the replicator?

I am very new to this and am sure it won't be the case but would like to ask in case it saves me alot of cash. I have seen some VGA-DVI cables and converters and wondering if they would do the trick? I think something like this probably wouldn't work because it can't do any better than the original VGA signal output. So it would be a crappy VGA picture across a DVI connection?

Thanks alot

 

Correct. You can obviously convert VGA-DVI, but it won`t add quality

 

LOL Thats what I thought

DOH! So I am going to have to shell out 275 banana skins just for the one port?

 

here is the deal..

VGA = analog
DVI = digital + analog

The DVI output of virutally all video cards supports analog inside of the plug. Essentially the card just passes the analog along with the digital signal in case something needs it. This is why you can convert DVI (from the video card) to Analog with a simple adapater (costs 2 dollars).

the true is not same when you have a VGA out going to DVI. To do this you need to convert the analog VGA signal to digital for the DVI monitor to support it.

the conversion from analog to digital requires a processor inside of the converter and is somewhat complicated, hence the cost of the converter.

My suggestion to you is to purchase a monitor that supports VGA input. You can purchase a good 19" monitor for that same 275 dollars and then return the monitor that you currently have. My suggestion would be the Viewsonic VP930B.