Noob Question (dual-monitor)

IRL_Sinister

Hi guys,

Noob question here but the one thing I've been lacking in my setup for quite some time now is, honestly, a dual monitor. I lived in Canada for the past 2 years and dished out a lot of dough for a gaming laptop over there that has specs that are fine for running any and all games I play right now. However, I really want a dual monitor setup and if I can help it I don't want to have to build an entire new pc.

So, question: Can I link my laptop up to a one monitor and use the laptop screen as a second monitor. And 2) Can I use the monitor as the main screen because it will obviously be larger than my current 17.5" laptop screen.

Thanks!

Serephucus

Yes, and yes.

Just plug the monitor into the laptop, then you'll be able to select it as a primary display in the display settings in Windows.

IRL_Sinister

Love you. Alright, so what's a really good gaming monitor at the moment for a price that's worth it?

Serephucus

Budget?

IRL_Sinister

There is no budget. But I'm not dishing out 500E for a monitor that's ridiculous. I want something solid and decently priced.

EDIT: Flat screen obviously.

BloodBath

If you want cheap and cheerful with a high quality screen but low quality stand then this is good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-22EA53VQ-21-5-inch-Monitor/dp/B00BWOJ35G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1376834127&sr=8-6&keywords=lg+ips

IRL_Sinister

Sounds good, thanks.

IRL_Sinister

Alright had a look through a few monitors and it seems getting a 24 inch wouldn't increase the price too much so if anyone has some good suggestions for larger monitors, please let me know!

bladesofglory

IRL_Sinister wrote: »

Alright had a look through a few monitors and it seems getting a 24 inch wouldn't increase the price too much so if anyone has some good suggestions for larger monitors, please let me know!

if your looking for a good 1080 i have one that you may be interested in, 3D, 32inch Smart TV, LED, Ambilight etc.

Not using it anymore, if you wanna know more just let us know

IRL_Sinister

bladesofglory wrote: »

if your looking for a good 1080 i have one that you may be interested in, 3D, 32inch Smart TV, LED, Ambilight etc.

Not using it anymore, if you wanna know more just let us know

Thanks but that's too large. I actually have a 1080 32" HD in my room hooked up to UPC HD so I would use that if I was looking for something that size.

Appreciate it all the same!

bladesofglory

IRL_Sinister wrote: »

Thanks but that's too large. I actually have a 1080 32" HD in my room hooked up to UPC HD so I would use that if I was looking for something that size.

Appreciate it all the same!

NO Problem

ED E

IRL_Sinister wrote: »

Alright had a look through a few monitors and it seems getting a 24 inch wouldn't increase the price too much so if anyone has some good suggestions for larger monitors, please let me know!

22" is a good size for 1080P. I wouldnt really bother going up to 24.

IRL_Sinister

ED E wrote: »

22" is a good size for 1080P. I wouldnt really bother going up to 24.

Any suggestions on what is a good investment?

ED E

One of my panels is the one bloodbath linked, great budget panel. Fine for Photoshop, great for gaming. Win win.

the_syco

BloodBath wrote: »

If you want cheap and cheerful with a high quality screen but low quality stand then this is good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-22EA53VQ-21-5-inch-Monitor/dp/B00BWOJ35G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1376834127&sr=8-6&keywords=lg+ips

Do you think €134 is a fair price for that?

BloodBath

It's only a tenner more than amazon so sure why not.

IRL_Sinister

Thanks lads. Will probably buy the 21.5" inch LG one so. Looks really nice. Still think I'd prefer something slightly bigger though

BloodBath

Sure get the 24" version then.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-24EA53VQ-inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B00BSOT2LA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376934362&sr=8-2&keywords=lg+24%22+ips

..Brian..

^^^ I bought that exact monitor a few weeks ago.The display is sharp, colours are beautifully represented, low response time for gaming. And the price is awesome for such a good piece of kit, €150 delivered? Can't go wrong!

The stand is pretty rubbish on it tho being honest and it's clearly where they kept the costs down, but as long as you're not swinging out of your desk it's more that adequate for the job.

IRL_Sinister

Ordering tomorrow. Thanks a lot, lads.

IRL_Sinister

http://www.elara.ie/results.aspx?search=LG+24EA53VQ&match=all

What's the difference? And is this website legit?

..Brian..

The more expensive one has an IPS panel, better display. Why not just buy from Amazon? Trusted, cheaper, most likely faster delivery.

:EDIT: Actually they both seem to be ISP. The only difference I can see is the one with a P at the end is 27.8" while the other is 24"

Also the P says its colour is "textured black." So that could be matt black while the non P is finished in gloss black.

IRL_Sinister

..Brian.. wrote: »

The more expensive one has an IPS panel, better display. Why not just buy from Amazon? Trusted, cheaper, most likely faster delivery.

:EDIT: Actually they both seem to be ISP. The only difference I can see is the one with a P at the end is 27.8" while the other is 24"

Also the P says its colour is "textured black." So that could be matt black while the non P is finished in gloss black.

Make it sound so easy Amazon is the best bet I guess.

Thanks.

the_syco

Elara is a legit company that is based up the road in ParkWest.

£129 is probably around €150, so ensure that delivery from Amazon to here is also free, or you may be better off buying from Elara.

..Brian..

It sure is. I bought it from Amazon a few weeks ago. €150 delivered.

IRL_Sinister

Might be as well off buying from Elera if the only difference, including delivery, is only 8E. Would rather give the local business the 8E than someone else (with no disrespect).

Icepick

IRL_Sinister wrote: »

Might be as well off buying from Elera if the only difference, including delivery, is only 8E. Would rather give the local business the 8E than someone else (with no disrespect).

Elara isn't really a local business though. Just give the €8 to charity.

game4it70

They have Irish staff dont they?
I've used and collected from them and find them fine although a little bit pricey.

Its very handy to have somewhere local if you need to RMA imo.

IRL_Sinister

Ordered this today! Thanks a lot. Will I need to buy any wires/connections or will I just need to plug it in and I'm good to go with dual monitors?

segasega

http://www.dabs.ie/products/lg-electronics-24ea53vq-24--1920x1080-5ms-vga-dvi-hdmi-ips-led-monitor-8PLT.html

Im running the 24inch version at the moment, lovely monitor. Very happy!

segasega

Icepick wrote: »

Elara isn't really a local business though. Just give the €8 to charity.

How is it not local business?
Can understand you saying that about dabs.ie as its in England, but Elara is Irish and based in Ireland.

Catalyst

segasega wrote: »

How is it not local business?
Can understand you saying that about dabs.ie as its in England, but Elara is Irish and based in Ireland.

I would like to know why as well?

IRL_Sinister

Thanks for all the advice. Very good monitor. Yes the stand sucks but didn't buy it for that!