Dual Monitor T42 setup

[OSBrain]

Hey y'all,

I've searched some of the posts but I wanted to start a new thread about running a dual monitor setup with my T42 (2379 - 14.1", 1.8ghz, 1gig ram).

I use my thinkpad mostly for work, windows office apps and some statistics programs but no gaming or heavy movie watching. I'm looking at getting a new widescreen monitor to run a dual display with the thinkpad monitor. I have a couple questions I hope you can help me with.

I've got the Mobile Radeon 9600 graphics card, will it be able to run most monitors? (i.e. the ones below)

Any monitor recommendations? (my budget is under $300, I've been looking at Dell 20 and 22" (2009W - $249 and the E228WFP - $259). Both seem nice, I'm a hippie so the environmental features of the 2009W sound nice (low halogen content) but I don't know if that's a marketing gimmick. Otherwise, I'd take the E228WFP for $10 more.

I don't think I'll be getting a dock or port replicator, most likely using the analog out (will that negate the benefits of a nice monitor?).

I might even be getting an Apple wired keyboard, I don't wanna kick down the extra cash for an IBM keyboard (but I love my T42s keyboard!). That should be compatible (any contrary experiences?).

Thanks in advance!

Brian

[fafaforza]

I have a 2378FVU and was able to get 1680x1050 on a Dell 2007WFPb using VGA so I'd bet that any of the widescreen Dell LCDs with VGA would work the same.

It didn't look as good as the same LCD via a DVI connection, but that's expected. It still looked good, though.

I can't really say anything about the specific monitors you listed, but if you get one with VGA and DVI, you'll have the option to use DVI if VGA doesn't work. Port Replicators are like $15 on eBay.

I never understood the use of port replicators, but now use one for DVI, and like the fact that I don't have to put the power plug on my aging T at risk.

[chan_man]

Any of the new LCD monitors will work with your TP with dual screens, you will have to remember that the amount of video memory that you have will dictate the resolution of either monitor. When I run my T42p at 1920x1200 on a Dell 24" monitor, the TP screen will max out at 1024x768. The Dell is connected by VGA, looks nice, but not as crisp as running with DVI-D.

[davidspalding]

Welcome to the forums!

Join Costco. I got a 21" Samsung that was highly rated by Consumer Reports, looks great, DVI input (came with cord), and all for under $200. Best thing, you can return in 90 days if you don't like or find a better deal. I tried one of the 22" Samsungs they got in a month after I bought this one, didn't look as good, took it back, no questions. They have regular instant rebate specials, too. Generally, they carry Viewsonics, Samsungs, and Sceptres, a few more brands online.

There are other benefits, too....