T43 to External DVI via Dock?

[HopUpKid]

I have found similar questions and topics, but being a bit on the slow side, I figured I better come right out and ask how to do what I would like to do...if it is possible.

I have a T43 that is docked. I ordered an external monitor with DVI inputs, thinking foolishly that I could just hook them up to the DVI on the dock, and my T43 would recognize it, even though the laptop itself has only VGA.

So, I hear that the T43p is the model that would recognize my new-to-me monitor. Is there any way to trick my T43, so I would be able to run this configuration?

If there is in fact no way to upgrade, I would be most appreciative for suggestions on how to make this monitor work for my dock and current laptop without having to buy either a bunch of new gear, i.e. new monitor, dock, or laptop.

Thank you for your help, and patience for a not-so-computer-savvy fellow.

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

If your T43 has Intel graphics (model number starting in 187x-xxx), it doesn't support DVI via dock.

T43 models with ATi graphics (model number starting with 26xx-xxx) support DVI and no "tricking" is required.

Hope this helps.

[davidspalding]

Welcome to the forums, ask away....!

If you dock after booting and the DVI-attached LCD doesn't come on, open DESK.CPL (Display Properties control panel), go to the last tab, you can activate it. Presentation Director can also help (though I found it faulty for some resolutions). My personal favorite is ATI's Catalyst Control Center (which may not install by default, but can be often found under C:\DRIVERS in the folder where the ATI drivers installer is), with that you can activate and deactivate monitors.

BTW, it helps when posting if you mention your machine type code (see my sigline for examples) and the type of Dock you have (Replicator Port, MiniDock, Dock II). Putting this info in your sigline can save time when you post.

[HopUpKid]

Bummer...My ID is 1871-CTO. Is there no way to upgrade to ATI? Any other solutions other that the dreaded answer...get another monitor?

Thank you both for the useful info. I'm glad they have a forum set up where Joe-Anyguy can ask questions and get helpful answers so quickly.

[dr_st]

The only way to upgrade to ATI is to swap out the motherboard.

However, the monitor you ordered only has DVI inputs, right? In most such cases, the DVI inputs (at least one of them) can also accept analog signals, which means that you would be able to connect the VGA port of the laptop to the DVI input of the monitor, using a standard $2 DVI-VGA adapter (the kind that ships with most desktop video cards).

Look in the specs of the monitor for mention of DVI-I or DVI-A to be sure.

[ssd_thinkpad]

There is one more option:

Buy a displaylink usb to dvi converter. This is around 100$ maybe less. I bought one and everything works (full screen movies) with the exception of full screen flash videos.

[dr_st]

Buy a displaylink usb to dvi converter. This is around 100$ maybe less. I bought one and everything works (full screen movies) with the exception of full screen flash videos.

For that kind of money I'd just buy a VGA-to-DVI converter. Can't imagine it would cost more, and you can be sure that everything will work.

[ajkula66]

For that kind of money ($100 or so) I'd just upgrade to a T43 with ATi graphics and have the problem resolved... right then and there, since OP already has a dock...

[davidspalding]

I didn't think they had DVI-only LCD monitors ... must be ... low end? I thought low end LCD monitors only had VGA inputs.

I concur, you can either upgrade the Thinkpad, or ... try to upgrade your monitor to one that suits your present as well as future needs.

[fasterbybike]

... didn't think they had DVI-only LCD monitors

My HP 24" has 2 DVI-I inputs. Both inputs can take either DVI or DVI to VGA cables. In fact there were 2 of each type in the box The OP may want to check out this page and then take a look at the inputs on the monitor.
http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html

HTH

D

[HopUpKid]

Thank you all for the help. I have a HP LP2065, it did turn out to be DVI-I inputs, so a simple trip to pick up a VGA to DVI cable did the trick. It works great, thank you.

I was mostly confused because a customer service rep at our local "computer expert" store (connecting point), told me this was impossible to do. Even after I called back with the new info from this post, I was told I could not use this cable, even for DVI-I inputs (which I specifically mentioned twice) and they were quite adamant about telling me I was wrong, rather than try to help. Yet, here I sit, staring at my working monitor, hooked up to my laptop with the help of all of you.

I appreciate not being talked to like I am a child, just because I may not know all that much about the workings of a computer. I will recommend this forum to every thinkpad I run across.

Thank you again...Evan

[davidspalding]

You're not the only one who learned something. I wasn't aware of the delicate differences in DVI connections ... and that one would support analog information fed into it.