Monitor for use with laptop

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2nd April 2020, 14:49
ben4watches

Monitor for use with laptop

Mrs B4W is working from home now and the office thinks it could be a few months before back in the office.

Im thinking of getting a monitor to plug into the laptop, nothing massive just bigger than the 15” she is hunched over at the moment.

I know nothing of these things so would like some pointers as what’s best to get. After all this is over it don’t be used again so nothing to expensive. Also I guess I would need some sort of lead to connect the 2 together. Are these a industry standard type thing.

Any links to products and leads would be great.

Oh, one other thing. As its a work supplied laptop with their own software running through Windows desktop, would we need to add any software to the laptop as it won’t accept anything extra over and above what’s already on it.
2nd April 2020, 14:51
domwells

What laptop is she using? That will dictate the connection options.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
2nd April 2020, 15:02
Alansmithee

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben4watches

I know nothing of these things so would like some pointers as what’s best to get. After all this is over it don’t be used again so nothing to expensive. Also I guess I would need some sort of lead to connect the 2 together. Are these a industry standard type thing.

Depends on the laptop - need to know the model.

Quote:

Oh, one other thing. As its a work supplied laptop with their own software running through Windows desktop, would we need to add any software to the laptop as it won’t accept anything extra over and above what’s already on it.

I am guessing it is a windows 10 device - that will support additional screens with no software needed.
2nd April 2020, 15:02
ben4watches

its a new Dell, not sure of the model.

I will check when she’s not on it

Quote:

Originally Posted by domwells

What laptop is she using? That will dictate the connection options.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
2nd April 2020, 15:06
Alansmithee

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben4watches

its a new Dell, not sure of the model.

I will check when she’s not on it

Yeah - so different laptops have different connectors - if it's really modern - it might only have a USB-C connector and so need to know...
2nd April 2020, 15:17
ben4watches

These are the ports on the laptop

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c62779c7_b.jpg
2nd April 2020, 15:19
Alansmithee

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben4watches

These are the ports on the laptop

OK - that is nice and straight forward - pretty much any monitor that takes a standard HDMI connection.
2nd April 2020, 15:25
domwells

Looks like HDMI is your option.
I'd probably go for a full HD (1920x1080) 24" or something like that.
Just make sure it does at least 60Hz. Also, my preference would be IPS.

Should be able to get one for about 100 quid or so looking on Amazon.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
2nd April 2020, 15:26
ben4watches

Nearly all of the monitors I’ve looked at say hdmi/vga.

Is that ok and I guess I would have buy a hdmi/vga cable.

I really no nothing of these things :grief:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alansmithee

OK - that is nice and straight forward - pretty much any monitor that takes a standard HDMI connection.
2nd April 2020, 15:26
Hennersf

Would also expect that a new monitor would come with an hdmi cable too, so hopefully you won’t need to order one separately - was the case for a couple of cheaper monitors I had to pick up recently
2nd April 2020, 15:29
Captain Morgan

In a ideal world you want a height adjustable screen to avoid posture issues.
Also a full sized keyboard and mouse wouldn’t cost a lot and allows you to elevate the laptop and move it off to the side and you make the new bigger screen your main display, it should help both posture and productivity.

If she contacts her manager / hr I’d expect/hope she can expense the kit.

Talking with a friend we believe along with divorce solicitors chiropractors and osteopaths will be making a killing when we get out of lockdown...
2nd April 2020, 15:30
snowman

Quote:

Originally Posted by domwells

Looks like HDMI is your option.
I'd probably go for a full HD (1920x1080) 24" or something like that.
Just make sure it does at least 60Hz. Also, my preference would be IPS.

Should be able to get one for about 100 quid or so looking on Amazon.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

All this seems good advice - I've worked at home for about 7 years now and I've got 27" widescreen hooked up to the laptop (via HDMI) and my personal desktop PC (via DVI), so I can switch between the two.

Nothing as useful as having all that extra desktop room to have various documents and windows open on.

I have an earlier version of this one - https://www.amazon.co.uk/AOC-27B1H-6...s%2C157&sr=8-1

M
2nd April 2020, 15:33
Alansmithee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allthingsblue

HDMI port will also allow you to connect the laptop to a TV.

That is a good way to get eye-strain - I would not recommend this - also because the TV is likely not set up in a position where this is a good idea.
2nd April 2020, 15:34
Alansmithee

If you do not want to spend a lot:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-SE2416...838032&sr=8-19
2nd April 2020, 15:35
paneristi372

I have a 17" dell monitor spare here if you wanted it for whatever it costs for postage. Its only got VGA connection on the back though so you'd need a HDMI to VGA converter.

If it was me I'd just HDMI it to a relatively new TV.

Let me know either way.
2nd April 2020, 15:43
learningtofly

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

In a ideal world you want a height adjustable screen to avoid posture issues.
Also a full sized keyboard and mouse wouldn’t cost a lot and allows you to elevate the laptop and move it off to the side and you make the new bigger screen your main display, it should help both posture and productivity.

If she contacts her manager / hr I’d expect/hope she can expense the kit.

Talking with a friend we believe along with divorce solicitors chiropractors and osteopaths will be making a killing when we get out of lockdown...

Agree with the above 100%

Ben, this is my set up with a separate wireless keyboard and mouse; you can see where the laptop is, closed and over on the right of the desk.

Suggest you try top achieve something similar for your missus. (although the TV is optional :devilish: ).

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-7vzntXv-L.jpg
2nd April 2020, 15:56
ben4watches

That’s very generous but would like something 22” plus ideally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paneristi372

I have a 17" dell monitor spare here if you wanted it for whatever it costs for postage. Its only got VGA connection on the back though so you'd need a HDMI to VGA converter.

If it was me I'd just HDMI it to a relatively new TV.

Let me know either way.
2nd April 2020, 16:06
Hennersf

Quote:

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Agree with the above 100%

Ben, this is my set up with a separate wireless keyboard and mouse; you can see where the laptop is, closed and over on the right of the desk.

Suggest you try top achieve something similar for your missus. (although the TV is optional :devilish: ).

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-7vzntXv-L.jpg

Nice clean setup!

Looks like your monitor has a webcam?

Worth pointing out that not all monitors do - and if Ben's wife needs to dial in to video calls/meetings then without one on the monitor she'll need to have the laptop open on the desk also (and ideally somewhere which isn't at an overly weird angle!)
2nd April 2020, 16:24
learningtofly

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hennersf

Nice clean setup!

Looks like your monitor has a webcam?

Worth pointing out that not all monitors do - and if Ben's wife needs to dial in to video calls/meetings then without one on the monitor she'll need to have the laptop open on the desk also (and ideally somewhere which isn't at an overly weird angle!)

Good point, and I actually use a USB camera and mic even though the display has both built in (just because they’re better quality). I’ve used Apple displays for so long now I’m not sure what other monitors generally come with.
2nd April 2020, 16:36
paneristi372

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben4watches

That’s very generous but would like something 22” plus ideally.

No worries. Its actually a 19" having just checked.

J
2nd April 2020, 16:37
ben4watches

That’s a really good point as she does have a weekly video team meeting.

Something I over looked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hennersf

Nice clean setup!

Looks like your monitor has a webcam?

Worth pointing out that not all monitors do - and if Ben's wife needs to dial in to video calls/meetings then without one on the monitor she'll need to have the laptop open on the desk also (and ideally somewhere which isn't at an overly weird angle!)
2nd April 2020, 16:43
Alansmithee

Hard to get webcams at moment but even a cheap one is better for positions that the laptop ones.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5d51b231f3.jpg
2nd April 2020, 18:11
Mr Pointy

Sticking to Amazon:

There's this basic 24" Dell for £99.99:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-SE2416.../dp/B015P6O1US

You'll need an HDMI lead as well. Amazon must have had a run on the 2m ones but you can buy a 2-pack:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasic.../dp/B014I8SX4Y

Or this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rankie-High.../dp/B01IP1Q4B4

If you're prepared to spend more this monitor has a better quality screen & inbuilt speakers for £188.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-LED-ba.../dp/B07CD5J61Z

This one has an HDMI lead in the box.

If the laptop had two monitor outputs I'd suggest buying two of the cheaper monitors but it doesn't look like it does.

I'd suggest a separate keyboard & mouse as well but some of those (the Logited Unified ones in particular) may need software loading on the laptop. I'm not a good typist so I can't recommend one but the Logitech MK270 is only £18.95:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Wi.../dp/B00CL6353A

If she only has one video call a week stick to using the laptop for that.
2nd April 2020, 18:27
deepreddave

Try ebuyer as well. 22" monitors here https://www.ebuyer.com/store/Compute...22%22-Monitors
2nd April 2020, 21:19
th6252

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allthingsblue

HDMI port will also allow you to connect the laptop to a TV.

That's right
2nd April 2020, 22:09
mangoosian

I got the BENQ 28 inch 4k monitor from ebuyer last week. Bargain at £240. The 4k means acres of space for multiple applications on that and my laptop screen. Go into display settings and position the laptop screen below the monitor, mouse and trackpad usage is then a natural scroll up down. I use the monitor on a riser from Amazon (or use a ream of A4) to sit it on.

I got a cheaper 24 inch curved full HD monitor the week before. I did not like the curve and resolution was not good enough so got rid.
2nd April 2020, 22:21
JPCain86

I'd go for something like this. The refurb version at £116.

It says potential of upto 5 dead pixels. Could be less. If it's no good just send it back to Amazon.

BenQ ZOWIE RL2755T Console e-Sports Gaming Monitor (Officially Licensed for PS4/PS4 Pro), 1 ms, Height Adjustable Stand, 27 Inch, Dark Grey

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074Q421..._KBLHEbX4N7TT7
2nd April 2020, 22:42
Gerald Genta

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben4watches

That’s a really good point as she does have a weekly video team meeting.

Something I over looked.

I woudn't worry about that as I suspect your wife's laptop will have a webcam built into it which she can use. They're pretty standard on dell business laptops these days.
3rd April 2020, 21:11
Alansmithee

This is a good deal if anyone still looking...

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/comput...pper+Deals+Ltd
3rd April 2020, 22:05
Kingstepper

Monitor for use with laptop

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerald Genta

I woudn't worry about that as I suspect your wife's laptop will have a webcam built into it which she can use. They're pretty standard on dell business laptops these days.

I'm going to have to use Zoom and don't have a laptop (or webcam) but using iPhone (or any mobile) as camera linked to PC seems a decent option. Much better quality than most webcams.
5th April 2020, 10:10
Casper

Sorry for jumping on this. Can anyone also recommend a good wireless keyboard and mouse set? I’ve got one usb port left on my work laptop (a HP elite book if that helps). I’ve tried the Logitech MK270 but find it a bit clackety.
I used to have a Bloomberg terminal and really like their keyboards if that helps.
A good wireless connection with no lag is obviously paramount but would also like decent quality as I’ll probably take it to work when I return. As work are paying the budget is £100

Thanks for any recommendations and keep safe

Casper
5th April 2020, 12:17
Alansmithee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

Sorry for jumping on this. Can anyone also recommend a good wireless keyboard and mouse set? I’ve got one usb port left on my work laptop (a HP elite book if that helps). I’ve tried the Logitech MK270 but find it a bit clackety.
I used to have a Bloomberg terminal and really like their keyboards if that helps.
A good wireless connection with no lag is obviously paramount but would also like decent quality as I’ll probably take it to work when I return. As work are paying the budget is £100

Thanks for any recommendations and keep safe

Casper

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-S...%2C164&sr=8-13

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