how use external monitor with laptop?

lugoteehalt · 02-10-2006, 07:11 AM

I'd like to plug a Dell Inspiron ?2000 into an external CRT monitor. Not so as to use both screens but just the external screen. The thing can be plugged in easilly its a question of avoiding frying one or both screens.

Have no idea whatsoever how to do this, so wha'd'I'do - modify XF86Config? Thanks any help.

okmyx · 02-10-2006, 07:33 AM

You shouldn't have to change your XF86Config.

Simply plug in the external monitor and press fn+F8 (default for dell laptops)

1 press and it will activate LCD+Ext, 2 Presses and it will be Ext only and press it again to get back to the LCD.

lugoteehalt · 02-10-2006, 07:41 AM

Thanks okmyx.

But can't understand how X will know how to use the different monitor when it's configured for the built in screen?

lucktsm · 02-10-2006, 08:06 AM

I have never had luck trying to use external displays without booting with the display active using Linux. When you try to switch to it the screen is just garbage. Maybe it's just my laptop, but Windows doesn't do this. I would MUCH rather use Linux!

Joe

okmyx · 02-10-2006, 11:16 AM

I've got Suse 9.1 running on an old Dell Inspiron 3500 and have no trouble switch between lcd and Ext monitors.

I believe the Xconfig for an LCD is pretty generic and is not going to cause any trouble for a CRT. Unless you plug in a very old monitor that can't support the current screen res that the laptop is displaying or have a fancy wide screen laptop which might cause the ext monitor some problems.

lugoteehalt · 02-11-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucktsm

I have never had luck trying to use external displays without booting with the display active using Linux. When you try to switch to it the screen is just garbage.

Right, get impression that true with me too; except it does work but it's full of funny glitches - such as screen stays blank untill mouse is moved, etc, etc..

But how the hell does X know how to use the monitor - it hasn't been told about it? Do modern monitors tell X what they are or something?