increasing my screen real-estate

[gusl]

I'd like to buy a 25-inch monitor, preferably under $150. Do LCD TVs easily work as monitors? (Would it require special cables?)

Alternatively, I'd like to buy another 15-inch monitor to place horizontally next to my current one, and have them work hassle-free. The problem is that my laptop only has one port for external monitors, preferably in a way that doesn't use up a USB port. There is something called a Matrox DualHead2Go, but it costs >$250.

Comments

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

You'd need to get a DVI to HDMI cable. They're pretty cheap nowadays but something to know is that the resolution of TVs is lower than a computer monitor. They make them that way on person to smooth out the details so moving video looks better. So usually they're not so good as a monitor.

And besides, you can get a used 24" Dell monitor for $350 on Craigs List.

A system that works well is to have a riser for the monitor and then you can slide your laptop under it with the screen tilted back. Works well.

[bhudson.livejournal.com]

You could get new 20 or 22" screens for under $300, last I checked a couple months ago (various retailers). 24" is nice, but even 20" is not bad at all.