Electronics And Computer Hackers, Question

[JeanneP]

Hacker, in the original meaning - cobble stuff together, not malicious behavior.

I want to rig up a remote display for my computer without buying a new bluetooth enabled computer, if possible. I also hate the idea of buying a monitor when my old laptop's screen is perfect for my needs.

So. Is there a way to take the display off the old computer, rig it some way (either with a connection or a bluetooth adapter) to act as a remote display for my "good" laptop? Can anybody steer me to a how-to article, book, whatever?

[delatbabel]

No, it can't be done. The bluetooth "remote displays" are in fact computers all of their own -- there's a lot more inside the box than just a screen and a bluetooth adaptor. Having said that, you shouldn't need to buy a new bluetooth enabled computer if your current one has a USB port -- just buy a USB bluetooth dongle and plug that in, and it should work fine. You will still need an actual remote display, and the software that comes with it as well.

[JeanneP]

Okay, I understand that the receiver needs more than the old screen has. How about a way of hard wiring the old display to connect it to the new computer? It seems a shame to send the computer to the recycler if I can recycle some of its pieces myself.

Oh, well, it was a thought.

[seaescape]

Hi I don't think you can do it with bluetooth, but you could get a pro to remove your old screen and fit a vga connector, then wire it in to your new laptop using the external vga out port. Because to run the second screen you need the video card in your new laptop.

You also will need a way of powering the old screen, again the electronics pro could tell you if it could be done.

To set it up you can then look at ADD A SECOND MONITOR in the help in XP or VISTA.

Its an interesting concept.

Kevin

[JeanneP]

Thank you. That gives me something to think about.

PC Magazine has a section called something like "build it", maybe I can find something that approximates what I want to do. Things with wire and connectors isn't exactly something I know anything about, so it will be twice as difficult for me to work this out. However, I'm curious.