Desktop Computer on Laptop Screen

gambler2611 · July 4th, 2009, 06:53 PM

Hey guys, as a student at university, I can't really afford to buy a decent screen for a computer. I have a Dell 1721 laptop with a really nice 19" screen, and to buy a screen superior would cost me at least £100 (~$180). Is there any way that if I were to buy a desktop computer, I would be able to run it on my laptops screen? Is there a feature in windows I've just never heard of that might do this or would I need to buy another screen?

I've had a search of google and come up with nothing unfortunately.

Cheers guys, you've always been great when I've had a problem :-).

Andy

**RicheemxX** · July 4th, 2009, 08:15 PM

Maybe I'm a little confused here, is the laptop dead and you want to mod the screen so you can use it with a desktop or what?

If you just wanted to see what the PC is doing and use it from the laptop you could use remote desktop, ultravnc or another similar program however IMO if you are on a tight budget that would make buying a desktop pretty pointless as you'd still have to use the laptop

I guess what I'm asking here is what your goal is.

J1mmy · July 4th, 2009, 09:48 PM

I think what you're saying is that you want to use your laptop screen as the screen for your desktop?

I haven't personally come across a solution for this, but I always though that the VGA was an output connector, so it couldn't receive input from another device, and hence couldn't display anything for external devices. But correct me if I'm wrong...

Here's a few search results:

use laptop screen for desktop - Google Search

Use laptop as a monitor and keyboard for desktop
using laptop screen for a desktop monitor?
Use Laptop screen for the desktop computer... - ASP Free
use laptop screen as display for desktop?

gambler2611 · July 6th, 2009, 08:49 AM

Hey guys, found a partial solution -

Multi Monitor - Dual Monitor - KVM - Remote Control Software

Seems pretty cool. Might just buy a 19" monitor and use my laptop as a second. Would be pretty bitching

.

Cheers

Andy

thephilosophizer · July 6th, 2009, 10:38 AM

Well, one question is what do you need the desktop for; and do you already have a desktop, or are you planning on building one?
If you are planning on getting a desktop for gaming, and you don't already have one, that will set you back a few quid.
Really, if you are looking to add some gaming to your room, and your laptop can't do it, I might think about getting yourself an xbox instead, easier and cheaper if just for the sake of gaming.

**RicheemxX** · July 6th, 2009, 03:06 PM

The thing is you still aren't exactly explaining what you are trying to achieve. Yes MaxiVista will allow you to use a Laptop screen via the network once both the PC and the lappy are up and running however you'd still have to have both the laptop and PC running. So to me the would defeat the purpose.

As for buying a second monitor, to use with the lappy well if you do that then obviously you don't need to maxivista software. Just connect the monitor to the vga out puts and you'd be good to go.