Suggestions for a secondary laptop monitor?

[Wanderer]

My home computer is a laptop, and, a few months out of the year, I really need a second monitor for work. No, it is not an option to use one of my existing televisions... my family would string me up for that egregious offense.

I would like something small and lightweight, and, obviously, I don't want to spend too much money.
Just something suitable for viewing word documents and images on, no need for great resolution.

[dgorsman]

Somewhat "out there", but I've seen projectors the size of a travel mug specifically for laptops. Much smaller than a monitor when you you don't need it, displays as large as you need it, and can work anywhere you can find a projection surface.

[Wanderer]

Somewhat "out there", but I've seen projectors the size of a travel mug specifically for laptops. Much smaller than a monitor when you you don't need it, displays as large as you need it, and can work anywhere you can find a projection surface.

Huh... now there is something I hadn't considered. I could use it as a monitor whenever and wherever needs, and as a bonus, I could use it to present, if needed.

Interesting.

[Wanderer]

DOOD! 8) Nevermind my inquiry.

I did look at mini projectors on Amazon and kept being irritated by how many of them are only for ipads and iphones. :roll: So, I thought perhaps I'd hit a local electronics store instead.

On a whim, I decided to google my query and hit paydirt on the first link!

http://techland.time.com/2011/11/30/ask-techland-good-portable-monitor-for-use-with-a-laptop/

This guy suggests two different monitors, one small and one large, both reasonably priced... BUT, his 3rd suggestion... is to use an iPad.
:shock:
I just received one of those as a gift this spring, and there is a free app on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/displaylink/id411678720?mt=8) that will allow me to use the ipad with the laptop, so long as we're on the same wifi.

Awesome! I'm glad I didn't know about something like that last year. It would've made my wait for the iPad even more painful. :mrgreen:

[cadtag]

just as a thought, your local goodwill (or equivalent) probably has soemthing usable at a very reasonable cost.

[Wanderer]

just as a thought, your local goodwill (or equivalent) probably has soemthing usable at a very reasonable cost.
Huh, I never would have thought to check someplace like that for electronics.

[cadtag]

my local ones are full of ex-corporate desktops/laptops that have been re-imaged. latest and greatest they are not, but corps have to do somethig with the hardware they replace, and donating it is a fairly sustainable use. Reduce, reuse, repurpose, & recycle. Of course repurposing can be the most fun -- way back when I turned a $60K VAX minicomputer into a pool side bar, and its 8" hard drive platters into wind chimes.

[Wanderer]

my local ones are full of ex-corporate desktops/laptops that have been re-imaged. latest and greatest they are not, but corps have to do somethig with the hardware they replace, and donating it is a fairly sustainable use. Reduce, reuse, repurpose, & recycle. Of course repurposing can be the most fun -- way back when I turned a $60K VAX minicomputer into a pool side bar, and its 8" hard drive platters into wind chimes.

Okay, that's pretty sweet. Do you have any pics?

I've got some old parts I intend to turn into jewelry once my office renovation is finished.

[cadtag]

It rusted away years ago.... Dec just didn't do weatherproof computer chassis. Heavy, sure, but rain is a killer.

Did the iPad work out as a second monitor for you?

[Wanderer]

It rusted away years ago.... Dec just didn't do weatherproof computer chassis. Heavy, sure, but rain is a killer.

Did the iPad work out as a second monitor for you?

What a shocking oversight on their part.

I haven't actually had a chance to test it out yet. I installed the app on the iPad but, but, haven't installed the desktop side of it yet.
We're in the middle of switching from DSL to cable internet at home and we're waiting for our new wireless router to arrive. ~woman sigh~

At the latest, I should be able to try it out this weekend, and I'll post back letting you guys know how it works out.

[Wanderer]

So, this was super easy to set up. I'd installed the app on the ipad, it only took a second to install the companion program on my laptop. Install. Set a password. Fire up the program on the laptop and the ipad... and there you go.

Works just like a second monitor, can position it to either side of your workspace. I did not notice any appreciable lag in the screen. I just pulled up Word, typed a bit, then scrolled through some images in Windows Explorer. It should work just hunky dory for my needs... and free is my favorite price!

I'll have to rig up a stand at a comfortable viewing height, but, that will vary by where I end up working. ;) Kitchen table, couch, desk, car, whereever, some of them will be a challenge.
87448

[JonTheBIMGuy]

In case you don't want to use your iPad, and/or are looking for a more permanent monitor, you can look on Craigslist for one for cheap. Or free.

[blads]

DOOD! 8) Nevermind my inquiry.

I did look at mini projectors on Amazon and kept being irritated by how many of them are only for ipads and iphones. :roll: So, I thought perhaps I'd hit a local electronics store instead.

On a whim, I decided to google my query and hit paydirt on the first link!

http://techland.time.com/2011/11/30/ask-techland-good-portable-monitor-for-use-with-a-laptop/

This guy suggests two different monitors, one small and one large, both reasonably priced... BUT, his 3rd suggestion... is to use an iPad.
:shock:
I just received one of those as a gift this spring, and there is a free app on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/displaylink/id411678720?mt=8) that will allow me to use the ipad with the laptop, so long as we're on the same wifi.

Awesome! I'm glad I didn't know about something like that last year. It would've made my wait for the iPad even more painful. :mrgreen:

don't know if you've seen this article... (how to use your iPad as a secondary monitor for your PC or Mac (http://www.howtogeek.com/100886/how-to-use-your-ipad-as-a-second-monitor-for-your-pc-or-mac/))

oops: should've read last post first :Oops:

[Wanderer]

In case you don't want to use your iPad, and/or are looking for a more permanent monitor, you can look on Craigslist for one for cheap. Or free.

While I have bought gap cell phones through Craigslist in the past (you know, your phone breaks, but, you're just shy of ending your contract and don't want to buy another through your current carrier) and that was great, I hadn't really considered craigslist as a source for electronics. Definitely a great reminder, thank you.

My spare desktop monitor at home, for example, is perfectly operable but a bit old (viewsonic flatpanel 19"), and I'd have to buy an adapter of some sort, because the cable type doesn't fly with my new lappy and it was just too big to use on the kitchen table.

While I do like free or cheap, cost was less of a concern in this search than lightweight portability and compatibility.

Blads, :lol: No worries, thanks for chiming in anyway.

Only about another five weeks before editing season starts and I can put the new setup to the real world test.

[dgorsman]

Gotta be careful with those reselling sites. A lot of less-than-reputable people use them to launder electronics that are stolen or purchased with stolen IDs, into cash.

[JonTheBIMGuy]

Gotta be careful with those reselling sites. A lot of less-than-reputable people use them to launder electronics that are stolen or purchased with stolen IDs, into cash.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with that statement. I'm sure some people do that yes, but most people are legit, just trying to get rid of stuff they don't want. And especially if you pick up the monitor for free, you wouldn't have to worry about it

[hugh.69031]

... and I'd have to buy an adapter of some sort, because the cable type doesn't fly with my new lappy and it was just too big to use on the kitchen table.


Have you considered a docking station? The big advantage is the convenience of having a decent keyboard and sceen prewired ready for the laptop to drop into play. Disadvantage is $$$ but again, ebay et al often have them onsale at less eyewatering prices.

[Wanderer]

Have you considered a docking station? The big advantage is the convenience of having a decent keyboard and sceen prewired ready for the laptop to drop into play. Disadvantage is $$$ but again, ebay et al often have them onsale at less eyewatering prices.

I never really considered one, no. The docking stations the managers use here at the office have the laptops sliding into them closed, so you only have the docked monitor to work from. Are there some that still allow the use of the laptop monitor?

[heath.simone]

Yup.

No biggie really. nice and simple to setup

[hugh.69031]

I never really considered one, no. The docking stations the managers use here at the office have the laptops sliding into them closed, so you only have the docked monitor to work from. Are there some that still allow the use of the laptop monitor?

It will depend on the brand of laptop but my Thinkpad's port replicator allows a second screen to be attached to its own VGA port to be used in conjunction with the lappy's opened screen, so yes. More elaborate docks allow multiple screens as well as the laptop's depending on the laptop's video capacities. There are generic "universal" docks that plug into a USB port and also fan out to USB KB, mouse as well as LAN and display. If you have a fixed spot to set up in, these units save a lot of plugging and unplugging.

[Wanderer]

Just another quick update.

This setup is working GREAT for me. I've been sharing desk space with my oldest son, so I'm often shunted off to the couch so he can finish his homework. Propping up the ipad on the arm of the couch (using my gorilla pod (http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GP1-D1EN-Gorillapod-Flexible-Tripod/dp/B000EVSLRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359237735&sr=8-1&keywords=gorillapod) as a wedge) has been FABULOUS.
I've only reviewed 5 chapters so far, but, I already know it's gone much more quickly, being able to confirm screenshots and the current program side by side saves me tons of flipping and triple-checking.

THAT SAID, when I was discussing this with some people on twitter, they pointed out that the app I linked to above is no longer available in the iTunes store. I'm sure the next time there's an iOS update, my app will quit working and I'll have to find another one.

But, it's going great so far.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I'm sure others will benefit by reading your suggestions, and I'm still keeping some of the options in mind, if I ever go with a more stationary workspace here at home or pony up for a projector.