Can I use a notebook PC as a second monitor?

So here is my situation. I'm going to build a desktop computer at the end of the month. I currently have a laptop connected to a desktop monitor, I really need two monitors to be productive. But when I get the desktop it won't have an internal monitor or anything.

So what I want to do is be able to connect my desktop to my desktop monitor using a DVI port, and then connect another monitor to my desktop using the VGA port on my laptop. Or in other words use the laptop as a secondary monitor for my desktop.

I'm wondering if there is any way to do this. I'm just wanting to turn the VGA output into a VGA input on my laptop.

asked May 18 '11 at 19:24

Liam Quade
7.4k●92●121●197

5 Answers:

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It is not possible. The output on laptops are output only. Unless you use software over a network. However there is no hardware way.

EDIT: This is the only hardware thing I can find.

I did find a forum where someone talked about a PCMICA card that you could put in your laptop, someone said that the resolution would be really low. Here is the link to the forum though: http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread723.html

I make no guarantee that this will work. I don't think it will work. I am just providing this after a quick Google Search

answered May 18 '11 at 19:32

TheTechDude
16.8k●40●94●298

edited May 18 '11 at 19:37

http://www.maxivista.com/

(May 18 '11 at 19:32) Liam Quade

I just edited my post before reading that.

(May 18 '11 at 19:34) TheTechDude

Yeah, I think I'll just find a good program that will let me use the PC as a monitor.

(May 18 '11 at 19:39) Liam Quade

Good luck. Make sure that the computers are both using wired internet to avoid high latency.

(May 18 '11 at 19:43) TheTechDude

2	Hardware wise, it is not possible because both are outputting. Software wise, there is http://www.zoneos.com/zonescreen.htm answered May 18 '11 at 19:35 kevin ♦♦ 35.7k●160●316●589

1	If your goal is to mirror the screen on the laptop instead of extending your screen, you could use screen sharing software like TeamViewer and connect to your other computer via the network. answered May 18 '11 at 20:56 Duodave 4.6k●40●49●98

1	It is NOT possible; easily that is... However if your willing to take apart the laptop to get to the display and gain access to the display cable... Just google it answered May 22 '11 at 01:44 Zbob750 2.6k●6●13●38

It should be possible with the proper cable but I’m not acquainted with the specifics so I apologize that I can’t give a detailed answer.

It’s possible you’ll likely take a hit in the resolution if the laptop has a maximum resolution that’s lower than a desktop.

answered May 22 '11 at 02:06

BlazeEagle
1.1k●7●12●26

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