You can connect your laptop to a monitor or projector via VGA, HDMI, or DVI. VGA is the most common connection and is used to connect a computer to a projector or monitor. HDMI is used for digital audio and video, such as connecting a laptop to a TV. DVI is used to connect an LCD projector to the computer.
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Via VGA
Connecting your laptop to an external screen via VGA is the most basic and easiest method of doing so.
What you will need:
A VGA cable (A male end to connect to your computer and a female end to connect to the screen)
An HDMI cable (The male end connects to your computer and another male end connects to the screen)
How to Connect a Laptop to Monitor via DVI/HDMI
DVI/HDMI is a more advanced method of connecting your laptop with an external display. Why? Well, it uses a much more robust cable that’s capable of transferring data at a higher rate than the previous cable type. This means that you can get clearer images on your external monitor, especially if they are HD. What you will need:
An HDMI or DVI-D dual-link digital display adapter (The male end connects to your computer and another male end connects to the screen)
How to Connect a Laptop to Monitor via DisplayPort
Another method of connecting your laptop with an external screen is using DisplayPort. Why? Because it uses a single cable that supports data, video, and audio. This means that you can use your laptop as a secondary screen for video or audio playback without having issues with compatibility or resolution. What you will need:
A DisplayPort adapter (The male end connects to your computer and another male end connects to the screen)
How to Connect a Laptop to Monitor via Thunderbolt
If you want the best of the best, then connect your laptop with an external display using Thunderbolt. Why? Because it uses a single cable that delivers data, video, and audio. This means you can use your laptop as a secondary screen for video or audio playback without having issues with compatibility or resolution. What you will need:
A Thunderbolt adapter (The male end connects to your computer and another male end connects to the screen)
How do I Know Which Type of Cable I Need?
Well, it’s pretty simple really! It’s all about testing which cable is capable of transmitting data at what speed. Here are some easy ways to test the speed of different cables: Is there any lag when moving from one window/screen in Windows 10? If so, then use a VGA cable. Is there any lag when moving between windows in Windows 10? If so, then use a DVI cable. Is there any lag when moving between windows in OS X? If so, then use a DisplayPort cable?
When you are done testing your cables, you will want to get the right cable for your specific needs.
Cable Length and Connectors
A common question I get is: “Why do I need an extra HDMI or DVI adapter?” Well, the short answer is that they are not all created equal; some adapters have more pins than others. So, if you need to connect a lot of devices to your computer (such as multiple monitors), then using the right adapter can make all the difference in the world. In addition to this, having multiple adapters can give you a great deal of flexibility when connecting devices to your computer. So why not have an extra DVI or HDMI adapter on hand!
FAQs
What do I need to know about adapter cables?
Well, it depends on what you are connecting! If you are connecting a laptop to an external monitor, then you need a DisplayPort cable (or a DVI-to-DisplayPort adapter). If you are connecting an external monitor to a television, then you need an HDMI cable.
Do I really need another adapter for my iPad or iPhone?
Yes! You really do! You can use your iPad or iPhone with your computer; however, there is no way to get audio into the device. So if you want to listen to music while working on your laptop (or watching videos), then it’s best that you get an adapter that supports audio. In addition, if you want to play games on your iPad or iPhone while using your computer, then it’s best that the game supports audio as well.
What is the difference between DisplayPort and Thunderbolt?
A: Thunderbolt is a high-speed, low-latency I/O interface developed by Apple. It is designed for high-performance networking, data transfer, and storage devices. It is a high-speed, low-latency I/O interface developed by Apple that can also be used as a device interconnect for computers and peripheral devices. Thunderbolt has two types of cables: a DisplayPort cable and a Thunderbolt cable. The DisplayPort cable can provide up to 4K video resolution to an external monitor while the Thunderbolt cable can provide up to 10 Gbps of throughput.
Q: What are the different connectors on adapters?
A: There are two main types of connectors on adapter cables: USB and DisplayPort/Thunderbolt. USB is used for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, external drives, or printers while DisplayPort (or Thunderbolt) is used for connecting monitors or televisions.
Conclusion
To make sure that you get the best possible experience when connecting your computer to external displays, it’s best that you have an adapter on hand. Having a spare adapter can be extremely useful, especially when you are traveling or in a situation where you have to work on multiple computers.
