need a little computer help
 

I have a nice older 21" monitor that has inputs for digital and analog. That's it, no usb's or HDMI on the monitor. Now a newer laptop no longer has the connection for your typical monitor connection, just an HDMI port and I'm not completely sure if that's an input or output.

So looking at various sites I can't quite grasp the terminology for an HDMI (output) to one of the 2 (input) connections on the monitor. If I have a choice I'd rather have an HDMI to the digital side (the white one) on the monitor.

So, li I'm looking at New Egg, Best Buy, eBay or Amazon, what do I call this thing so I get exactly what I need. A link to an example will help this old man understand.

Yes, docking the laptop is the goal. While I'm on the subject of docking, will the average mid level LT work 'docked' with the screen folded down?

Hey, I'm doing good to set up a desktop, cabled monitor and printer, but that's pretty much the end of my technical ability.

Sounds like you need a HDMI to display port adapter.

Does it have a rectangle with 2 lines symbol on it ?

Post a photo of the port on the monitor.
Or the model number

This should do what you want, depending on the max resolution of your monitor.

https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-Bi-Directional-Raspberry-Graphics-Blue-ray/dp/B01FM51SHG/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=HDMI+to+DVI&qid=16102 28618&s=electronics&sr=1-6

Do you have a docking station for the laptop? Is one available?

laptop video ports are output hdmi or mini-hdmi maybe mini-dvi less common is a dvi unless older

monitor inputs are vga=analog ? and dvi = digital ? in your terms ?

you can buy a adapter or a cable ether with the needed connector ends
hdmi to digital [dvi] aka displayport is likely the best to use

The HDMI port on most any laptop is for outlet only. I would suggest checking Walmart or Best Buy to see what a 48 inch flat screen is costing now days? I am partial to VIZIO but others work well. Last fall I bought a VIZIO 50 inch flat screen to upgrade from a 38 inch as there were weird bands of colors showing up after running a short while. Good luck.

That is a clear winner for me. Thank you. I'll wait for a few more posts but it can't be too complicated. Just something I haven't faced before.

No formal docking station. Should I be looking at that? Easy in and out?

I had a docking station 15 years ago and it was a terrible set up.

I'd upgrade the monitor. As my eyes get old, a 27"+ makes a big difference.

27" Dell was on sale for $140 a few weeks ago.

Why fold the screen down? You can set the second screen to "Extend Desktop" and open different windows on each screen.

This is all going into a kitchen cubby hole to get it off the counter. The remote keyboard will slide into a narrow horizontal slot as will the LT.

Really what I'd like is an all-in-one. But since I make cabinets and such, and because we have a fairly new Dull, the is the cheapest way.

PS, I left some wiggle room for a bigger monitor or A-in-1.

You def want a cable with the needed ends already in place. Adapter to adapter makes for lots of stress on connectors plus makes the connector connection very long.
That's all I got. Been under the weather of sorts here.

It appears that adapter cable does not transfer sound like a HDMI to HDMI cable does so you'll need some way to connect for sound and I doubt your new laptop has the connectors for the red and white sound jacks? Additionally, the original VGA connections do not process 4k video that you can get from YouTube like some of the one folks post on here in this part of Pelican, HDMI will.

Just make sure you provide enough ventilation to allow your laptop to "breathe" in there.

OK, a good point to look into. Thanks. I thought all external monitors would act the same as being cabled up with the usual connections secured by the outboard screws. This laptop has USB's and a HDMI and that's it!

It seems there are some that are bi-directional but I haven't landed on the right item yet. To reiterate, I have the HDMI on the laptop and both DVI and VGA on the monitor. I'm hoping the HDMI on the LT is an output.

Yes HDMI FEMALE on the laptop is an output. Input makes no sense.

Next time post photos of your ports or the model number so you can get faster and more accurate advice

Oh Milt, what am I going to do with you?! Laptop's HDMI connectors are almost always an output with a resolution depending on the maximum the video system supports. It also send a stereo or surround sound sound signal to whatever is connected to the other end. A couple of things to check: the maximum resolution your video system in the laptop will send, what type of sound will be sent I.E. stereo or surround, if you decide to get a monitor such as a VIZIO make sure it supports an external "monitor" and it will say that on the outer box.

For example one of the monitors at the college I was teaching at could not support my video output and had a wide back area around the screen display, another one was fine and filled the whole screen. Since I am going through cancer treatment again I have decided to fully retire except for things link this.......
John

John, very sorry to hear about the cancer. Thank you for your continued support. I'll do some more digging and see what might be on that monitor. For the record, it's a Samsung model with no speakers. We have a few sets around not being used. Has 2 ports and nothing else but the power supply cord.

Very thin rim around the screen display so it's not bulky. And it works well. I like the fact that it's built in so no direct light affecting the screen. I have a pull out for the ergonomic keyboard as neither one of us likes the little basic wired keyboard that comes with any desktop purchase. I have a pile of them that will never see use unless I get a CNC laser or router. That's why I asked if the LT can be used folded down,

I'll route the mini USB speakers in a nice acoustic area of the open shelf system, far and deep for the sound. Might be able to use it for some kitchen music it I get that right.

Does your laptop have bluetooth? If so, just pick up a set of bluetooth speakers.

Here is a quick example, Bluetooth speaker

No need to run more cables to the laptop. I think they look better than most computer speakers also.

If you look at the power settings for the laptop, it will have a setting for what happens when you close the screen. It will work just fine with the screen closed.