Dell Vostro 1500 through HDTV 32inch

Hello People,

1st post - and yes, its a request. Was not sure what the correct formum would be, so apologies if wrong one.

Bit of history - I am a big gamer(no not fat) and own to many consoles, a desk top pc, and my Dell Vostro 1500.

I have recently started thinking about running my laptop through the TV. So I can play games while sitting on a sofa. I have tested it using the cable on my desk top, and the picture is good (Although there are two big black borders either side).

So question is.. what sort of set up do people recommend - have you done it before and what problems do you face. My concerns are:
1) I cant close the lid on the lap top without it switching off.. can I stop this.
2) Wirless mouse and Keyboard.. any recommendations (Cheap as poss)
3) Sound - should I just run through lap top - not ideal. I dont have external speakers - sound comes through TV.
4) The Dell 1500 does not have HDMI commectivity, VGA connecter only way?

Oh quick specs, I have 8600gt graphics card, duel core processer at 2.2ghz and 4 gig ram.

Help is appreciated.

 

You can change the action when lid closed at the power settings from "stand by" to "do nothing"

I like Microsoft mouse/keyboard sets. I use two sets at home (one bluetooth and the other RF wireless) both are good. Check newegg for either Logitech or Microsoft. Here is a link to a Microsoft set http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109048

If your TV has a sound-in connector, you can connect it to the headphone jack on the notebook. Or you can consider a external USB sound card such as Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1

VGA seems to be only acceptable way to connect to your TV (svideo does not support HD). After a little calibration, the image should be great on your TV with VGA connection.

 

Thanks for the response. Some great advise - thank you.

 

Good luck!