Can I use 1530 with dual monitors?

I just bought an XPS 1530 and was wondering if I could use the 1530 as one monitor and another as a 2nd one simultaneously. For example, could I use my tv as one monitor (say to watch a movie) while still working on my laptop (and using its screen)? I have the 8600M GT graphics card.

I tried to use the search function but couldn't find anything on this. If there is already a thread on this please send me the link that I missed. I'm definitely a newbie so please cut me a little slack .

Thanks,

Rich

 

To put it simply: yes, you can use two monitors.

 

yes you can its really easy just connect the monitor to your laptop and hit fn F8. I use my laptop screen and a 22 inch monitor togethr all the time

 

If you don't have the dell software installed, you have to go about it differently.

Right click on the desktop and go to properties. Then click on the settings tab. Next, click on the second monitor and check the box "extend my windows desktop onto this monitor"

 

Thanks alot guys. I should get my laptop any day so I'll try this out. My goal is to watch movies though my tv while still doing "work."

Could I simply connect via the HDMI or s-video? I would think it doesn't matter but again I dont have much experience with this (with my old computer I connect to tv via s-video but I can't use my monitor while doing this which is why I started the thread.)

 

Thanks for your help. I was able to set it up. It's not quite working 100% though. Again I'm using the TV to watch a movie, while still using my laptop for other use. My issue is that on the tv the top of the screen is distorted (especially on the left side.) It's very noticible and odd. I'm not talking a little either. I'd say one side is about an inch higher than the other rather than a straigh line.

Anyone have any ideas? I don't have any issues with my tv for normal use, dvds, cable etc. so I'm wondering if this has to do with my setup.

Thanks.

 

Reseat your cable. Check that the resolution you're outputting to the TV is optimal by right clicking the desktop/properties/settings.

 

Sounds like a cable problem.

 

Thanks for the tips. I don't think it's a resolution issue because I've tested a couple and the problem remains. It may me the hdmi cord. I've ordered another one so I'll see if that works.

 

I have a dell E207WFP 20" lcd widescreen. With it set up as a dual monitor, the laptop monitor has limited resolution of 1280x800. Not quite sure whats limiting it though.

 

anyone know?

 

bump

anyone know why the resolution is limited with dual monitor setup?

 

I actually wrote a tutorial on how to setup multiple monitors recently. I was using the M1530 for this. You probably can't see anything other than the monitor's, but the display on the right is the M1530 and the left is a Samsung 206BW 20".

Here's the link:
http://skattertech.com/2008/04/setup-multiple-monitors-in-vista/

let me know if you have any problems.