External Monitor for T520

Hi all. I have a T520 with FHD and thinking of getting an external monitor. What should I keep in mind? I should mention that I have integregrated graphics only. Are the Lenovo monitors any good? Also should it have the same native resolution as my notebook?

If so, what about the Lenovo ThinkVision L2321x (LCD display, TFT, 23")

It does have Display Port and is 1920 by 1080. what do you think?

If you let me know I can order this tomorrow.

Thanks so much

 

get Dell monitors. Lenovo monitors ... for the lack of a better word... sucks.

 

I've had good luck with Dell's Ultrasharps, and gasp they actually have useful stands/mounts. They also hold their resale value well.

 

Agreed. I have several. Love the U2711.

 

U2711 is the best IPS LCD for the price.... love them.

 

I looked up the dell. It seems to be quite higher rez than the lenovo. What would be the max rez I could drive with the intel graphics and both the external monitor and my laptop screen on? I guess both screens don't need to be set to fhd?

 

That's debatable. I'm sure the Dell is quite nice, but how many willing to drop $800 minimum on a LCD? Something like the U2112 or U2312 probably offer better value, though I suppose if resolution is the most important factor and you've got the cash to burn, then perhaps so. My own Samsung 2333Ts are quite excellent and at $150 a pop are less than 1/5 the cost of the U2711.

Typically, displayport does 2560x1600, but you should probably do your homework before putting your money down.

 

Went looking for monitors last weekend and the LG IPS screens appeared to produce the best image.

 

Best image/viewing angles are one thing, but also another is color gamut which is hard to find a half decent one on a consumer LCD.

I gotta agree with ZaZ about the 2333T. I bought 2 for 140 a pop, best monitors for the money I have ever owned. Replaced an old Dell 21.5" 1080p monitor, far brighter, much improved viewing angles.

 

@Zaz you can get these U2711 for around 600 USD all the time.

You can not really compare the image quality between the H-IPS and the e-IPS monitors.

Obviously, if money is that of an issue, then yeap a cheaper e-IPS and TN monitors will do. But for high resolution monitors under 900 dollars, the U2711 is a very good monitor.

 

For a general-purpose monitor, there's no need to splurge on a $500+ super-high-end monitor. If you're not extremely discerning, a $100-150 21.5" 1920x1080 LED-backlit TN monitor would be perfectly fine. If you want better colors and viewing angles, a $150-200 21.5" 1920x1080 IPS monitor would be more than adequate.

 

You're absolute best bet.

$239 + tax shipped for a Dell Ultrasharp 23" IPS monitor:

Dell UltraSharp U2312HM 23-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor | eBay

 

I'm not seeing it. It's been sub $800 only once on SlickDeals. Plus Dell charges tax, which ups the cost.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Still curious about what my T520 displayport will drive with intel graphics. where could i find that info?

 

@lead_org: can you confirm that I can drive both my T520 screen at FHD and the dell u2177 at native resolution (2560X1440) via displayport using Intel graphics? I don't have Optimus. I see you helping others with this on Lenovo forum. Thanks

 

Yes you can drive the external monitor at WQXGA OR WQHD using the displayport.

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf

 

Hazro HZ27WC, 2560X1440 IPS at £480
best value for money of anything with more than 1920X1080 pixels

 

@lead_org (or anyone that could help) still haven't ordered a monitor yet. Definitely interested in a Dell as to this forums suggestions, specifically the UltraSharp U2410 24-inch. The 2711 seems a little too big.

My question to you is say I have the monitor hooked up to my T520, what would I see on the laptops screen while the external monitor was attached? would it be 1920 by 1080 on the laptop and then max resolution on the external monitor as well (1920 by 1200)? if you could let me know soon it would be great as there is a sale on right now and I really want to pull the trigger. Thanks so much!

 

If you have the money go with Eizo monitors. I bought one 7 years ago and it still rocks today.

 

Sacrilege! A LCD panel can never be too big.

Actually, the Dell U2711 isn't small so you'd better have room for it. The biggest thing to get used to on it is the 2560x1440 resolution. You'll love the U2410, too.

As for the external panel, it's best to run the native resolution. You are correct, 1920x1080 on the T520 if you have the FHD and 1920x1200 on the U2410.

 

Thanks Thors.Hammer. Yes I do have FHD. I guess what I'm wondering if I want to display an image on both my T520 and expand my desktop onto an external monitor at the same time (if possible?!) will they both have to be the same resolution? for example Dell also makes the U2312HM which is 23 inches but exactly matches the 1920x1080 (16x9) that I have on my T520. I wish to have both screens at once, not just blank my T520's screen. I hope that made sense

 

They both work with independent resolutions. You can change either at any time.

 

cool! Thanks! This is going to be awesome!

 

Just got my monitor. I ended up getting the Dell U2412M. I know its not as good as the other ones mentioned but the price was right. If anyone is searching this thread looking for info on driving an external monitor with T520/Intel integrated graphics only, I can confirm that it does indeed work via DisplayPort. Thanks to all for the help.

 

I bought the U3011 for $600 off some dude who's girlfriend forced him to quit WOW.

 

I have that monitor and like it a lot, especially the 16:10 screen.

 

That is cheap.