Can I turn my old laptop display into a second monitor?
Asked by
CleverCactus98
I have an old Lenovo laptop that recently died due to motherboard issues, but the display is still in great shape. I just got a new HP Omen 16, and I'm curious if there's any way to use the laptop's screen as a second monitor. I don't need a second monitor urgently but I think it could be quite handy for my work. Any advice?
Answers
It's technically possible to repurpose that laptop screen, but it's pretty complicated. You'd need a separate controller board since you can’t directly connect it to standard video outputs. Honestly, considering the time and effort involved, it’d be easier and probably cheaper to just buy a new monitor instead.
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Unfortunately, you can't use the HDMI port on the old laptop as an input, it only outputs video. So that's a no-go for connecting it as a second monitor.
MildlyAmused42: Guess it's time to budget for a new one!
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If you can manage to connect the display to power and a video source, it might work. But honestly, you might find it's cheaper (and certainly easier) to just replace the motherboard on your Legion or buy a new monitor. Sometimes it's best to let go, you know?
OldSchoolTechie: Thanks! Considering my Legion was already 4 years old, it feels right to let it rest.
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BudgetBuddha: Alright, time for a new monitor then!