It's been a while since we've used an external display. I want to change that and want to be able to compute nicely without neck pain. But the cheapest displays are about 80 dollars which is pretty expensive for a display in my opinion because some old 15 inch laptops are on craiglist for about $100. Could I buy the 15 inch laptop instead and then use it with an existing laptop for dual display somehow?
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How to buy displays cheap?
- Thread starter piatti
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$80 is expensive for a display? 
No you can't use an existing display on another laptop as a second screen.
No you can't use an existing display on another laptop as a second screen.
$80 is expensive for a display?
No you can't use an existing display on another laptop as a second screen.
+1.
$80 is VERY INEXPENSIVE for a display since others go for hundreds..
Your example display is cheap because the laptop is outdated, broken, etc etc.
Besides. What is the point of getting a 15" external display if the laptop you are projecting is about the same size? The utility of such a small external display isn't really worth it to me. You might as well use spaces or something.
What you are paying for in monitors is quality of screen, speed, color rendition, resolution, looks, etc. having a second laptop screen essentially is making you work from two laptops simultaneously. You would be set back farther to work from two screens and thus working farther from 15" screens may make it more difficult to view. If cost is an issue I would just set up spaces and use it efficiently.
Probably can in a dark alley somewhere. Good luck.
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I bought a new 24" Samsung at Wal-Mart last summer for about $260 and I thought that was a cheap price. $80 is a steal.
Check the Dell Outlet for refurbished monitors. Here's one example:
Dell Refurbished E Series E1912H 18.5-inch Flat Panel Monitor with LED 1 $89.00 $89.00
https://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/monitors-outlet.aspx?~ck=mn
Dell Refurbished E Series E1912H 18.5-inch Flat Panel Monitor with LED 1 $89.00 $89.00
https://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/monitors-outlet.aspx?~ck=mn
If you're in an area that has a used computer store (or a hole-in-the-wall PC store, these sometimes sell some used stuff) ...
I've seen these stores sell used LCD monitors for very low prices - e.g. $50 or less for a 17 or 19", $75 for a 21". These are typically lease returns that come in when a company upgrades a bunch of computers/monitors. Likely a few years old, a little clunky looking, but frequently quite decent. Better deal than you will find on craigslist. Just make sure you test it before you walk out the door.
E.g this year I saw a Dell 21" monitor in a shop for $75. I'd paid $800 for the same monitor, new, about 6 years ago.
I've seen these stores sell used LCD monitors for very low prices - e.g. $50 or less for a 17 or 19", $75 for a 21". These are typically lease returns that come in when a company upgrades a bunch of computers/monitors. Likely a few years old, a little clunky looking, but frequently quite decent. Better deal than you will find on craigslist. Just make sure you test it before you walk out the door.
E.g this year I saw a Dell 21" monitor in a shop for $75. I'd paid $800 for the same monitor, new, about 6 years ago.
Some displays on sale, today only though.
http://1saleaday.com/flash/?utm_sou...campaign=1SaleADay&utm_content=Flash+03/12/12
Note: I have no affiliation with this site, but I have bought a few things from them with good results.
http://1saleaday.com/flash/?utm_sou...campaign=1SaleADay&utm_content=Flash+03/12/12
Note: I have no affiliation with this site, but I have bought a few things from them with good results.
If $80 for a display seems expensive to you, your options are either some super sale at Staples or something, for a generally low quality 20" LCD.
Or check out Craig's, FreeCycle, or the side of the curb for a CRT someone is throwing away. Sony and NEC CRTs can be rather nice, if in good condition. They are of course big and fat, and you may need a VGA adapter... but free < $80.
Or check out Craig's, FreeCycle, or the side of the curb for a CRT someone is throwing away. Sony and NEC CRTs can be rather nice, if in good condition. They are of course big and fat, and you may need a VGA adapter... but free < $80.
If you are looking for really cheap, put a wanted notice out for a CRT monitor. Their image quality is usually better than a cheap LCD, but they are bulky, so people don't want them.
You probably know several people with one taking up space and would be willing to give it away as they consider it junk, but it is not.
Your second laptop idea would take up space, so the bulky aspect is obviously not a problem.
You probably know several people with one taking up space and would be willing to give it away as they consider it junk, but it is not.
Your second laptop idea would take up space, so the bulky aspect is obviously not a problem.