Laptop mirroring and Desktop connectivity

Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 00:32
Last edited 09/10/2017 - 00:32

Hey guys, two queries.

1) My dad has a laptop that he would like to mirror on to two side-by-side monitors in extended format. Ie laptop display mirrored on monitor 1 and extended display on monitor 2.

What is the best way to do this in your opinion? I'm leaning towards a hub, but only because it sounds convenient.

2) I've just built a pc for the first time and I'm looking at connection options. My router is directly below (downstairs) from my pc with no way to physically connect it by ethernet.

What is your preference between pcie adapter, usb adapter, or poweline adapter. I'm leaning towards a pcie adapter because 1) it's compact and 2) I've heard poweline adapters are problematic.

Computing

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2017 - 05:43

    Get hdmi, plug into laptop, plug other end into tv. Go Nvidia Control panel on PC, select extend. Get cheap xamoi extender from deal here, position well, enjoy.

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 08:10

      Thanks for the advice! Could you elaborate on the first part? That would just extend to one screen, not 2.

  • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 08:30

    You want to mirror (is identical image as the laptop screen displays) a Laptop display across 2 monitors?
    Or do you want to mirror to one screen and extend to the other??

    The first option is going to be difficult and look awful if it's even possible.
    The second option is easy provided the laptop has 2 monitor output sockets.

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 08:52

      The laptop has a small, low quality display. We have two identical FHD monitors. We'd like the display extended across the two monitors, and not have to use the laptop screen at all. So mirror to monitor 1 and extend to monitor 2.

      Laptop unfortunately has only one output.

      • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 09:03

        Laptop unfortunately has only one output.

        This makes it hard, if not impossible.

        Are you absolutely certain? What's the laptop model Number?

        If you're correct, then I believe there are USB Video cards, can't comment on their performance though.

        • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 11:16
          +1

          Uhh, most current monitors let you do that.
          And Windows 10 supports this natively (has for years).

          Just connect your laptop to the left monitor, then use the DisplayPort to connect the left monitor to the right monitor.
          The monitors will talk amongst themselves, then to Windows, and everything just works between the three.

          If your laptop/monitors do not have this feature, then its time to look into a "Monitor Box" which can take the signal from the laptop and extend/split it among two Out-ports for the monitors.

          Just make sure that you disable the screen of the laptop, and prevent it from sleeping/shutting down on its own. Now you can shut the lid and place it behind the monitors. You will need to route two cables for your cable mouse and desktop keyboard. ie/ don't use the laptop's bad touchpad/keyboard anymore.

        • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 11:43

          @Kangal:
          Learned something

          Does the laptop need to have Display port for this functionality?
          Or is any Digital output capable of this?
          Guessing that VGA output wont be capable.

        • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 14:02

          @Kangal: Will look in to it, thanks! I'll also look in to what version he's on and upgrade if necessary.

  • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 09:13

    On your desktop connectivity, I ran an ethernet cable out the window and back inside to our modem back in the day… possibly another option for you to consider.
    Things to consider with that option are sun exposure and rain (I was able to run my cable so that it came up through the top of the window, and as a result, any rain that flowed down the cable dripped to the ground, not to my PC!). My cable had some sun exposure through the middle of the day, but survived the 18 months (and 2 summers) I needed it to.
    You can get thin cable too… If sun was a problem, you could look at running some conduit (even a bit of old garden hose) as some protection.

    These days though, a High speed WiFi card should be easily sufficient, especially if your router/modem supports WiFi-AC.

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 14:07

      Good idea, but I think I'd prefer something less open to the elements. It would be hard to work around the location of both my router and desktop. Might need to update my router for the card.

  • blonky on 09/10/2017 - 11:06

    1) Run one monitor from the VGA port on the laptop, the other will need a USB to VGA/DVI/HDMI adapter which is around $60 from Officeworks/Jaycar etc.
    You won't be "mirroring" but rather you are only running the two monitors and not the laptop LCD.

    2) With a decent router and pci-e card you should be able to get wifi - 2.4G will likely be better than 5G through walls. Otherwise a powerline adapter will do it - in some cases it won't work if the powerlines are on isolated circuits

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 14:08

      Thanks!

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 14:09

      Surprisingly never came across this while searching. I'll look in to it.

      • Xetrok on 09/10/2017 - 14:23
        +1

        It will only work if you sit the laptop next to your other PC's.

        You might be better off using a VNC if you want remote viewing/control from a different area.

        Or getting a USB graphics card - something like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-3-0-to-HDMI-Converter-Cable-D… and plugging it into an external monitor if you want something right next to the laptop.
        And setting the output (pressing Windows + P) to Duplicate.

  • KaTst3R on 09/10/2017 - 12:42

    The only way to mirror on screen 1 and extend on screen 2 is to use two separate outputs, i.e. hdmi and another DVI or DP. If you use a hub which I assume you are referring to as a splitter, it only splits one signal so it will both either mirror or extend, not both. Since laptops usually only come with 1 output, it is quite challenging to do as you require.

    • ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 13:09
      +1

      Check out Kangal's post above… apparently it may be possible on Monitors with DisplayPort.

      • KaTst3R on 09/10/2017 - 18:46

        Hmm interesting. Connect left and right monitor using DP.

    • Pharos5 on 09/10/2017 - 14:10

      Mm, scuba mentioned. Unfortunate the laptop is small, and a bit old and doesn't have 2 outputs.

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