Laptop connections

[bobmac]

I currently have an oldish laptop with a VGA connector which goes to my monitor and an HDMI Cable which goes to my tele.
This way I can watch you tube on the tele and still browse the net on the monitor.
However the i3 processor is getting on a bit so I'd like upgrade to a more powerful laptop with a similar set up (2 seperate displays)
Usb C ports
Display ports
thunderbolt ports?
I just want an i5 or rayzen 5 with 2 displays
Help please
Thanks

 

[DanFST]

If you are only watching web video, A google chromecast plugs into your tv, and you stream your browser window to that.

It's a great bit of kit.

 

[bobmac]

If you are only watching web video, A google chromecast plugs into your tv, and you stream your browser window to that.

It's a great bit of kit.

Thanks, will investigate

 

[Rooter]

What TV do you have Bob? many newer TV's now will allow a PC (or any device!) connection over wireless (Miracast or MiDi) So I can stream my phone, laptop to my TV. Also, most laptops will have a HDMI, HDMI mini or display port out as standard too.

I use it for Zwift in my office, it works really well. Would recommend a hdmi connection though if you were streaming a fast paced movie or football etc though..

 

[bobmac]

The tv has mirroring but doesn't seem to connect with the laptop.
Maybe a trip to currys is in order and try and find a grown up assistant who knows their stuff

 

[GreiginFife]

I currently have an oldish laptop with a VGA connector which goes to my monitor and an HDMI Cable which goes to my tele.
This way I can watch you tube on the tele and still browse the net on the monitor.
However the i3 processor is getting on a bit so I'd like upgrade to a more powerful laptop with a similar set up (2 seperate displays)
Usb C ports
Display ports
thunderbolt ports?
I just want an i5 or rayzen 5 with 2 displays
Help please
Thanks

If you want to keep the set up the same, it's clear that your TV has HDMI connectivity. What about the monitor? If you are using VGA on that, doe it have other ports? You will be hard pressed to find a modern laptop with VGA.

more and more laptops are being sold with singular HDMI or Displayport outs and then more multifunctional ports like USB-C/Thunderbolt etc.

My new work laptop (Lenovo Carbon) has no HDMI out at all, so I had to buy a USB-C docking station that then lets me have 2 HDMI for my monitors.

 

[bobmac]

It's not the monitor thats the problem (VGA and 2 HDMI) it's the output from the laptop that has me confused.
3 different types of USB C, Display ports (are they like Hdmi) and is thunderbolt not just for macs?

 

[GreiginFife]

It's not the monitor thats the problem (VGA and 2 HDMI) it's the output from the laptop that has me confused.
3 different types of USB C, Display ports (are they like Hdmi) and is thunderbolt not just for macs?

No, I think it first appeared on Macs but as far as I know isn't Apple proprietary.

USB-C and Thunderbolt share design (shape and fucntion) but Thunderbolt has transfer speeds capability way beyond USB-C.

Modern laptops, as noted above, will probably have HDMI x 1 and then a USB-C/Thunderbolt3 port. You may need some kind of intermediary connection device to connect it to HDMI or DP ports.

 

[bobmac]

Modern laptops, as noted above, will probably have HDMI x 1 and then a USB-C/Thunderbolt3 port. You may need some kind of intermediary connection device to connect it to HDMI or DP ports.

The problem is knowing which USB C connector a laptop has....there are 3
My other laptop has a USB C port but doesn't support video, just charging and data transfer

 

[GreiginFife]

The problem is knowing which USB C connector a laptop has....there are 3
My other laptop has a USB C port but doesn't support video, just charging and data transfer

Not sure whatvthe 3 are, its either going to be USB-C which unless it's new gen it's unlikely to have video support, or Thunderbolt that most likely will.
When you look at the laptop Specs it will state the connection type and whether video is supported.

Look for the model on a store and then check the detailed spec on the nanufacturer website.

 

[bobmac]

Not sure whatvthe 3 are, its either going to be USB-C which unless it's new gen it's unlikely to have video support, or Thunderbolt that most likely will.
When you look at the laptop Specs it will state the connection type and whether video is supported.

Look for the model on a store and then check the detailed spec on the nanufacturer website.

There's hundreds of them

 

[GreiginFife]

There's hundreds of them

Maybe you mean generations but the connection is USB Type-C and shares a design with Thunderbolt which has 3 generations.

Best bet is to find a model that you like price/spec wise and then check the detailed specification on the manufacturer website. It will state whether video is supported.

 

[bobmac]

Ive got the dentist this pm which is near Currys so will go and have a look
Thanks for the help