Maximizing your workspace doesn’t always require buying a brand new monitor. In fact, you might already have a perfectly good display sitting unused: your old laptop. The idea of repurposing an old laptop as an external monitor is compelling. It can save you money and reduce electronic waste. However, the process isn’t as straightforward as simply plugging in a cable. This article will delve into the methods, challenges, and solutions for turning your laptop into an external display.
Understanding the Challenges and Possibilities
The primary challenge lies in the fact that laptops are generally designed to output video, not receive it. Unlike desktop monitors, laptops typically lack video input ports like HDMI-in or DisplayPort-in. This means you can’t just connect a source device (like another laptop or a gaming console) to the laptop’s video output port.
However, innovative solutions have emerged over the years to bypass this limitation. These solutions involve software, networking, and clever workarounds. While the experience may not perfectly replicate a dedicated external monitor, it can be surprisingly effective for specific use cases.
Why Use a Laptop as an External Display?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this approach. Firstly, it’s an excellent way to repurpose an old or underutilized laptop. Instead of gathering dust in a closet, it can become a useful addition to your workstation. Secondly, it’s a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a new monitor. You’re essentially leveraging hardware you already own. Thirdly, it can be a portable solution. If you need an extra display on the go, a laptop-turned-monitor is more manageable than a traditional monitor.
Exploring Remote Desktop Software Options
One of the most common and accessible methods involves using remote desktop software. This approach doesn’t literally turn the laptop into a direct external display but allows you to use it as an extension of another computer’s screen.
How Remote Desktop Software Works
Remote desktop software allows you to control one computer (the host) from another computer (the client) over a network connection. In this scenario, your main computer acts as the host, and the laptop you want to use as a display acts as the client. The client laptop will display the screen of the host computer, effectively acting as an extended desktop.
Popular Remote Desktop Software Choices
Several excellent remote desktop software options are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. TeamViewer is a popular choice known for its ease of use and cross-platform compatibility. It offers a free version for personal use and paid versions for commercial purposes. Another option is Microsoft Remote Desktop, which is built into Windows operating systems. It’s a reliable and efficient solution, especially if both your computers are running Windows. Chrome Remote Desktop is another free and easy-to-use option that works through the Chrome web browser.
Setting Up Remote Desktop Software
The setup process generally involves installing the remote desktop software on both the host computer and the client laptop. You’ll then need to configure the software to allow remote access to the host computer. This usually involves creating an account and setting a password. On the client laptop, you’ll use the software to connect to the host computer using its IP address or hostname.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Desktop
The main advantage of this method is its simplicity and accessibility. Most remote desktop software is relatively easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with a wide range of operating systems. However, there are some disadvantages. The performance can be affected by network latency, which can lead to lag or delays. This method is best suited for tasks that don’t require high bandwidth or real-time responsiveness. Also, it’s technically a second computer displaying the original computer’s screen, not a true external monitor.
Utilizing Screen Sharing or Screen Mirroring
Another approach is to use screen sharing or screen mirroring functionalities. These options are often built into operating systems or available through third-party apps.
Understanding Screen Sharing and Mirroring
Screen sharing typically allows you to share a specific application window or a portion of your screen with another device. Screen mirroring, on the other hand, mirrors your entire screen onto another device.
Built-in Operating System Features
Both Windows and macOS offer built-in features for screen sharing and mirroring. Windows has the “Connect” app, which allows you to wirelessly project your screen to another device that supports Miracast. macOS offers AirPlay, which allows you to wirelessly mirror your screen to an Apple TV or another Mac.
Third-Party Screen Sharing Apps
Several third-party apps offer screen sharing and mirroring capabilities. AirServer is a popular choice that allows you to turn your laptop into an AirPlay receiver. Reflector is another option that supports both AirPlay and Google Cast. These apps essentially emulate an Apple TV or Chromecast, allowing you to wirelessly mirror your screen to your laptop.
Setting Up Screen Sharing or Mirroring
The setup process varies depending on the method you choose. For built-in features like Miracast and AirPlay, you’ll typically need to enable screen mirroring on your main computer and then select your laptop from the list of available devices. For third-party apps, you’ll need to install the app on your laptop and then configure it to receive screen mirroring requests.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Screen Sharing
Screen sharing and mirroring offer a wireless solution, which can be convenient. However, the performance can be affected by the Wi-Fi connection. Latency can also be a concern, especially for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Also, these methods might compress the video signal, resulting in a slight loss of quality.
Exploring Hardware-Based Solutions (Rare and Limited)
While rare, some specialized hardware solutions exist that can potentially turn a laptop into an external display. These solutions are generally more expensive and complex than software-based approaches.
HDMI Capture Cards and USB Capture Devices
HDMI capture cards are primarily designed for recording video from external sources. However, some advanced capture cards can also be used to display the input video on a computer screen in real-time. You would connect the output of your primary device to the input of the capture card, which then connects to the laptop via USB. This is more of a workaround than a dedicated solution.
The Challenges of Hardware Solutions
The main challenge with hardware solutions is compatibility. Not all HDMI capture cards are created equal, and some may not work as expected when used as a display. Also, the latency can be a concern, especially for gaming or other real-time applications. The cost of a suitable HDMI capture card can also be a barrier, as high-quality cards can be quite expensive. The laptop must have a USB port that can handle the data transfer rate.
Addressing Latency and Performance Issues
Latency, or the delay between an action and its reflection on the screen, is a common concern when using a laptop as an external display. Minimizing latency is crucial for a smooth and responsive experience.
Optimizing Your Network Connection
A stable and fast network connection is essential for reducing latency when using remote desktop or screen sharing. Consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, as Ethernet generally offers lower latency and more consistent performance. If you must use Wi-Fi, ensure you’re connected to a strong and stable signal.
Adjusting Software Settings
Most remote desktop and screen sharing software offer settings that can be adjusted to optimize performance. Lowering the resolution and frame rate can reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, which can improve latency. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between image quality and performance.
Closing Unnecessary Applications
Closing unnecessary applications on both the host computer and the client laptop can free up system resources and improve performance. This is especially important if you’re running resource-intensive applications on the host computer.
Updating Drivers and Software
Ensure that your network drivers and remote desktop/screen sharing software are up to date. Updated drivers and software often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can reduce latency.
Considering Alternative Uses for Your Old Laptop
Before committing to using your laptop as an external display, it’s worth considering alternative uses that might be more practical or beneficial.
Setting Up a Media Server
An old laptop can be repurposed as a media server, allowing you to stream movies, music, and photos to other devices on your network. Software like Plex and Kodi can turn your laptop into a powerful media center.
Creating a Dedicated Gaming Server
If you’re a gamer, you can use your old laptop to host game servers for games like Minecraft or Counter-Strike. This can improve the performance of your games and allow you to play with friends without relying on public servers.
Using it as a Backup Device
An old laptop can be used as a dedicated backup device for your important files. You can set up automated backups to ensure that your data is safe and secure.
Turning it into a Smart Home Hub
With the right software, an old laptop can be turned into a smart home hub, allowing you to control your smart devices from a central location.
Conclusion: Weighing the Options
Turning your laptop into an external display is a viable option, especially if you have an old laptop that’s not being used. While it may not perfectly replicate the experience of a dedicated external monitor, it can be a cost-effective and convenient solution for specific use cases. Remote desktop software and screen sharing offer the most accessible and practical methods, while hardware solutions are generally more complex and expensive. Consider the trade-offs in terms of performance, latency, and setup complexity before choosing the best approach for your needs. Remember to weigh the advantages of this setup against other potential uses for your old laptop to maximize its utility.
What are the primary benefits of using a laptop as an external display?
The most compelling benefit is the ability to repurpose an older or less-used laptop, giving it a new lease on life instead of letting it gather dust. This is especially useful if you have a perfectly functional laptop with a good screen, but whose internal components are no longer adequate for modern tasks. You also gain a secondary display for multitasking, boosting productivity by allowing you to spread out your work across multiple screens.
Beyond simply extending your workspace, using a laptop as an external display can be incredibly convenient for travel or working remotely. It provides a lightweight and portable alternative to lugging around a dedicated external monitor. Plus, connecting a laptop as a secondary display often requires minimal setup, allowing you to quickly create a more productive workspace wherever you are.
What hardware and software prerequisites are necessary to achieve this?
The hardware requirements are surprisingly straightforward. Primarily, you’ll need two laptops: one that will act as the main computer and the other as the external display. Essential connectivity is achieved through either an HDMI cable, USB-C cable with display support, or a dedicated video capture card. Ensuring both laptops have compatible ports is crucial for a successful connection.
Software requirements depend largely on the chosen method. Some operating systems, like Windows, offer built-in display extension capabilities, while others necessitate third-party applications. For example, solutions like Spacedesk or Input Director can facilitate screen sharing over a network connection. Verify that the chosen software is compatible with both operating systems and that the necessary drivers are installed for optimal performance.
What are the limitations of using a laptop as an external display compared to a dedicated monitor?
Latency, or the delay between input and display, is often the most noticeable limitation. While dedicated monitors offer near-instantaneous response times, using a laptop as an external display, especially via software-based solutions, can introduce lag. This can be particularly problematic for tasks requiring precision, such as gaming or video editing. Furthermore, the display quality and features, such as refresh rate and color accuracy, are often inferior to those of a modern, dedicated monitor.
Power consumption is another key consideration. A laptop acting as an external display will still require power to operate the screen and supporting software, even if it’s not actively running other applications. This can drain the battery quickly, especially if the laptop is older. Unlike dedicated monitors designed for energy efficiency, repurposed laptops might consume more power, impacting battery life and overall energy costs.
How does using an HDMI cable differ from using software solutions like Spacedesk?
Connecting with an HDMI cable offers a direct and hardware-based solution, generally resulting in lower latency and a more stable connection. The quality of the display is largely determined by the capabilities of the HDMI ports and the laptop’s screen resolution, offering a straightforward mirroring or extending of the main display without relying heavily on network resources.
Software solutions such as Spacedesk, on the other hand, operate over a network connection, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of placement and device compatibility. However, the performance is heavily reliant on the strength and stability of the network. Expect more potential latency and a possible reduction in image quality, especially when dealing with bandwidth limitations or network congestion.
How do I troubleshoot common connection problems when using a laptop as an external display?
First, verify the physical connections. Ensure the HDMI or USB-C cable is securely plugged into both laptops. Try a different cable, as a faulty cable is a frequent culprit. Additionally, double-check the display settings on both laptops. The main computer should recognize the second laptop as an external display, and the receiving laptop should be set to receive the signal.
If you are using software-based solutions, confirm both laptops are connected to the same network and that the software is properly installed and configured. Firewall settings might be blocking the connection, so make sure the necessary ports are open. Restarting both laptops can often resolve temporary software glitches and re-establish the connection.
Is it possible to use a touchscreen laptop as an interactive external display?
Yes, it is possible, but functionality depends on the chosen connection method and operating system support. If you are using a hardware connection like HDMI, the touchscreen functionality typically will not be automatically transferred to the primary device. The secondary laptop acting as the screen will simply display the image without the ability to send touch input to the main device.
Software solutions, however, can often enable touch input to be transmitted. Applications like Spacedesk, in combination with appropriate driver support, can allow the main computer to receive and process touch input from the secondary touchscreen laptop. This requires careful configuration and testing, and the performance may vary depending on the network connection and software capabilities.
What are the security implications of using a laptop as an external display, especially over a network?
When connecting via a network, ensure both laptops are protected with strong passwords and up-to-date security software. Transmitting display data over a network can expose the connection to potential eavesdropping, particularly on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN to encrypt the data stream and add an extra layer of security.
Be mindful of the applications you are using to facilitate the connection. Only use reputable software from trusted sources, and always keep them updated to patch any known vulnerabilities. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information on the secondary display, as it is potentially more vulnerable to unauthorized access compared to a dedicated monitor directly connected to the main device.