Connecting Dell Laptop to Dell Monitor

O.P.H

Hello.

My current computer setup in work is a Dell Latitude laptop connected to a Dell port which is connected to a monitor. I can place the laptop while closed & off onto the port and by switching the port on, this starts my laptop on the monitor.

My question is, is there any method of doing this with other dell laptops that cannot connect directly to these ports. I have an old Dell XPS and would like to be able to connect this (while it is closed) to my monitor. I know I can start the laptop up and connect it to the monitor via a scart and do the screen switch thing, but I was hoping there was a more convenient way of doing this.

Thanks!

degsie

What external video ports are available on the old Dell XPS?

O.P.H

It only has USB type ports as its very thin, put it can easily be linked with projector etc with the proper connector.

mp22

Perhaps this is what you need https://www.google.ie/search?q=dell+displayport&biw=1680&bih=886&tbm=isch&imgil=iJdWwHUFa9zBjM%253A%253B1C3tnXca8HS_3M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Faccessories.us.dell.com%25252Fsna%25252Fproductdetail.aspx%25253Fc%2525253Dus%25252526l%2525253Den%25252526s%2525253Dcorp%25252526sku%2525253D470-aanh&source=iu&pf=m&fir=iJdWwHUFa9zBjM%253A%252C1C3tnXca8HS_3M%252C_&usg=__nQJ0C_E03J87juz2topR_UgFhAI%3D&ved=0ahUKEwiApKr827HMAhUmD8AKHcOIAVUQyjcIMw&ei=rTUiV8CZDqaegAbDkYaoBQ#imgrc=_Ruvl4J5rtR_IM%3A

ED E

The OP is talking about a dell dock I'm pretty sure.

If yours is an XPS then theres a good chance it has a compatible unit. Just google "XPS [number] Docking Station" and it should throw up what you need.

petethedrummer

I have an older versin of this: http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A7133241

Or you could just connect the monitor directly. Keep your laptop open. Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Display\Screen Resolution

From the drop down select either "Extend these displays".
Highlight the monitor in the top section and check "Make this my main display".
Then click "Apply".
Now every time you start up (lid open or closed) your desktop should be on the Monitor. With the option to extend to the laptop screen.

justsomebloke

I assume the OP is using a sit in dock replicator, which will give the laptop the ability to be powered up while the lid is closed.

Dell now seems to have a thunderbolt dock/USB C that will give this functionality (however they are north of €300 from a quick look on their page)