Using External Displays in Windows XP with the WinBook A700 series notebook.

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This article explains how to use external displays on the WinBook A700 series notebook computer. There are three video out connections on the WinBook A700 series, this article will cover how to use each of them.

Figure 1

Display connector description (Figure 1)

DVI-D This connector supports only DVI Digital connections. Its primary function is to connect a purely digital monitor or display. While it can be used with a DVI to VGA adapter, the image quality may not be as high as a completely digital connection.

VGA The standard display connection found on most modern computers. This connection is analog.

S-Video This connector should be used when outputting the video image to a television type display. This connector separates the video image by color and brightness. This connection is most useful when outputting the video signal to a television. (I.E. Watching a DVD movie.)

Note: Using a traditional television for running Windows is not recommended. The resolution and scan rate of the television is not as high as that found on a modern computer monitor.

Connect the Display

1. Shut down the computer.
1. These are powered ports, connecting a device to the VGA, DVI, or S-video while the computer is on may damage the device or the notebook.
2. Line up and plug in the connection of the device to the connection on the notebook.
3. If connecting a VGA or DVI device, secure the connection by screwing the holders into the notebook.
4. Turn the computer on.

There are two display mode setups:

• Clone display- Having the same thing on the LCD and the External Display
• Extended display- "Stretching" the Display to Cover Two Monitors

Clone Display

Clone Display duplicates the primary monitor image on both monitors.

1. Open the Display Properties. There are a few ways to do this:
1. Right click on a clear spot on the desktop and click on Properties
2. Click Start, click on Control Panel, and then open Display.
3. Click Start, click on Control Panel, click on Appearance and Themes, and click on Change the Screen Resolution.
2. Click on the Settings tab.
3. Click on the Advanced button.
4. Click on the ATI Displays tab. (Figure 2)
5. Depending on the type of device that is connected, one of the other three display types will show without a red X on it. To turn the device on click the red button to the left of the connection name. (Figure 2)

Figure 2

6. Click the Apply button. The display should be turned on now. If there is no picture on the connected device, make sure that the device is set to the correct input mode.
7. There may be other settings for screen positioning, synchronization, etc. The options that are available are solely dependent upon the device that is connected. To view these other settings click on the name of the connected device from the ATI Displays tab. For example; in the image above, click on Monitor to get something similar to Figure 3.

Figure 3

8. After all the changes have been made click the OK button on all of the windows until the desktop is displayed.

Extended Display

Extended display is useful when more desktop space is needed. The primary monitor image is “extended” to the secondary monitor effectively increasing the amount of viewable space.

1. Open the Display Properties. There are a few ways to do this:

1. Right click on a clear spot on the desktop and click on Properties
2. Click Start, click on Control Panel, and then open Display.
3. Click Start, click on Control Panel, click on Appearance and Themes, and click on Change the Screen Resolution.

1. Click on the Settings tab.
2. Right click on the picture of the second monitor and click on attached. (Figure 4)

Figure 4

4. Adjust the screen resolution and color depth to the appropriate settings for the connected device.
5. Check the box that says “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.”
6. Click the Apply button. The display should be turned on now. If there is no picture on the connected device, make sure that the device is set to the correct input mode.
7. There may be a message asking to keep the current settings. Click the Yes button before the timer runs out. If the timer runs out the computer will revert to the previous settings.
8. Click the OK button and close any other windows to get back to the desktop.

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