Using a 22" screen now to bring up what my VAIO is doing. Trouble is max resolution is only 1280*800 and to be frank it looks HUGE. I reckon I need at least 1920*1080?? to make it look normal. If the laptop doesn't go any higher, is my only option really to get a computer tower. Having bought a netbook for VCDS, this VAIO isn't the best option as a desktop only computer. Thinking about spending circa £200 on a reasonable tower only unit.

Is the screen just a screen or a tv?

Bought a 32" toshiba TV to use as a screen for a PC at work but found that you could only use the full resolution when plugged in via HDMI not using the vga connector.

It is just a screen, and whilst the monitor appears to have a DVI (?) connector, the laptop only has a VGA output.

Have you tried a cheapy VGA to DVI adapter? I was running one before I upgraded the graphics card in my PC and it tricked the monitor into allowing 1920x1080...

You can get USB to DVI adapters. I'm using one now to give me a second monitor without putting in a gfx card.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-DisplayPort-Video-Adapter-Converter/dp/B001RPCZL4

You'll need to research that something like that would give you the resolution you want.

When you plug the monitor in is it set to mirror the desktop on both screens or is the laptop screen off and the settings just to use the external monitor?

Sounds like it is on both screens and so just allowing you to go to the in built laptop screens max resolution.

Phil

Yeah exactly what Phil said.

What operating system are you running?