Connecting laptop to monitor, as an additional screen. Advice please

Weathergirl_76

I was hoping someone could advise me on how to do this.  I am not technical at all with computers etc, but for someone who is this will be easy to answer, I am sure.  

I have a Dell laptop to work from home. This is now going to be long-term, so I want to buy a second hand monitor, and link my laptop to my monitor, plug in a keyboard, headset and mouse, and have a more permanent user friendly set-up at home that I can leave in situ. 

I’ve noticed on some of the adverts for monitor, some of the monitors come with different connections. 

I have added a picture of the inputs on my laptop, please could someone inform me what lead I need to connect the laptop to the monitor, and what connection the monitor I purchase needs to have...

Just to confirm, I have to connect a headset (USB connection) mouse and keyboard to the overall set-up.  The other side of the laptop I have a mouse plugged in 

Thanks in advance for your help, and sorry for the silly question. 

flashg67

The middle connection is the one to use - it's an HDMI connection. So if you look for a monitor that says it also has an HDMI connection it will work. You'll also need an HDMI lead - couple of quid on ebay/amazon etc
By the way, there may be another connection you can use - what's on the other edge of your laptop?

Weathergirl_76

That’s great thanks so much. I will do that. Appreciate your help. 

The other edge of the laptop only has a USB connection, which I use for the mouse. It doesn’t have anything else. 

debitcardmayhem

That looks like a USB C connection next to the HDMI connector, you could use a USB-C hub to give you more options, but if you tell everyone what the Dell is then someone may be able to give further advice, post the dell  seervice tag number and then we can tell

Doshwaster

A HDMI cable is going to be the simplest and most universal. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-High-Speed-Ultra-HDMI-Cable/dp/B014I8SIJY/

More modern monitors should support USB C connection.
Personally, I use a USB C hub with my laptop (e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KT9S4S2/) so that you only need to plug in one cable to connect monitor, mouse, external keyboard and any other devices you may have. Some will support charging over USB too but you would need to check that your Dell does too.

Teapot55

I use my laptop on my desk at home with a separate 
monitor and keyboard because I prefer a nice large display and the feel of a ‘traditional’ keyboard that I can position to suit. 

You have to change the settings on the laptop ‘do nothing’ when you close it, as the default is often ‘go to sleep’. 

Weathergirl_76

Thanks for all your advice. I have purchased a monitor on eBay and the leads needed, I will set it up and see how it goes. Thanks again. 

ann_droid

Hi

You probably already know this......