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3820

DVI or HDMI out on all laptops models?

3820 points posted to Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptops by tommarnk 07/06/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

this would be a big jump, if dell add "DVI out" on all dell laptops, so people can connect to there LCD Displays or LCD HDTVs natively

the picture quality will be grealy improved

this should be easy to do as most of new chipsets has dvi out

not many laptop manufacturers add "dvi out" to there lower end products, so it might be a wise move to do so

all LCD monitors and lcd hdtvs has dvi or hdmi in so it might work well

and meybe remove the old VGA out and put a singel DVI-I, it can be used as analog (VGA) to, by using VGA-to-DVI-I adapter like tose used on

standard computer graphic cards for years now

many people like me connect monitor via dvi or hdmi to get the best picture and color quality



The offerings for the XPS M1730: Dual-link DVI-I (support for 30-inch displays) and HDMI via DVI adapter. Check out all the specs for the new systems.

davmcn
07/06/07
for this i can say DVI is availible on Some Hp Laptops and dell is currently working on it. HDMI is not really one of hte options in my opinion that is gonna come out or you are going to see on any laptop for a months thew possibly a year. Anyways hope that helps.
princetoma
07/08/07
Perhaps the option of a HDMI output for models that have been upgraded to a Blu-Ray drive.
davmcn
07/08/07
Maybe...We Will See.
grinser
07/09/07
i want a inspiron 1520 with DVI - then it would fit me perfect
davmcn
07/14/07
Update - they do have HDMI out on Xps Laptops Now...
thamlyn
07/19/07
Merged Idea originally posted 06/26/07
HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI for New Inspiron series

The new laptops look great but add a digital video output. HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort would work. Also, with Blu-ray as an option for the optical drive, it only make sense to provide a protected HD output. VGA just doesn't cut it these days when trying to plug in to hi-res displays.
wesd
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 06/26/07
Agreed.....the 1720 is off my list right now because of the lack of DVI/HDMI output. Even my 9300 has DVI. Come on dell, silly miss #2, but at least you added a keypad.
thamlyn
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/03/07
I changed the title to makeit generic for all of the new Inspiron series (1420, 1520, and 1720).
chgotwn
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/03/07
It's just plain stupid of Dell to not to include HDMI and DVI ports in the new INSPIRON 1520. They want us to pay around $600.00 for blue ray drive but does not include HDMI port. DVI should be standard.

Dell made a big mistake and they should rectify it ASAP.

davmcn
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/03/07
hey i don't like Blu-Ray Drives...they have poor Picture quality compared to HD-DVD
chriscmuir
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/05/07
I agree, the 1720 was on my list to buy by the end of this year, but as there is no DVI output, I will now be looking elsewhere beyond Dell. Come on Dell, remember some of us are using these laptops as desktop replacement and have some pretty serious LCD monitors we'd like to connect... why have you taken this backstep?
davmcn
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/05/07
Yah i agree with you on that one...
_dorian_
07/19/07
Merged Comment originally posted 07/18/07
Oh well. I have an Inspiron 9200 (which has DVI) that I was hoping to replace but it won't be with the 1720. I need a digital signal for an external monitor -- preferably dual link DVI so I can use the 30" Dell display!!! I use my computer for work (mostly CAD) and I need at least two displays. I can't imagine going back to VGA...
rhuidean
07/25/07
Just went to buy a new Inspiron 1720 and alas no dvi = no purchase from me. What are they thinking? My E1705 has DVI... otherwise I love the new design, the pcmcia port on the left side with earphones is a great feature as I use my pcmcia sata card all the time and the cables sometimes get in the way of my mouse hand on my E1705. But without DVI and being a multi-monitor user there is no way I'm buying this laptop.. it's a real shame to see dell make such a stupid move...
davmcn
07/25/07
yah i guess, DVI is not really popular right now Rhuidean nor VGA by saying More HDMI. but still DVI is more than VGA but VGA is used more than DVI sorry if that was confusing.
audience
07/26/07
Like rhuidean said: No DVI = no purchase. I am working with 2 monitors (multi-monitor-support) for several years now (with my 3yrs old Inpiron 8600 plus docking station which has 1 VGA-out and 1 DVI-out). Therefore I simply need 2 monitor outputs - 2 DVI would be just perfect :o) DELL recently puts 2 HDD's into their laptops - why not having 2 DVI-outputs? This would be a huge gain in 'working-performance' without putting much effort and money into this feature. I'd even pay some $ extra for a 2nd DVI!
ashley
07/26/07
HDMI out is an option I'm willing to pay for
sysn
07/27/07
Dell used to make decent laptops which had all the features I needed. For example, my old 3-yr old Inspiron 9100 has a 7200RPM HD, WUXGA LCD, DVI out, and a decent (by 3-yr old standards) video card. Now, specs for recent Dells look great, but each line has a major flaw:

1. XPS - no 15.4" screen option. They either got 12" and 13" (screen too small) or 17" monster (not portable at all).
2. Vostro - no WUXGA option, no 7200K RPM HD option for 15.4" model (what?!? - even 14" one has that option), no DVI out even with a dock
3. Inspiron - similar to Vostro but has a 7200K RPM HD option. Costs notably more than Vostro when configured with similar options.
2. Latitude and Precision - closer to what I need but much pricier. Still no DVI out (have to buy a docking station for that). Also, video card is optimized for CAD/OpenGL, so good luck getting a decent performance with latest DirectX games.

So Dell, if you want to keep me as a customer (and I've been a pretty reliable customer for the last 10 years), please deliver a model which addresses my requirements. What I need is:

1. A medium-sized laptop (as in 15.4") which has following options:
2. At least one DVI (or HDMI) out *on the laptop*. Two would be better. If space is consideration, put the second one on the docking station. I don't care for VGA. VGA looks horrible on a hi-res LCD monitors. It is an old outdated technology, besides, you can always use a small DVI => VGA adapter if you old monitor doesn't have a DVI in. And please don't tell me to use VGA => DVI adapter since it would simply result in a VGA image quality.
3. 7200K RPM HD is a must. There is no excuse for not offering it.
4. Decent video card, like GeForce 8600 GT. It gets too hot/power hungry on smaller laptop, but 15" should be able to handle it OK.
5. WUXGA resolution option would be nice. Some might argue that it make things look too small... well, simply get your font size up. Higher resolution means better quality - it is as simple as that. Nobody complains that printer resolution is too high, and it is at 1200x1200 Dots-Per-Inch. Granted, some applications are flawed and look horrible on hi-res displays. That's the only valid reason for not going with WUXGA.

In a nutshell, just add a DVI out to Inspiron or, even better, DVI out + 7200K RPM HD to Vostro and things would be good! I suspect though that Dell excluded these options on purpose to push people towards higher-priced lines. Unfortunately, higher-priced lines are flawed as well (no 15.4" XPS and inappropriate video card in Latitude/Precision), so that leaves me with no option but to look elsewhere.

grinser
08/01/07
come on dell, may somebody look at this topic and tell us an estimated date when we might get DVI or HDMI?
I want to buy a 1520 in september, without DVI i would have to think twice if I want to buy a macbook pro instead...
EDIT:
to clarify: every cheapo hp / asus / acer / {insert_manufacturer_here} entry line laptop (which you get for ~700 euros/dollars...) has at least a hdmi or DVI port - except one manufacturer: dell with its new inspirons!
another thought: why would i buy the blue ray upgrade if i can't watch it at full resolution on a connected TV since there is no HDMI port?
change the vga port to a DVI port with hdcp support (there is enough space left on the case of the 1520) and put a dvi -> hdmi and a dvi -> vga adapter into your parcels and everyone is fine :)
dell_admin6
08/01/07
Changed status to **UNDER REVIEW**.
thamlyn
08/02/07
grinser, how's "under review?" so much for answering the question.

admin6, we'd love to see some information out of dell. I'm like ginser and want to buy one of the new 1520s but thaving only a vga out is limiting.
grinser
08/03/07
well, if they put dvi/hdmi into their inspirion 1520 until september, i would be happy! otherwise i probably stick with another manufacturer (if they only had 1680 displays at 15,4"...).
exoren22
08/04/07
Well, I have just ordered the 1521, but I really am considering canceling the order now that I cannot find a device that can give me 1920x1200 from the express card slot. Come on, Dell! I need a new laptop for college, but I will be doing a lot of CAD work and other design work, so I need that DVI! This is just silly, considering a DVI-I is supported by every graphics card offered; it really isn't expensive, and it's a great draw that even your standard machines are capable of so much.
grinser
08/05/07
When you ask dell support, they say that the new inspirons are consumer products and that consumers don't need DVI ports... For a DVI port, you should stick with a lattitude, they recommend.
Well, I don't want dell say what i need and don't need, besides that current lattitude laptops don't have the style or functionality which the new inspirons offer.
And, of course, as i said before, all competitors offer consumer laptops with a DVI or HDMI port, so the "consumers don't need DVI ports" claim is a poor excuse!
davmcn
08/05/07
So true Poor Excuse.
nicopoon
08/08/07
Yes! Seeing Dimension M4300, Inspiron and Vostro with VGA is a pity. Even HDMI is not ideal, just do like Apple = DVI out and digital Audio. Simple and effective.
adorettic
08/17/07
Seriously, whats a DVI port cost to add these days anyways, when replacing a VGA? $12? Id be happy to pay even $50 more if they would just add the option. I wonder what brain case thought it would be a good idea to remove DVI. Its a bit like replacing cdroms with floppys on all but the highest priced models and then going what? There consumers... They dont need cdrom drives.
lambchops468
08/21/07
If blu-ray drives are going to be an option.......don't we want our laptops to be bluray players for our HDTVs too? we need HDMI or DVI with copy protection.

digital component is fine for HD output to some TV's, but not all HDTVs have them anymore. That is being replaced by HDMI.
Also, digital component does not send copy protection signals.
grinser
08/22/07
every other manufacturers new notebooks have at least dvi, most have HDMI (like acer), please give us at least DVI which can output both HDMI with HDCP and VGA signals through an adapter..
dell, give us an update on your plans please! i want to know when i can get a 1520 with hdmi or DVI, otherwise i have to choose another manufacturer!
ruhla
08/22/07
i totally agree with you. i need hdmi or even dvi on i1520 for my lcd. apart from that, the i1520 fits my needs perfectly. unfortunately i have to choose another manufacturer otherwise, too.
grinser
08/23/07
i have seen prototype pics from the xps 1730 with DVI at the inquirer - might we see a refresh of the 1520 soon? i hope it for dell...
davmcn
08/23/07
Maybe...
nicopoon
08/29/07
I imagine it is simple to switch the VGA port to a DVI, especially when the video card is natively built for DVI... small change, big difference.
davmcn
08/30/07
Yeah, Well Said Nicopoon.
grinser
08/30/07
yeah, and as i said before - with dvi you get it all: dvi AND vga and hdmi (through adapters)
marcm00
09/04/07
What does "under review" really mean? Is it something that we could see in the current laptop line-up or we will have to wait for the next generation?
jdelidc
09/04/07
"under revew" either means "we're thinking about it" or "we want to make it look like we're thinking about it"
davmcn
09/04/07
lol, probobly the second one lol...
jdelidc
09/04/07
that's why i put it in
davmcn
09/04/07
Lol yah...i was just adding...Sorry.
jdelidc
09/04/07
well DVI is everywhere now. if they really watned it out, they woulda put it out already
davmcn
09/04/07
Yeah Probobly.
rhuidean
09/06/07
Glad to see some other people besides me upset about no dvi option. It's ashame to as I would have really liked to purchase a new dell but have had to go with another manufacture do to the lack of dvi or hdmi ports on the new inspiron series, and I have purchased ONLY dell laptops for the past 6 years, not anymore... $3000 loss to you dell... get with the program guys, vga only is not acceptable.
nicopoon
09/06/07
Like you rhuidean I am about the buy my new laptop, I've been waiting for a few things to evolve to make my purchase. Namely the 64GB SSD drives, which are now available from HP, and the DVI ports which are available on some systems. I'm still stunned there is such inertia from Dell to make DVI default, just add a $5 DVI-VGA adapter to the laptop if one really needs VGA. The cards can already support DVI, there's no change to make to the chassis... ?? I've been with Dell since 1999, for all my laptops and desktops. This next purchase could well be my first non Dell buy since then, and like you it will be a $3000 budget that will go to the vendor with DVI and 64GB SSD.
davmcn
09/06/07
Sounds Like someone is going to Hp...
grinser
09/08/07
i think its too much of work for mighty dell - a respin of their inspiron mainboards and case layouts would have to be taken - dell needs at least 200 engineers and 1 year that they can do it! *sarcasm off*
i really thought about buying an apple instead of a dell because of dell lacking DVI but after i looked at http://www.appledefects.com/wiki/index.php?title=MacBook_Pro i am a bit unsure about apple products...
davmcn
09/08/07
@Grinser - If the Macbook Pro has everything you need go for it. Plus you can run Windows and Mac Osx. Not Sure About Linux...But Hope this Helps you.
grinser
09/08/07
I know what i can do with the macbook pro. have you looked at the link i provided? well, what holds me back on apple is the inconvenient keyboard for windows usage and its high price tag even with student discounts - in austria you get a vostro 1500 for 1550 euros with 3 years of warranty and 3 years of accidental warranty wheras the cheapes macbook pro with student discount is about 1670 euros with only one year of warranty...
davmcn
09/08/07
Oh Ok....But Mac has more stuff inculded in it.
grinser
09/09/07
what do you think about when you say it has more stuff included?
by the way: i don't understand why people are demoting this idea - what is wrong about a port that is all over the place, will be standard soon for everything (i think vga will retire, dvi will be the new vga and displayport will be the new "dell please include this one" :-) and is fully compatible to vga and hdmi?
lorax1284
09/17/07
I would love to know why Dell took this technological step backwards to VGA ports.

Was it some sort of deal with the Blu-Ray consortium to NOT include HDMI or DVI ports on Blu-Ray capable machines, so as not to detract from the sales of stand-alone Blu-Ray players & Playstations?

There's something REALLY fishy in that. I don't imagine that the obvious trend towards all-digital picture via DVI and HDMI was ignored or overlooked by Dell... their XPS 13" and 17" models, and Precision M6300 notebook look to be the only machines in their lineup that have digital video output.

I simply won't buy a notebook that lacks a DVI port... I'm using a 24" LCD via VGA on a notebook, and it's ghosting visibly, and sometimes the analog sync gets screwed up and the picture is misaligned to the monitor... I have to "auto sync" it every morning... and the video drivers can't detect the monitor type or capabilities properly.

In short, VGA is obsolete compared to DVI and HDMI. OBSOLETE. If you have OBSOLETE monitors and want them supported, go buy an OBSOLETE Pentium II and they'll work together fine.
grinser
09/17/07
i'm considering now to buy a dell 1520 and i am really sad that there hasn't been any action in terms of DVI support...
medic4314
09/30/07
I want an 1520 with an Blu-Ray drive but without an DVI or HDMI what is the point. I wish Dell would listen to all of us and fix this problem. PLEASE!!!!!!
grinser
10/02/07
i ordered a vostro 1500 now - without DVI :(
UPDATE: canceled vostro and will buy a macbook pro instead after a rethinking...
dell_admin10
10/08/07
Changed status to **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**.
dell_admin10
10/08/07
The offerings for the XPS M1730: Dual-link DVI-I (support for 30-inch displays) and HDMI via DVI adapter.
Check out all the specs for the new system: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1730?c=us&cs=...~
grinser
10/08/07
well xps m1730 is a step forward, but it has to be top to bottom until you can call it implemented.
i have hope :)
davmcn
10/08/07
Good Good..
rrangel
10/09/07
Was planning on buying an Inspiron 1720 then realized that it doesn't come with DVI output. Been using DVI output from my desktop to my HDTV for awhile now. Can't imagine having to go back to VGA. Agree with everyone in this thread, wth was Dell thinking by not adding in DVI. Going to have to look elsewhere for a DVI laptop now.
davmcn
10/10/07
Apple?
i_star
11/05/07
DELL, please, HD video on Inspiron and no DVI? No HDMI?
kubunteando
11/18/07
The most common screen size is 15.4 inches. So it is a no brainer it is a must to make HDMI available on the Inspirons. HDMI port is smaller and can carry video and sound at the same time, plus it is smaller and DVI and compatible with DVI ( just a cable). Main competitors are having it: HP, Asus, Fujitsu-Siemens, Acer...
lukemcurley
Feb 26
DVI dell, come on. I just purchased three Dell laptops 1520, and all only have VGA, there isn't even an option to specify a DVI port. I don't know anyone who uses VGA anymore, no one. It's easy to have a DVI and then sell a DVI-VGA adaptor which only cost a few bucks. Compared to the VGA to DVI/HDMI which I now have to pay for, that's right $300 by 3 for each laptop!

This is crazy I have a five year old iBook which has DVI out on it, it's 2008 and Dell or for that fact no other PC company who is making DVI in laptops as standard. Scrap the old VGA socket it's ancient. Today we want to be able to hook our laptops up to large flat screens, LCD TV, digital projectors, and the majority of these now only have Digital input, no old VGA socket.

This isn't just Dell by the way, its a common problem for all Windows Laptops.
bretta
Apr 11
C'mon, guys, get rid of this old and proprietary stuff and use DisplayPort for lighter, simpler laptops. Use adaptors if you really wanna run DVI.
lukemcurley
Apr 13
DisplayPort or HDMI may be great in the long run but the vast, vast majority of LCD displays currently have DVI input, for computer monitors it is more common than HDMI, and DisplayPort is only coming into existence this year and won't be standard for a few years yet and HDMI may become the standard due to flat screen TVs coming with HDMI ports. The big issue here is to get rid of VGA from all Dell laptops.
bretta
Apr 13
Yes, Luke... I didn't mean to suggest for each and every line and I agree with you on VGA. But I do suggest that by the time these ideastorm comments see the light of day in product (likely a year or so), that at least one line of thin and light laptops take full advantage of DisplayPort and only DP. And a line of Desktops, too. And I suggest that the first be within Latitude and Optiplex, because big business is more likely to replace whole systems (though I and many other non-big business entities will be in there like dirty shirts, but I'll wait until some other manufacturer does this before I ever buy a Dell laptop with DVI added in). Now that ATI is coming out with FireMV 2260, I hope Dell will sell and support that fully DP card... then there's only laptops left.

DisplayPort is largely a Dell initiative and if Dell doesn't get fully behind it so *all* the benefits can be reaped in at least some machines, then the relatively costly and limited HDMI has an even better chance of squashing it. Give DP a chance. To me, the big issue is getting the best technology out there in a pure configuration quickly, to minimize overall costs and maximize evrything else. DisplayPort is (finally) a chance to get rid of all analog remnants from CPU to monitor and back, and nothing else does that that I know of. Let at least some of us (those wanting to take that direction) do so without the added complexity, overhead, cost and size of DVI or anything else - that is, one solid line for desk and one for mobile of up-to-date technology with none of the dated stuff. To me, that's by far the best way to promote a new technology. Sure, keep obsolete and suboptimal connections in some lines if they continue to sell, but not every line.
vitality60
May 23
I'll make this simple. I'll be buying a laptop in September. I'm considering the Inspiron 1720. However, I must have DVI. Not maybe, would be nice... MUST. I checked out the competition and they already have it. Sept. is still 4 months away, though I'm sure there are some people who are looking to buy much sooner who check for DVI. If the Inspiron 1720 or some new number, by then, for the 17" series, does not have DVI, then Dell will not make my long list, let alone my short list on possible computers to buy. This is money in Dell's pocket... or someone elses. Dell, you decide.

Also, a nice to have is a gigabyte ethernet port, rather than the 10/100 ethernet port. I see that the Vostro 1710 has it, so you already have the technology. Make use of it.
face
May 26
I just bought an inspiron 1720 and will promptly return it without even opening it (it shipped already). Totally useless without DVI (or at least HDMI that I can adapt to DVI).

I called Dell Support and the gentleman in India said, "Buy a USB -> DVI cable". Sure enough, there exists external video cards that are USB 2.0 ($120-$200). However, I failed to find one that supports Ubuntu and furthermore I don't want to carry around an external video card! I guess the only way is to get a XPS or Alienware rig, however with that price range I simply bought a refurbished Macbook Pro from the Apple store. So note to Dell Marketing....getting rid of the HDMI/DVI in the 1720 didn't sell more XPS computers...it sold more Macbook Pros!

Thanks.
lukemcurley
May 28
Just read and saw photos of the new Dell Mini Inspiron on Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/393815/exclusive-dell-mini-inspiron-their-first-mini-laptop)

It only has VGA out, Dell who uses VGA anymore!
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