Multiple Displays with One HDMI and one VGA output

[Alex_306]

Hi All,
I want to extend my desktop over two displays using a closed laptop (so not using the laptop display)
The connections on the laptop are HDMI and VGA
The inputs on the two monitors are DisplayPort and VGA
Laptop is a Dell Latitiude E5470 if that also helps.

Can anyone suggest a way to do this?
Thanks,

 

[WyomingKnott]

I've done this on a Lenovo machine.
First question: Can you attach both monitors and have them work while the machine is still open? If so, do you get three displays, or does the laptop screen have to be blanked for the two externals to work? Please describe what happens in this state.
Second question: What happens if you have it in the state above and you close the notebook? If the answer is that it goes to sleep, the solution may be as simple as changing power settings to do nothing when the case is closed.
Third question: the Holy Grail. Does anything useful happen if the machine is off and closed and you press the power button without opening the machine? This took me hours to get with my old office setup - two digital monitors on the desk and the laptop closed, in a stand under the desk.

 

[Alex_306]

I've done this on a Lenovo machine.
First question: Can you attach both monitors and have them work while the machine is still open? If so, do you get three displays, or does the laptop screen have to be blanked for the two externals to work? Please describe what happens in this state.
Second question: What happens if you have it in the state above and you close the notebook? If the answer is that it goes to sleep, the solution may be as simple as changing power settings to do nothing when the case is closed.
Third question: the Holy Grail. Does anything useful happen if the machine is off and closed and you press the power button without opening the machine? This took me hours to get with my old office setup - two digital monitors on the desk and the laptop closed, in a stand under the desk.

It isn't connected - I don't know how to - Only one screen is connected at the moment with a VGA cable

 

[WyomingKnott]

Ok, so the first trick is to get the HDMI output from your laptop to be accepted on the Displayport input on your other monitor, yes? If so, this will require either an adapter and a cable or a cable that incorporates an adapter. I don't know off the top of my head if that requires an active adapter. I'll go look.

Anyone else know the answer off the top of his or her head?

EDIT: What I'm reading suggests that you would actually need an active adapter to go from an HDMI source to a DP monitor. For example, this somewhat acrimonious thread: http://www.overclock.net/t/1362980/video-card-has-hdmi-monitor-has-display-port-what-kind-of-adapter-do-i-need/10 . These tend to run in the range from $80 to $120 US, and require external power. Are you sure that the only two inputs on your monitors are VGA and DP?