VGA plug isn't on my HP laptop

exactly, VGA is old tech.

If you really needed to support VGA there are ACTIVE adapters for HDMI-> VGA (some work, some do not) but I'd guess $30+ but not sure.
 
It also has no COM port, nor a serial port, nor a PCMCIA slot, nor a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, nor a CD only drive.

It also does not have whatever port or video interface will be 'the thing' 10 years from now.

Time marches on.