Hookup Laptop to Projector

[allendog]

Hi,
Having prepared a 'slide-show' for a presentation using OpenOffice 'Impress' (free alternative to Powerpont) on my laptop, how can I hitch up the laptop to a projector (what suitable type?) to display the slideshow, and what software to make that work?
Thanks in advance,
allendog

 

[ClubMan]

Usually you just connect the projector's VGA connector to your laptop's VGA port and then use a function key (e.g. Fn + F8 on some Dell laptops) to direct output to the projector instead of the laptop's screen. You should not need any special software since the projector just becomes the laptop's output/display device. Similarly any projector suitable for connection to a PC/laptop should work.

 

[Satanta]

....and then use a function key (e.g. Fn + F8 on some Dell laptops) to direct output to the projector instead of the laptop's screen.

While it is very simple to set up (no specialist software and the basic equipment pretty standard) - at least when you know how, do have a trial run in advance.

If a non-Dell it might take you a few minutes to find the command to send the signal through to the projector (mostly it's a combination of Fn + one of the F keys, F8 being the most common) but nice to know in advance what the combination is (never nice to get flustered pre presentation with techy matters like that).
Also, sometimes the display on passing from the laptop to the projector may need a little tweaking (older projectors may need you to turn down the resolution on your laptop for the display to come out properly).

 

[ClubMan]

I agree about the trial run and the possibly need for tweaking things a bit.

Note that the VGA/projector "redirect" key combination is often indicated on the relevant function or other special key on the keyboard.