Need advice on types of hackable laptop monitors

[IG-88]

Subject line basically says it all. I'm throwing around an idea for a project and I wanted to know if anyone could recommend a good/easy hackable laptop monitor that I could probably get on the cheap at ebay. I guess the main problem I am worried about is getting power and a signal too it. I have lots of desktops I can use but no LCD's. Any suggestions? Or is this just a waste of time.

[unclet]

I would like to purchase a cheap LCD type monitor as well which could be connected to a computer.  I would like to make carry-a-long arcade cabinet one of these days but I do not want to spend a lot for an LCD monitor and I have no idea how to connect a portable DVD monitor or small laptop monitor.  These are in high abundance on Ebay but you need to know how to connect wires to get them working with a computer I suppose .... and I do not possess these skills.

Any detailed help would sure be great for sure ......

[PhiDeltCraiger]

Short answer: You can not connect a laptop monitor straight to a desktop computer without using an encoder board. These encoder boards are expensive and hard to match to correct laptop panels. You would be much better off buying a cheap LCD monitor.

[IG-88]

Ya, I think you are right. After some investigating it's probably more trouble than its worth. Shame tho....

[Kajoq]

If you keep your eye out on craigslist,  I've spotted a number of people with 17" used LCDs for about 75 bucks.  Relatively cheap for what you're getting

[leapinlew]

Short answer: You can not connect a laptop monitor straight to a desktop computer without using an encoder board. These encoder boards are expensive and hard to match to correct laptop panels. You would be much better off buying a cheap LCD monitor.

Nice 1st post. He's correct. I looked into this years ago when we had dead laptops with good LCD panels.