How to buy a decent monitor?

I have a thinkpad, want 2 have a 2nd monitor and work on both @ sametime. what do I need to buy? how much?

• Basically, I want to have one separate monitor (maybe 2) and some sort of software so that when I open and excel file, I can have it open full screen on one monitor and I open a pdf or keep websites up on the other. I think this is going to require - 1. software, 2. a monitor, 3. cables or spliters or something. I want to go to best buy or better still buy the stuff on the internet so I can get set up. I have an IBM t40 thinkpad

• Answer:

  It appears from the documentation I've found on the T40 that it has an analog VGA port. (it's a trapezoidal port with three rows of female sockets) The only hardware you need is the monitor, its power cord, and the cable that attaches to this port. From memory, hitting [Fn] + [F7] will bring up a video display menu. I had to create a new display setting the first time I wanted to extend my desktop onto a second display. I assume you will have to also. Somewhere in the "wizard" you'll have the option of the second display showing the same view as the first, or a different one. The rest should seem pretty straight forward. After you've created the new setting, you will invoke it by [Fn] + [F7] and selecting your new option (whatever you named it) If I had my ThinkPad with me at the moment, I would be able to provide you with greater detail, but I think this should be enough to help you figure it out. Also, you shouldn't need (I do not need) a docking station to have a second display, but it really is a nice feature to have a docking station with the second display already attached.