Dual Monitors: Which Path to take? [ Edited ]

[nw-woman]

HP Pavilion p6213w with original hardware -- 250w power supply aboard -- 1 PCIx16 slot -- 6 GB memory -- windows 7 Home - system32-- integrated video

-------------

I have a Samsung 24-inch flat screen monitor that I want to use as a second monitor on my system used for biz.   Not using for gaming. 

I'm not techie.  

System currently won't support a second monitor.

Trying to decide betwn an external adapter (like the one found here http://www.startech.com/usb-video-adapters ) or a low-cost graphic card.  

Looking for opinions of others on pros and cons.   Not sure which path to take. 

Thanks so much in advance for any advice...

[lasvegaswireman]

I would normally recommend a PCIe x16 graphics card but because your system has a 250 watt power supply, very few retail cards will work. While the Startech USB-to-Video adapters appear to be viable solutions, I typically recommend the eVGA UV Plus+ 19 USB-to-Video adapter. This adapter generally has a better price and does the same thing.

Frank

[nw-woman]

Cool.  Thanks much.   Can DVI be used rather than VGA ? 

[lasvegaswireman]

From the features section about this product;

"EVGA's UV Plus+ (UV19), uses any available USB 2.0 port on your desktop or notebook computer and turns it into an additional video output for use with another display, be it an LCD, CRT or Projector. You can use this extra space for increased productivity, multi-tasking, gaming, multi-media video, graphics editing, and much more. - DVI and VGA Support - 1920x1200 or 2048x1152 Support - Windows 7, Vista, XP and OSX Support - Windows Aero Support - Uses a virtual driver- works with your existing graphics card - Stackable by design with a small footprint - Completely silent operation and portable, making it easy for travel."

The product's native output is DVI and it uses a dongle to connect to VGA devices.

Frank

[nw-woman]

Sorry I created extra work for you by missing that in the features section.  Good grief.  Thank you so much for your time/words.