Will Bridges

I have now, fully functional:

2 Computer systems (laptop: compaq C571NR, $450 retail & 2 year old desktop, cheap, custom built)
2 Operating systems: Latop is running ubuntu linux and desktop is running Windows XP
3  Monitors (22 inch widescreen acer p221w, $330 retail, laptop 15.4 inch monitor and old 19 inch flat screen monitor from wal-mart  $200 about a year ago)

I have all 3 screens and both computers running at the same time. I am using a program called Synergy to be able to use my keyboard and mouse on my laptop and be able to navigate both systems. (Can copy and paste from windows to linux and back, awesome!)
The laptop was a bitch to get working with the proper resolution (1680×1050). Had to hack it but got it working and that took some time but it works now. I'll put the documentation at the end of this on how I got it working.
I have a 750GB external hard drive that cost me $200 at Best Buy, watch those sales…
I have a logitech camera (5000 pro or something) Using it on xp. It was like $70.
I have surround sound logitech speakers. Can't remember cost but less than $50.
I have an HP Officejet 5610 all-in-one which works great with windows or linux. It was about $100 or so when I bought it.

So, on the cheap. Maybe a combined value of $1400 I have one of the best systems I've had in years and can be mobile because of my laptop. A truly incredible combination.

• Ubuntu, of course… http://www.ubuntu.com
• To get the laptop working I followed this document…  http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=560087
• To get the monitor working I followed this document but had to modify it for my monitor slightly… because they are not the same. I have an acer p221w but if you use common sense and a little know-how this article will help http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=2702458
• Got synergy working…  https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynergyHowto & for the latest version stuff (maybe not necessary but I started here) http://eightpence.com/install-latest-synergy-on-ubuntu/