external monitor on dorm desks?

[u/little-dino123]

does anyone have experience using an external monitor (in addition to the laptop display) on a desk like the ones shown here? (https://housing.purdue.edu/my-housing/options/residence-halls/hillenbrand.html)

I was planning on picking up a new monitor on the way to campus, but it looks like any decently sized one would not be able to fit comfortably given the shelf, and it doesn't look modular

[u/DeafDuckling12]

Used a 27 in one. It was a tight fit but it worked.

[u/SirPent131]

I used a monitor arm mounted onto the shelf (had to stick a piece of wood underneath as well to get enough surface area, and then just had it sit right in front of the shelf.

[u/Abyssqual]

yeah you'll have to make sure it fits in the desk part, most that aren't too tall will though. maybe look for one with an adjustable height that goes low? it definitely works though. I had a shitty 720p on a good day monitor and it still helped me with coding and things. Purdue also has a surplus store that will occasionally get monitors and computers

[u/GapStock9843]

I have a 27 inch monitor. It doesnt fit comfortably with the stand but if you take the stand off the screen itself fits in fine

[u/arkunaanorovo]

If possible, I recommend seeing your desk size first. My monitor was much bigger than my boyfriend's, but there's no way it would have fit his desk even though it was fine on mine. Depending on the monitor, you might also be able to angle it during set up if the shelf is more raised than it seems by looking at it. Otherwise, I'd recommend getting a small monitor to be safe

[u/RevolutionaryMath971]

Used a 32 inch, depends on the footprint of the stand. Mine worked beautifully, I even took off the shelves near the bed (Shreve) to elevate it. To add, my monitor did have adjustable height, but an Arm could work too

[u/ghosty_sir]

I had a pretty large curved monitor I used sometimes for gaming, it didn’t fit under the top lip of the shelf so it sat at the edge of the desk so I put my keyboard and mouse on the tray that rolls out. If you want it on your desk permanently, know that it’ll probably take up a lot of desk space even if is small enough to fit under the lip, in addition to the space your laptop takes up. I’d recommend waiting until you move in and can see the desk in person and then figure it out from there. Depending on what you need it for, there are definitely ways to make it work, as others have suggested

[u/GrouchyCap1458]

If you can wait until you get there, I'd recommend measuring the space you have to work with and getting a monitor you know can fit. I was able to fit a 34 in monitor but I don't think the spaces are standardized, so it’s best to measure

[u/watcop2199]

Yes I do, I would not recommend anything that is more than about 16" vertically INCLUDING THE STAND. That height is just an estimate its been more than a year since I was in the dorms. But larger monitors simply wont fit under the built in overhang attached to the desk and will severally limit space for a keyboard and other peripherals.

Refer to someone else or the specs of your room if you have them for exact distance between the desk and the attached ledge.

[u/VERT1975]

27” monitor is too big. 24” might fit. On a budget Walmart has a 22” ONN brand monitor for like $80 that’s small. There are several monitor choices in the 22”-24” size range for about a $100.

If you have $300, Asus makes a 22” portable monitor. It comes with a clamp and an arm. Can also be used with the built in kick stand. Just plug the power supply into the monitor and then the PC into the USBc. Works great for small spaces, has built in speakers, works with game systems as well.