How to Connect an External Monitor to ToughBook CF-18 (5 Steps)

By Jason Artman

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 is a rugged notebook computer running Windows XP. The Toughbook CF-18 has a convertible touch-sensitive screen and can operate in notebook and tablet configurations. One potential limitation of a notebook such as the CF-18 is the size of its 10.4-inch screen; if you need to show an image or presentation to more than one person, you may need to connect the CF-18 to a larger display. For this reason, the Toughbook CF-18 has a VGA video port that you can use to connect the computer to a monitor, projector or television.

Step 1

Shut the Toughbook CF-18 down through the operating system, and wait for the power to turn completely off. Rotate the notebook so the back faces you.

Step 2

Locate the second input/output port cover from the right on the back of the Toughbook CF-18, and flip the cover down to expose the video output port.

Step 3

Connect the VGA cable from the monitor to the video output port on the back of the Toughbook CF-18. If you are connecting a monitor with a DVI cable, attach a DVI female to VGA male adapter to the end of the cable before connecting the cable to the Toughbook CF-18.

Step 4

Turn the Toughbook CF-18 on, and wait for Windows to load completely. Also turn the monitor on.

Step 5

Push the "Fn" and "F3" keys simultaneously to toggle between the integrated display of the Toughbook CF-18 and external monitor.

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