Is there a smaller (narrower) VGA connector?

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I have an external screen connected to my laptop with a 15 pin VGA connector. The socket on the laptop is next to an HDMI connector which I use to connect to my HD TV. Unfortunately the VGA plug partially covers the HDMI socket (by about 1-2 mm) when it’s plugged in. This involves continually unplugging the VGA when I want to watch net content on my TV using the HDMI. It’s not a major issue… just a pesky nuisance, but I’d like to be able to have both cables plugged in at the same time.

An internet search for a narrower VGA plug (the current plug is about 34 mm wide) has been fruitless. A VGA plug about 20 mm wide would be ideal, but does such an animal exist?! A VGA plug without the screw connectors would fit, but I have no idea if they are available.

I wonder if anyone can help me (without having to resort to major surgery on my laptop!)

Thanks.

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Wire cutters!!

cheers, Paul

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The best source of adapters I know of is http://www.cyberguys.com/. But I don’t know if its cost effective to have something sent to your part of the world.

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as Paul T says you could try cutting away the securing screw flanges to make it smaller. Don’t think you likely to find any without the screw flanges .

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Thanks for the suggestions. The idea of cutting off the screw flanges had already occurred to me. I tried it but unfortunately all it does is to destroy the connector as this involves cutting thru the metal that holds the thing together. The website suggested also gave no joy. I’m really coming to the conclusion that I’m looking for something that simply doesn’t exist. I’ll talk to a friendly local computer shop to see if they can come up with some sort of work-around that might do it (I won’t hold my breath!).

I suppose I’m just being plain lazy in not wanting to simply change over the connectors when necessary, but that’s human nature, I suppose!… to say nothing of not wanting to be told that something can’t be done.

What really irritates me is why would HP place two sockets so close together that using one obviates the use of the other? However, I suppose it is possible that there’s some technological reason why both can’t be used together, but that’s way beyond my expertise! Perhaps a Lounge expert can expound on that one…. please?

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What really irritates me is why would HP place two sockets so close together that using one obviates the use of the other? However, I suppose it is possible that there’s some technological reason why both can’t be used together, but that’s way beyond my expertise! Perhaps a Lounge expert can expound on that one…. please?

Because,HP like all other companys.Want to make their systems as compact as possible.

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If you could remove the plastic cover bit maybe you could bend up the flange on the side that interferes and remove any screw. This should retain the fixing of the plug part. and the cover can be discarded as if careful when inserting should have no problems. It won’t look very nice but should do the job.

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Has anyone found a narrow VGA connector? I have the same situation with a Sony laptop with a HDMI and VGA connector right next to each other. I would like to plug in 2 monitors, but since they are so close, it is either one or the other. The graphics card supports dual monitors, so not sure why Sony would make it impossible to connect 2 at the same time.

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You can cut off the plastic shielding around the screw. Check the link for pics. I did the same and it works fine. The only difference is that I bent the metal flange off so it wouldn’t put pressure on the hdmi cable next to it. Use a pair of pliers to bend it back and forth, it will eventually break off. Also, you only need to do one side (The side that will touch the HDMI cable)
http://www.irisclasson.com/2012/06/16/re-cutting-an-old-vga-cable-to-fit-both-a-hdmi-and-vga-cable-on-my-laptop-asus-x53-x53sk-sx028v-for-two-external-monitors/

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