as far as i know, the video card is integrated into the motherboard and therefore not a separate entity. does that matter? i did download every BIOS my computer allowed of the Dell website.

My laptop pretty much remains open on my desk as I rarely take it anywhere anymore.  I don't even close the top - I just shut down.

I will try and get my son to hook up another monitor to see what happens. THank you!

If I have to get another laptop - I heard Toshiba makes a good inexpensive one. What is your opinion? I only really need, Windows, Word, Excel and the internet and a fair amount of storage room.