Yes I can see your problem here.
Its a funny one to crack, but you've successfully isolated the problem being with the external LCD panel - as that works absolutely fine.
I'm inclined to say there might be a problem with the VGA port on the laptop, which initially seemed more likely, but then you say you've tried two other monitors or LCD's with success.
Beyond the obvious one, of ensuring the resolution is in range, I'm at a bit of a loss on what to suggest. Have you tried using 1024x768 as the resolution on the Samsung LCD? Its a resolution that I'm sure most modern LCD's will support without too many problems. At least this way if a picture forms on the screen after setting 1024x768, 32 bit Colour, then it may be the LCD not accepting your chosen resolution.
I admit that is a stab in the dark, and maybe you have already tried that.
The only other thing I'd suggest is getting Sony to look at it. Some advice here though is NOT to go for the e-Support route, as they are as helpful as wearing shorts and t-shirts in the middle of the South Pole IMHO.
Instead you could try ringing one of Sony's helpdesk people from VAIO Link, by getting the phone number from HERE and just pick the country you're calling from.
I can only apologise for not being more helpful, but this is a wierd problem...
Anyway, good luck, and I hope if nothing else, that Sony will sort it out for you, even if it does mean being without your laptop for about 6 weeks (sometimes more sometimes less).
-- James
