I don't know what the saving throw vs sand is for a Lcd but any old LCD will do. Make sure it has an hdmi to VGA adapter or if the cable can be changed out for an older style Vga cable.
Can your laptop handle a second LCD? Most external VGA ports are only made to switch the viewing panel from the laptop to the external
LCD. I'd steal a LCD from somewhere else before I bought one. Try and hook it up and tell it to extend the desktop to the second LCD.
If it doesn't work, get a USB to VGA adapter. They are like $60 at best buy an will work for what you need.
This will work for your laptop and will add a second vga port for your use. I'm thinking you will need this, but it all depends on your laptop.
I'm a fan of Acer LCDs, but really any will do for a "throwaway" LCD. $150 will buy you a 20' or less on newegg, watch their daily deals.