I think a HDMI-DVI cable is better than using a HDMI-DVI adapter + DVI cable because an adapter + plug together is longer than just a plug, and so gives more leverage so slight possibility of damage to the laptop motherboard. Maybe I'm just being a bit picky here. Laptops are more difficult to dismantle and repair than towers.

Different types of DVI ? Yes there is dual link and single link. Dual link has more pins and is preferred for v large displays + gaming. However I have found that when watching HDTV using a TV tuner, Media Center and 27" monitor, I get a better picture with less flicker using dual link DVI.

pinouts of dual/single/D/I DVI's

Digital Visual Interface - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

the extra analog pins are on the left, extra dual link pins in center