2,3,4 screens per Laptop

[minx]

In case anyone wants to run multiple screens from their laptop here is what seems to be a nice little piece of kit.

Catalogue

If anyone is already using this can they post their thoughts as I'm considering getting one but have a few questions about it.

The only other thing I've seen like this is from a US company and it costs about $1600.

 

[Fiddlers Retreat]

...My laptop already has a dual head built in, i just plug my projector into the S-video socket on the side of my laptop, and set the split screen in options.

when using it, if you click and drap windows accross to the right of your laptop screen, it re-appears on the projector screen.

Matt

 

[bendlikon]

I use the Matrox DualHead2Go Digital to add two 19inch screens to my laptop screen (extended desktop). It's a great product.

I actually use the two additional screens for both my laptops using an KVM switch.

 

[minx]

I use the Matrox DualHead2Go Digital to add two 19inch screens to my laptop screen (extended desktop). It's a great product.

I actually use the two additional screens for both my laptops using an KVM switch.

Does it just replicatethe resolution of your laptop screen across the new screens or can you ramp it up? eg- laptop 1280x800 and 2x21" widescreens with 1680x1250?

The reason I ask is I'm changing my laptop to a lighter and smaller one but as a result the screen resolution is decreasing. I would prefer to keep the 21" monitors at 1680x1250 so I dont lose a lot of workspace for my charts, etc...

 

[bendlikon]

It depends on the graphic card of your laptop. There is a tool you can download at matrox.com that checks the maximum resolution your laptop can handle. In my case I can manage 2560x1024 over my two 19" standard screens.

 

[minx]

Great, thanks for the info, definitely getting one!

 

[RichieE]

In case anyone wants to run multiple screens from their laptop here is what seems to be a nice little piece of kit.

Catalogue

If anyone is already using this can they post their thoughts as I'm considering getting one but have a few questions about it.

The only other thing I've seen like this is from a US company and it costs about $1600.

Minx, a question about these cards... if I hit the 'maximise' button on a window will it maximise across ALL monitors running from the Matrox card or will it recognise that there are 3 monitors and maximse across ONE monitor only?

 

[minx]

Minx, a question about these cards... if I hit the 'maximise' button on a window will it maximise across ALL monitors running from the Matrox card or will it recognise that there are 3 monitors and maximse across ONE monitor only?

Well I dont actually have one, but I did email Matrox and thats the impression I got. Below is one of the replies I received from them which should answer your question:

"I’m glad you have found the information helpful. Please note that concerning your intended setup of 2 external monitors flanking your laptop screen, this configuration is not ideal with the DualHead2Go. The computer detects our module as one ultra-widescreen monitor, and then divides this output over the external displays. For this reason, the 2 external displays must be kept together, with your laptop being either to the left or right them."

 

[RichieE]

Well I dont actually have one, but I did email Matrox and thats the impression I got. Below is one of the replies I received from them which should answer your question:

"I’m glad you have found the information helpful. Please note that concerning your intended setup of 2 external monitors flanking your laptop screen, this configuration is not ideal with the DualHead2Go. The computer detects our module as one ultra-widescreen monitor, and then divides this output over the external displays. For this reason, the 2 external displays must be kept together, with your laptop being either to the left or right them."

I've also emailed Matrox but I haven't received an answer yet. However, from the response you have it looks like it doesn't distinguish between the screens. Shame, I find it very annoying having to manually resize screens.

 

[minx]

I've also emailed Matrox but I haven't received an answer yet. However, from the response you have it looks like it doesn't distinguish between the screens. Shame, I find it very annoying having to manually resize screens.

I agree but you have 3 choices:

1: Make do with 1 extra screen
2: Use the Matrox thingy and have 2 extra screens but resize windows
3: Spend $1600 on a box that will give you 2-3 seperate independent screens.

 

[RichieE]

I agree but you have 3 choices:

1: Make do with 1 extra screen
2: Use the Matrox thingy and have 2 extra screens but resize windows
3: Spend $1600 on a box that will give you 2-3 seperate independent screens.

I received an answer from Matrox today. It looks like you CAN choose to maximise to a single screen if you install their software.

"If you are using the GXM on a compatible Windows system you will be able to select whether the program windows maximize to one or all screens using the Matrox Desktop Divider software provided."

 

[superfly]

could you name me a laptop brand/type that is sold ready to handle 2 external monitors.

I dont need external devices like matrox.
Just a laptop that is build according to my requirements in this respect