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    Two external monitors on Dell XPS notebook possible?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by kikim792, Dec 28, 2009.

  1. kikim792

    kikim792 Newbie

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    I have a new XPS 1640 Dell notebook with ATI Mobility RADEON M96XT 1GB video.

    I am using an external 24 in (1920 x 1200 res.) monitor through VGA port.

    The notebook has additional HDMI and DisplayPort.

    I'd like to know if it is possible to connect a second external monitor. It would be 17 in (1280 x 1024) used as extended desktop, not mirrored. The monitor has DVI port as well as VGA.

    If it is possible, which cable should I use? I assume DisplayPort might be better than HDMI. Is there a such cable that converts DisplayPort to DVI?
     
    kikim792, Dec 28, 2009
    #1
  2. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    HDMI trumps DisplayPort and DVI. HDMI is also much more compatible than DP.

    I'd say get VGA to VGA for your monitor, no need for anything higher.

    For larger resolutions, built-in audio, and expensive cords, get HDMI.
     
    fred2028, Dec 28, 2009
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  3. kikim792

    kikim792 Newbie

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    So you are suggesting DVI-HDMI cable for my 24 in (1920x1200) monitor and VGA-VGA cable for smaller monitor?

    I thought HDMI supports max 1920x1080 resolution.

    Well, you are the god, so I will take your word.

    Thanks.
     
    kikim792, Dec 28, 2009
    #3
  4. paper_wastage

    paper_wastage Beat this 7x7x7 Cube

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    HDMI, Displayport and DVI are electrically compatible, meaning you can just use adapters(to change the pin config) to connect these devices

    HDMI and displayport carries sound while DVI doesn't. Displayport is a royalty-free solution to HDMI... Most LCD screens have DVI(and VGA), while HDTVs have HDMI...

    HDMI 1.0 can do 1920x1200 max, but most devices and cables are at 1.2-1.3 which can do more...

    monoprice.com is a good place to shop for cheap cables/adapters. It's best to use digital(HDMI, DVI, Displayport) over analog(VGA), but you won't be able to really tell the difference...

    also, depending on your graphics card, you may only be able to drive 2 displays maximum...(laptop screen counts as one display)...
     
    paper_wastage, Dec 28, 2009
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  5. Ollie222

    Ollie222 Notebook Consultant

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    I have an XPS 1645 and I connect it to a 1600x1200 monitor using hdmi and a 1280x 1024 monitor using a vga cable and it works great.

    When you do this it does switch off the internal monitor.
     
    Ollie222, Dec 28, 2009
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  6. acaurora

    acaurora Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    ATI Mobility RADEON M96XT 1GB video --> I am pretty sure you mean ATI Mobility Radeon 4670... just to clarify that.
     
    acaurora, Dec 28, 2009
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  7. kikim792

    kikim792 Newbie

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    Yeah, it is ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670. I just copied "M96XT" from order sheet without looking carefully.
     
    kikim792, Dec 28, 2009
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