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    confirm external monitors via DisplayPort & HDMI

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by daver160, Aug 11, 2010.

  1. daver160

    daver160 Notebook Deity

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    Hi all,

    I'm about to order my 1645 tomorrow, but before I do that I just want to confirm a minor detail (definitely not a deal breaker):

    Can you run two external panels via 1x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI? That is, an extended monitor setup, such that there are three panels in use (DP, LED, HDMI) and independent of each other. At work I have two Dell S2209W LCD monitors (both 1920x1080), and I have one of the same monitors at home.

    I am coming from an older laptop where I used an analog Matrox DualHead2Go to output 2 external panels. So with the availability of HDMI and DisplayPort, on top of the VGA, I am wondering if such a setup is possible.

    Of course, it does not have to be strictly DisplayPort AND HDMI, it could be HDMI + VGA, or DisplayPort + VGA. As long as I can easily use 2 ports, and occasionally throw in the LED panel, I am happy. I would just prefer DP and HDMI because our office has an abundance of nGear adapters for DisplayPort and HDMI (a lot of our in-house designers use Macs, lots of DisplayPorts :) ). As well, going out and buying adapters is not an issue for me, as long as I know that it's compatible!

    Let me know!

    Thanks!!
     
    daver160, Aug 11, 2010
    #1
  2. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    Well HDMI + VGA works.
    If you attach a splitter on the VGA port I dont see why it wouldnt work
     
    DuranXL, Aug 11, 2010
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  3. daver160

    daver160 Notebook Deity

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    it's just that the Matrox I am using is quite old, and the maximum resolution it can output is 2x 1280x1024. it's a bit of a waste of real estate on my monitors right now. i'm not too familiar with other VGA splitters, since i've only ever used this one Matrox (though the newer models do a much better job over DVI).

    but if you're reporting that HDMI + VGA works just fine, then that's what I'll go with. i'm sure i can find a cheap HDMI-DVI (passive) adapter real quick.

    thanks for the input!
     
    daver160, Aug 11, 2010
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  4. Brendanmurphy

    Brendanmurphy Your Worst Nightmare

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    Technically you can have up to 3 additional monitors as yes DP does work. And if you have the 5730 your computer will support ati eyefinity
     
    Brendanmurphy, Aug 11, 2010
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  5. daver160

    daver160 Notebook Deity

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    oone last question about this (i swear). what kind of DisplayPort does the SXPS16 have, is it the fullsize DisplayPort or a mini-DisplayPort like those found on Macs? because if it's a miniDP then I can snag one of the Apple DP-DVI adapters we have lying around.

    hah yeah i thought of that. but i don't think i'd have space on my desk for a 3rd screen. for me, the notebook's own panel will be good enough for the 3rd panel I'm already thinking that I'll use this setup: VS2010 instances on left panel, Outlook + misc apps on notebook panel if necessary, SQL and/or Adobe on right panel.

    thanks again!
     
    daver160, Aug 11, 2010
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  6. Fusel Wusel

    Fusel Wusel Notebook Consultant

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    Fullsize :)

    You want a DisplayPort to DVI-Adapter? Or HDMI to DVI?
    Take a look at this to choose the right one: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/505017-30-lcd-studio-xps-16-a.html ;)
    There is some information about the Ports and their capable resolutions.
     
    Fusel Wusel, Aug 12, 2010
    #6