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    Dual External Monitors? Which laptops?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by ZenBlender, Jul 8, 2007.

  1. ZenBlender

    ZenBlender Newbie

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    I have to say I'm really annoyed with laptop manufacturers. Currently I have a Dell Inspiron 9300 that I want to replace with a dual core, Santa Rosa laptop. One thing I love about this laptop is that it has DVI + VGA connectors, which I use to run dual monitors -- 2 20" LCD panels running at 1600x1200. But now Dell's newest Inspirons are out, and NONE of them have DVI. So, I guess they aren't getting my money. I NEED dual external monitors.

    Any suggestions? I need to learn about HDMI. A few new Santa Rosa laptops have HDMI, but can I use this to drive 2 LCD panels that take DVI as an input? Can I split one HDMI cable to 2 DVI cables somehow? Is the concept of "dual-link" DVI relevant here, and if so, how can I tell which systems/video cards support it? Will there be any problem with the resolutions I want to run? Running two panels via DVI would be ideal, but I could also do one via HDMI (converted to DVI) and the other via VGA. I just don't know what's possible.

    Also, can anyone list which Santa Rosa laptops have either HDMI or DVI?

    Thanks so much!
     
    ZenBlender, Jul 8, 2007
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  2. hehe299792458

    hehe299792458 Notebook Deity

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    Get whatever laptop you want, then get this
     
    hehe299792458, Jul 8, 2007
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  3. ZenBlender

    ZenBlender Newbie

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    Thanks. I would much rather find a solution that allows me to use both displays AS two displays, not as one huge one. It sounds like this device tricks the computer into thinking it is using one display, which means that dialog boxes that are supposed to be centered will annoyingly sit between the screens. Plus, it works off of a VGA output from the laptop. I have a feeling that pushing 3200x1200 through an analog display is going to start showing some noise. I'd really like to find a solution that is digital and doesn't require spending hundreds more just to do something that my current laptop can do now. Thanks :)
     
    ZenBlender, Jul 9, 2007
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