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    Extended desktop question

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by malaki, Dec 29, 2009.

  1. malaki

    malaki Newbie

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    I recently purchased a 16" Toshiba Satellite with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M and Windows 7 on the computer. I have two large (23 1/2") widescreen monitors I would like to use with the computer when I have it at home, but the computer does not have a docking station. I tried their "dyna dock", but that is a piece of crap. The computer itself has a VGA output and an HDMI output.

    What I would like to do is use an HDMI splitter connected to both monitors and then plug that one cord into the machine. Is this possible? Would I be able to run an extended desktop or would it just be a mirror image?

    I don't need my laptop screen open when I have it plugged in, but have they advanced to more than two screens at a time now? or would you need to video cards to run more than two screens at once?
     
    malaki, Dec 29, 2009
    #1
  2. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    I do not see a hdmi splitter working at all for any scenario. You would need a piece of hardware like a digital matrox triple head 2 go to actually process and combine the displays together as one so the computer can recognize them and use them.

    Best thing to run extra displays is a USB adapter. I use one at work and its great, and yes it does extended (or clone or span)
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Dec 29, 2009
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  3. malaki

    malaki Newbie

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    thanks for the prompt response. Can I hook up my monitors with only a USB? I didn't know that was an option. I am sure the monitors have USB connectors, since they seem to have everything else. Are there any other suggestions?
     
    malaki, Dec 29, 2009
    #3
  4. malaki

    malaki Newbie

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    It does not look like the USB thing will work. I would really like to figure out a way to use my HDMI port for both screens, if it is at all possible.
     
    malaki, Jan 4, 2010
    #4
  5. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    surfasb, Jan 4, 2010
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  6. malaki

    malaki Newbie

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    thanks, I was looking at HDMI to USB, hence the reason nothing was working for me
     
    malaki, Jan 4, 2010
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  7. raduque

    raduque Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm pretty sure HDMI can't support two simultaneous video signals (two displays at once) You'll need something like those ExpressCard cards that add 1-3 extra display ports. They're like low-power graphics cards in an ExpressCard. I don't know if they make one with HDMI, though.

    What's wrong with using one monitor on HDMI and one on the VGA?
     
    raduque, Jan 5, 2010
    #7