Confirmed working mini DisplayPort->VGA adaptor with Envy 14 SB

Just wanted to share this. I took a chance on it and it works on my laptop. I hooked up my laptop to my 24" ASUS monitor with VGA and this adapter from Cirago and it detected the display no problem. I was using the intel graphics at the time to test. I did not switch to the ATI graphics but I do not see why that would not work. I was more worried about the intel graphics not working with the mDP port.

http://www.amazon.com/Cirago-Displa...2KTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322372215&sr=8-1

I had read a lot about people having compatibility issues so I wanted to share this. This of course does fall under "YMMV" and I cannot say for 100% that this will work on your envy but it does on mine. I was thankful because this is black so it goes with the laptop colors nicely.

If the link doesn't work you can just search google for "cirago DPA2011" and you will find this adapter. Newegg sells it as well, but amazon was cheaper for me because I have prime.

My Computer:
Envy 14-2000 CTO Beats Edition
CPU: i7 2670QM

 

That is good news. I tried the Apple mini DisplayPort->VGA adapter in my Envy 14 and it doesn't work (however apple mDP -> DVI does work!) Now, for the big question, can you connect a second monitor to your HDMI port, and see both monitors AND your laptop screen at the same time?

I use two monitors simultaneously, but the laptop screen must be disabled. First monitor - HDMI. Second monitor - Apple mini DisplayPort to DVI.

The reason I'm asking if you can do this test, is because I read on a forum somewhere that if you connect VGA (and not DVI) to the mini DisplayPort, you CAN use both monitors together with the laptop screen. 3 screens! What a dream! However I haven't yet found a VGA adapter that works with the Envy. If your cirago DPA2011 allows all three screens to work, then I'll buy one online somewhere. Otherwise I'll just stick with my existing apple miniDisplayPort to DVI adapter simultaneiously with HDMI, and keep the laptop lid closed...

 

Well I tried this... and I experienced the same thing. I could only use two monitors at the same time even though it detected all three displays in the display settings. It detected all three when using the intel graphics and the ati graphics.

The only way to get three to work might be to use some kind of splitter off of the mini displayport kinda like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Displayport-Splitter-Male-Female/dp/B0047E5GQI

but for mini->dual mini

then use two adaptors like the miniDP->VGA or DVI

Not sure if this would work or not. I don't have the funds to play guinea pig right now so somebody else would have to try this.

Hope this helps.