Switching between Screens/Monitors T410

I have a rather noobish question, but is it possible to switch between several screens on the T410, if it's in the docking station. The current setup is 2 external tfts on DVI, and I am thinking about getting a beamer for watching movies I'd like to connect the beamer via displayport to VGA/HDMI/DVI. My question is, can I switch the active screens easily per short cut? My problem at the moment is that, I can't switch between the external screens and the T410 LCD. Whenever the lid is open fully, the T410 LCD activates and my primary TFT turns off. That's why I am anxious about buying a beamer, because I don't want to pull out the cable etc.

 

I have a related (I think) question. Here is what I want to do:

I would like to have two (or more) documents open at the same time - one (or more docs) for reference and the other that I will be working on. Currently, I am able to split the screen (on Win7) and do this, but it's not very comfortable. So, I am thinking of a second screen. In other words, what I would do is to have one document displayed on the external screen and one on the screen of the laptop (on which I would be working).

Given this, I have two questions:

(1) Obviously, the first, can it be done?
(2) If yes, how would I go setting up this kind of a rig?
(3) Any idea of costs? What kind of externals screen to go for/ recommended?

 

it can be done. that's exactly what i do. ultramon is a software, which helps u a lot with dual screen. i don't recommend working with the laptop screen, because u probably will get a 19 inch or even bigger screen. and it's very inconvenient with different screen size. so if u wanna work with the laptop screen, watch out for a small 2nd screen. TN panel screens are rly cheap. but even with a TN panel the T410 screen looks like rubbish, so u don't wanna keep working on your laptop screen

BUT I still would like appreciate help with switching between 3 screens.^^

 

Actually, I think I would prefer a larger second screen on which I can put my reference materials. Would probably make it much easier for me. As for my writing work, I prefer the T/R400 screen. So, what kind of panels (large - say 19") would you recommend and what are the approximate costs? Meanwhile, I'll check on Ultramon. But doesn't Win 7 have this capability built-in? I thought it did, but I could be mistaken.

 

1) Yes
2) Buy a second monitor
3) The price of the second monitor + a cable to either the VGA or DisplayPort (DP preferred) on your laptop (The ports available depend on the laptop you have). If using DisplayPort, you will probably require a a DP to DVI cable as not many monitors have DisplayPort on them.

Basically when you plug in the second screen, Win7 allows you to extend your desktop onto it. You can then open file 1 on the external screen and file 2 on the notebook screen.

I do this daily, except when I upgraded to my T410 I got the mini dock to save keep plugging the screen every time I got back to my desk. Also, as the dock has DVI + DP connectors, I don't need an adapter cable.

Go for it!

 

You don't need Ultramon - default Windows 7 works great. Even Vista worked ok.

 

Thanks. I think the mini dock is a brilliant idea for what I need. I have a R400 and I am assuming that the mini dock that works for the T400/410 would also work. Please correct me if I am wrong. And, as for the second monitor, what would you suggest? It's got to be relatively cheap though as basically I would be working with Word/ PDF docs and sometimes with Google Earth and Jpeg images.

 

You can only run 2 screens simultaneously.. when you say beamer, are you talking about a projector?

 

ya projector, sry for my english. switching on windows between 2 screens is no problem, but somehow my T410 doesn't let me between 3 screens per shortcut/hotkeys (2 external tfts plus the T410 lcd). my former laptops let me chose, which 2 screens should be active.

ultramon gives u a 2nd taskbar on your other screen, which is the main reason i use it.

 

ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3>>> This takes care of the docking station for the R400 I think. Now for a monitor. Digital or Analogue? Lenovo or any other brand?

 

R400 doesn't use the Mini Dock Series 3. R400 use the advanced mini dock or advanced dock.

 

You are right! It is the Advanced Mini Dock as per http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-61297

Can you suggest a suitable monitor also? Say a 17" (and not a 19" as I mentioned before).

 

Hey have you tried using the DP port *AND* the DVI port for dual monitor support? I'm currently using a T410 with this mini dock and have been using VGA/DVI on (2) 20" acer widescreen monitors but I can tell a noticeable difference in text clarity and it looks TERRIBLE with a VGA cable.

I tried using the DVI port for monitor 1 and DP (using a Dell DP to DVI adapter single link) port for monitor 2 but could not get both of them to show up. Any assistance in getting the DVI and DP to work simultaneously without the use of VGA for dual monitor support would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

There is a dock available on the T410 that has two DVI and two DP output, you obviously didn't get that.

For your dock you can only use one of the two digital video out. You have to change the dock if you want twin digital video connection out.