I need some tech help.
Right now I use an HP laptop.
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 M460 2.53 GHZ 2 core
6 GB RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470
I run one additional monitor. It does't use an HDMI, but rather, uses a traditional monitor connector.
I have the opportunity to get an additional monitor or two (which would make it three or four screens) for a good price. These are nice monitors, but they do not have HDMI.
My laptop only has one hookup for a traditional monitor cable (currently occupied by my one monitor). I'd like to add a printer and one or two additional monitors (three or four screens). I think the printer cable would use the connector slot currently occupied by my one additional screen.
So my question to you, reader who is good with computers, is this: How do I make this work? What additional hardware do I need to get? Connectors like this http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Multiple-2048x1152-1920x1200-DisplayLink/dp/B0038P1TP4/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header ? Do you need more information from me about the system? If you don't want to discuss it here, you can e-mail me:
Bud.Elliott at SBNation Dot Com
Thanks a lot.
4 months ago
Bud Elliott
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I'm not a huge techie but
I do know most printers connect via USB so that shouldn’t be a problem. Most ship with the printer to computer cable included.
As for the monitors it sounds like you just need a splitter cable with The same connectors as the monitor. They should make these, I would try searching monitor splitter cables.
I’ve never tried to hook up more than one screen to my laptop but I would imagine it would be possible to connect more than one, so someone might have to chime in with more experience than me
If you use a splitter cable
it repeats the screen twice. You need a 3rd party external like Matix that also has its own internal boosting power. if you use some of the USB ones you will get screen lag where your screen can delay, etc. because the computer is trying to make up for the power to boost it. It also can cause performance issues on your laptop running your current software and hardware as the resources are sucked away.
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
Matrox Triple-Head-2-Go
One VGA in with three VGA outs. Not cheap!
"If you want to see me, come watch me on Fridays. I play in pads."
-(Future FSU Star) Mario Pender
by SoCalNole on Jan 17, 2012 2:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think it's what you're looking for.
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
"If you want to see me, come watch me on Fridays. I play in pads."
-(Future FSU Star) Mario Pender
by SoCalNole on Jan 17, 2012 2:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Specs on the graphics card? This will determine how many monitors it can support.
The printer should run off of USB, and I would imagine you have a couple spare slots available.
Football is my favorite show.
Multiple monitors...
Check out this link (second post):
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/317217-33-mobility-radeon-5470-monitors-after
Doesn’t look like you can have more than one external monitor with this card (two total including your laptop)…
right
It all comes down to video card no matter the connectors. Typically to run more than two monitors you are looking at a multi card setup. See eyefinity rigs with radeon cards. Even if you split out a connection you would just be copying whatever that output is for that connection. Which at best would just give you multiples of the same stuff (couldnt say have separate espn3 games going). Hope that helps.
Knowing is half the battle, the other half is violence.
by onebarrelrum on Jan 17, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
And when you say “traditional monitor connector” do you mean VGA or DVI?
DVI
VGA
Football is my favorite show.
USB to VGA Adapter (also called external video card or USB display adapter)
Go to Amazon. Costs between 45 to 55 dollars for a decent one. You could only run 1 aditional monitor per external adapter. If you want to run 3 monitors (Seems like overkill), get two adapters but make sure they are the same. I just bought 1 called Plugable from displaylink and its working great with Win7. Good reviews. About 45 bucks.
by MeBeFirst on Jan 17, 2012 10:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, guess you didn't see his Amazon link .
For what it’s worth, this is the route I would go.
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
I did not.
I bought the cheaper one that only supports VGA (mine was for work) but that’s ones better incase he upgrades monitors in the future.
by MeBeFirst on Jan 17, 2012 10:30 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Several options
Here is a good option. There are several out there. Essentially you’re looking for an external device that will multi-thread your video out. This will give you a good idea: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/
Matrox TripleHead2Go is an external multi-display adapter that adds up to three monitors to your notebook or desktop computer. It connects to the video output of your system and uses its existing GPU to provide high-quality, uncompressed graphics and video across all monitors. Ideal for professionals requiring more desktop space for maximum productivity increases and gamers wanting a totally immersive experience. This small box lets you run different applications on each display or view one application across multiple monitors. A multi monitor set-up lets you organize your workspace more efficiently, multi-task more comfortably and make fewer errors. Available in DisplayPort or Digital Editions.
by Bud Elliott on Jan 17, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
And costs > $200
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
yeah. thinking I might go for the two, not the three, and continue using my laptop as screen #3
by Bud Elliott on Jan 17, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
read my comment above.
And save yourself 200 dollars
by MeBeFirst on Jan 17, 2012 10:24 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks! What is the difference between the DualHead2Go and the USB to VGA?
by Bud Elliott on Jan 17, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
all depends on what your doing
The cheaper solution works for allmost everyone. Now if you are a gamer or really need performance, maybe you spend the extra coin on pro stuff.
by MeBeFirst on Jan 17, 2012 10:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
One screen would typically have video, preferably of good quality (like a game), another had tomahawk/sbnation recruiting, another has tweetdeck or a spredsheet. Not a gamer at al.
by Bud Elliott on Jan 17, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
What no WOW or Second Life?
Glad to see you’re not a complete nerd… ;) BTW, both of my brothers are gamers and that is literally ALL they do with their time. Needless to say, neither of them are married or date very much…
Hey Bud, I work at Dell.
Try a 3rd party port replicator. Targus makes a new one that is decent. This will provide you with more ports and allow for multiple monitors (1 x DVI and 1 x HDMI). This also comes with all the adapters needed if you are going from DVI to VGA or HDMI to VGA. ACP70USZ is the part # from Targus. It’s $170 on Amazon. Let me know if you have any questions. Also, what model HP do you have? If it’s their business line, they may have a dock for that model.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
Also from Kensington...Cheaper with plenty of reviews.
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Link fail. Part # K33415US
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks! Did you see the above thing about the video card? Seems there are conflicting opinions on this, and I don’t want to have to return this part if my video card doesn’t work for this.
Pavillion dv7 is the laptop.
For the money, the Kensington looks ideal.
All of these peripheral companies roll in here once a quarter to show us what’s new. Basically, any usb port can be turned into a video port. The technology within the adapter promotes the functionality and that 5470 card supports dual monitors.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
The specs off ATI's site doesn't say 3.
But I have an account manager within eyesight running 3 monitors off a Dell port replicator running on a Latitude e6420. The only other add on is a IOGEAR USB to DVI video card. So 2 monitors off Dock and 3rd off of this GUC2020DW6 gadget.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
ATI has the info on their site.
the 5470 is widely used and it dual monitor capable.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
but will
That allow for more than two monitors each with different video output? Sounds cool.
Knowing is half the battle, the other half is violence.
by onebarrelrum on Jan 17, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
It will. We have people hear running 3 monitors off an integrated card via a dock or usb dongle.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
wow thats awesome
Going to look into that myself.
Knowing is half the battle, the other half is violence.
by onebarrelrum on Jan 17, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, but...
The dock will do this as long as the laptop’s video card supports three monitors. A dock itself will not allow for more monitors. Only the video card, or optional external video unit, can do that. The dock just makes it more convenient to hook up and un-hook up from your monitors, printers, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Anxiously awaiting Frank's tech advice here....
by The K-Man on Jan 17, 2012 9:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I can't help you on adding more monitors, but I do know that I doubled the memory on my Tandy just by adding another cassette player.
>------::----::------->Spearing 'em and Scalping 'em like it's 1999
I'm not so sure this Jimbo fella is the right man for the job.
by FrankDNole on Jan 17, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If my card doesn’t support laptop screen + 2/3 additional screens, what do I need to go get in terms of a card? I am not a gamer. And are these things easy to install?
I’d really like to figure out if my current card works first, of course
The link to the hardwire you gave has a built in video chip set
so it is not dependent on your graphics card. You do need one for each monitor you want to add, plus a free USB port.
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
hardwire=hardware
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
I really like this website for graphics cards
http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-5470.23698.0.html
Says you can support up to 4 monitors.
If you've never
replaced hardware on a laptop I would make sure that you have a professional do this.
Also remember that you need to not only make sure that the hardware is compatible with your specs but to also update your BIOS and make sure it doesn’t hamper any of your current running software
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
Matrox
If you want it to spread the windows. The only multiple monitor configuration I have been able to set up for my laptop is this: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
Get the DualHead2GO for 2 monitors and your laptop screen or the DualHead3Go if you want 3 monitors and your laptop screen. Otherwise you would have to go to a desktop.
Also if you have a MacPro you have a lot better opportunities with their new thunderbolt monitors you can daisychain as many monitors as you want.
I use the DualDHead3 because with the 2 monitor setup your error messages popup inbetween where the monitors rest against each other and can be a pain.
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
This looks like a good solution
This basically expands one monitor output across two or three. Your PC should have no problem with it since it sees them as a single monitor. If you use this solution, make sure the monitors connected to it are all the same size.
Thanks! Looks like I’ll go with the DH2g0 (3 screens total = 2 + my laptop screen). But you said you had problems with the error messages?
by Bud Elliott on Jan 17, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Error Messages
this happens when the error pops up where your two monitors will touch. The OK button gets split and unless you have zero border on your screens all my monitors lined up next to each other have a 1 inch border between the screens where the error message pops up. No bigger, just wanted you to know the only drawback.
Otherwise for $500 bucks build your own MAC: http://lifehacker.com/5815715/how-to-build-a-hackintosh-mini-for-less-than-600?tag=hackintosh
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
ONe reason I have always said, go apple! Their video cards are usually multi-faceted
I picked up one of those monitor adapters in the pic off ebay for $2.00, but it was only for a single monitor and a desk top computer.
Kensington parts are good, the mouse I picked up works better than an apple mouse, has a right click and it also was $2.00 off ebay. If you go inside your computer to replace a part make sure you touch metal first to drain static electricity. Some parts are so sensitive that static electricity can knock them out. I would let a tech handle inside parts though, it can be tricky. I don’t know much about Dell or HP though, if somebody gave me a new one I would give it to the neighbor and stick with the old apple.
The Seminoles are still America's team
Can there be one with soul so dead whose heart does not leap at the sigh of Renegade and the flaming spear
by DocHoliday2 on Jan 17, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah but he could buy 3 laptops for the price of a MacPro
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
What about the possibility of closing the laptop, going with a wireless keyboard/mouse, and four monitors? Would that help my situation?
You could only close
the laptop if you use a docking station. Otherwise you will have heat issues from running the laptop closed
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
The laptop
running is fine with the vents but you will create heat impressions on your screen which sucks when you unhook and go on the road.
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
It depends on the laptop
I work in an IT shop for FedEx. We all use docks. Some people close their laptops, and I haven’t heard them complain about problems. Others who may be worried about their screens almost close them, leaving a 1/2 inch or 1 inch gap, so you don’t see the monitor. I leave mine open and use the screen. Might as well.
You can use a wireless keyboard and mouse with the transmitter dongle either connected to a USB on the laptop itself or in one of the USBs on the dock. The dongle will activate as soon as you connect to the dock.
I use an HP laptop with an HP dock. Check your laptop model. If there’s an HP dock for it, I’d recommend it highly. Very convenient.
Bud.
I’ve thought and thought about this. I’m not a tech guru, but I’m right in the Goldilocks zone in terms of understanding what you ultimately want, and what I’d do as an average Joe who doesn’t want to settle for a screen replicator, nor do I want to be a tech nerd and spend a small fortune. All of the stuff aforementioned are all great ideas, but not really a fit for what it SOUNDS like you’re looking for.
- - your video card in your laptop is bad @$$. Period. But it won’t support 3 screens. Most cards don’t. Especially not in a laptop. It defeats the purpose of a laptop. Cards just aren’t designed for 3 monitors, if it’s going to sit in your lap. Boy would that look funny!
- - you have one of two logical, cost effective, and realistic options. You can either choose to build a barebones desktop unit with 2 mid-range video cards, which would each be capable of handling 2 monitors each. This would allow you to go truly “Swordfish” in terms of non-clone monitor setup. Your OS would handle them flawlessly, assuming you were running something x64 – which I imagine you’d have to be at this point. The alternative is to get an external graphics card adaptor kit, (which is probably not your cup of tea – see here: http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/graphics-cards/how-to-make-an-external-laptop-graphics-adaptor-915616)
Bottom line – build a barebones desktop with 2 cards. You’ll be glad you have it someday if you ever spill Ramen Noodles on your laptop.
GO NOLES!
FEAR THE SPEAR!
>>>--------,,,-----/>
This is way overkill for what Bud wants to do.
Based on what he has said so far would probably be just fine with his existing setup (laptop screen plus external monitor) plus an added screen via USB graphics adapter like the one he has linked above.
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
Way overkill?
If he wants to spend $100 or so on something he may or may not be happy with, or $200 on something that will provide him with robust legitimate options, then I suppose you’re right, it is overkill to spend a couple extra bucks to have what you really want.
Can I interest you in some Tab or perhaps Eddie Murphy’s Mom will be kind enough to make you a hamburger…
GO NOLES!
FEAR THE SPEAR!
>>>--------,,,-----/>
Yes Overkill
You got to remember not everbody want the most logical or best solution. They want the easy solution.
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Easy solution.
Buying a barebones desktop is easy. I don’t see how USB converters, coupled with Matrox setups, and burning up expensive laptop hardware is “easy.”
Someone said “buy an Apple.” Well that’s going REALLY easy, but it’s not really financially practical for most of us wanting to stay under $1,000 either. lol.
I provided him two suggestions.
The one you likely think isn’t “easy” I forewarned him was probably “not his cup of tea,” nor would it be mine, but it is cheap, and it is a logical long-term solution.
I would opt for a barebones PC with dual video cards personally. It could be built for cheap, and handle all of his needs when he’s home…..complete with a Staples button.
GO NOLES!
FEAR THE SPEAR!
>>>--------,,,-----/>
I agree with you
But grabbing a matrox and hooking it up is easy for non tech types. Once someone actually builds their first pc it’s easy aferwards but before it seems very duanting.
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
Bud
I work on computers and have done what you are looking to do with a laptop. I do not think you will like the results you get. 3 monitors are fantastic, but any external video card I have ever tried has been problematic or short lived. I would suggest A) Buy the highest resolution monitor you can find. Pixel count matters most. 2) buy a cheap box (sub $200) and run Tweetdeck on a dedicated PC. It works as a backup and takes some load off the main machine D) If you really must have 3 screens on a laptop, keep the external video card well ventilated. It will burn up.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 12:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
As one of the biggest tech nerds here, go with the Matrox
I personally would build cheap home system and then just use a cheap laptop or tablet on the road. But that’s not what you’re asking to do. So go with dualhead2go and in time if you want something more just ask. I just built my new Ubuntu/Windows dual boot home theater pc. It’s i5 quad 3.3 overclocked to 5.2GHz with 32GB Ram and a nvidia 580 all water cooled. Oh and it has 15TB worth of space.
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
Biggest Tech nerd?
Who awarded you this title? I challenge you to a nerd off!
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 1:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Guess you didn't notice the specs on my htpc, no one here is close
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Overkill!
My Xbox works better as an HTPC, is quieter, uses less power, and costs less. You should have bought yourself a home server instead of that money pit.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 1:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Xbox really, I should have just come to you for advice
Actually, I have already built a server and a NAS. But I needed something for encoding and video conversion. Since my htpc is watercooled it’s very quiet. Oh and the Xbox doesn’t rip blurays nor does it torrent. I’m sure I could have gone much cheaper and gotten close to the same results. But as a tech guy youself, you must understand wanting to build something overtop every now and then.
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Schedule rips on your server
Don’t run Blu Ray rips on an overclocked system like that! Encoding shouldn’t be done on a gaming rig, you’re basically Using a v6 engine on a moped.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 2:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I said I was one of the biggest tech nerd not the biggest
Although, I’m 6’9’’ 300lbs so I might be. Anyway can you explain why I shouldn’t encode on the machine. Also ripping takes less then 10 min with subs and master audio.
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Tallahassee Electric bills
Server is more efficient, then the files are available on your LAN immediately. An overclocked machine uses power like a hair dryer. Plus, nobody plays games or watches movies on their server. Save the overclocked machine for the fun stuff. It’ll last longer.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 2:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks, although I have solar panels supplementing my power
I’ve never had power bill over $200 in Tallahassee. One quick question and then I stop hijacking this thread. If encode the same file it takes 35 mins in linux but 1 hour and 15 minutes in widows. Do you know why?
Cyberpunk - a lifestyle characterized by computer games, internet surfing, and large doses of attitude.
by FSUcyberpunk on Jan 17, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Can't be certain
Without knowing the applications you use. Linux does have less overhead, so more free CPU time can be used for encoding. Or you might have a better app for Linux. Or GPU processing on the Linux app.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Jan 17, 2012 3:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
...complete with every porn movie ever produced....in 4320p.
GO NOLES!
FEAR THE SPEAR!
>>>--------,,,-----/>
I dont think it will work.
The entry level 5000 series still use the same chip as the last generation (4000 series) which was a weak 60 stream processor on 64-bit memory bus.
It’s just too weak of a GPU to work. The 5470 does come with eyefinity, which is AMD’s special little multiple monitor system, but it only truly works if your unit has a DisplayPort.
It should run 1 external monitor just fine, but multiple ones, i see it having trouble. It’s just not made to support multiple high resolution displays. JMHO
Guy on a Buffalo
Also, your printer should run off USB. Not a VGA connector
Guy on a Buffalo
by SteadfastNole on Jan 17, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
I don't understand
how most of you will jump on somebody for posting long paragraphs, but not for a person for posting this. This has nothing to do wit FSU or sports at all. Is this not abuse?
Dude runs the site. Any increase in his productivity is an increase in our enjoyment.
Guy on a Buffalo
by SteadfastNole on Jan 17, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
It was after reading the guidelines that I posted this question.
I didn’t realize that asking a question results in getting flagged. A tad bit harsh, it was just a question.
by BC on Jan 17, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
It wasn't me.
i wouldn’t flag you bro!
FSU back-2-back state champs!! 52-14
by CashvilleNole on Jan 17, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Economical Solution
I see a lot of mentions to go with the Matrox. If you’re at that point you should consider going with a desktop as others have mentioned.
For a cheaper option I would suggest what I’ve used before which is this little guy:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011403&p_id=5325&seq=1&format=2
It is pretty much like what you posted, but cheaper and I know it works. It just uses a single USB and basically adds another external monitor to whatever you already have. Regarding three monitors, I would say that’s overkill and I’ve been a gamer for 14 years and IT for five. Two matching widescreen monitors (24" or 25") at 1920*1080 should be enough space for almost any productivity software you need.
DONT WORRY Bud, Team TN is on the way to help!!
I named my first born "Bud Elliott". She will thank me when she is older~
#rememberthefive
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