T61 + TripleHead2Go + 3 external LCD’s

[Rex_Mason]

I’ve seen the TripleHead2Go mentioned as a possible method for connecting three external monitors to a ThinkPad. But, I couldn’t find anyone saying they had direct experience doing this with a T61 with the Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M. So, in case anyone is wondering if this combination will work, I can now say it will. If this is common knowledge, I apologize for the duplicate post.

Here’s my laptop configuration, based on my slightly cryptic Lenovo invoice…

Description and part number(s)

• Configured T61 laptop, P/N = 6459CTO
  Intel 2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor (T7300), P/N = 42V8190
  Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit), P/N = 42X1587, 42X1917
  15.4” WXGA TFT, P/N = 42V8286
  Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M, P/N = 42X0818
  2 GB PC2-5300 (2 DIMMs), P/N = 41W2063
  Keyboard (US), P/N = 42V8195
  UltraNav (TrackPoint & TouchPad), P/N = 42V8297
  100 GB, 7200 rpm HDD, P/N = 42V8169
  CD-RW/DVD-ROM, P/N = 42V8171
  PC Cardslot, ExpressCard, P/N = 42X0805
  Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965ABGN, P/N = 42V8177
  Bluetooth PAN, P/N = 62P6054
  6 cell Li-Ion battery, P/N = 41W1508

My docking station info

• Advanced Mini Dock, P/N = 250410U

My TripleHead2Go info

• TripleHead2Go digital edition
  PowerDesk SE version 2.2.08

My monitor info

• Three Viewsonic VX-922 19” LCD’s with 3:4 aspect ratio and 1280x1024 max resolution
  Ergotron DS-100 triple monitor stand

Other possible points of interest

• a) I’m currently running all three monitors at 1280x1024, 60Hz
  b) I verified the T61/TripleHead2Go supports 3840x1024 resolution on
  • a. The VGA analog output on the left side of the T61
    b. The VGA analog output on the advanced mini-dock
    c. The Dual-Link DVI digital output on the advanced mini-dock
  c) I verified the T61/TripleHead2Go works with the following T61 Nvidia driver versions
  • a. v7.15.11.145 (available on Lenovo website)
    b. v7.15.11.155 (standard installation by Lenovo factory)
  d) Getting it all working
  • a. 3840x1024 resolution (and some other resolutions) can be selected through the Nvidia driver GUI and through Windows Preferences only after
    • i. The video cable from the T61 is plugged into the TripleHead2Go.
      ii. The Matrox PowerDesk-SE software is installed on the T61
    b. Some video control functions are only available through the PowerDesk-SE GUI. The T61 will run the PowerDesk-SE GUI only after it identifies the presence of the TripleHead2Go via it’s USB cable. For most, I doubt there will be any issues here. In my case, I initially had the TripleHead2Go USB cable plugged into another computer (another story for another time). In this configuration, you can’t run the PowerDesk-SE GUI, and some functions will not be available.