Dual External Monitors

[The Bard]

I want to apologize at the outset for the basic nature of my question, but here goes:

I have a T60 with a 15" SXGA+ display and an ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 graphics card. I use this as my primary computer and love it. If possible, I'd love to connect two external displays to my T60 (either 17" or 19" Dell UltraSharp's at 1280x1024), and be able to run different applications on each screen as opposed to simply expanding my desktop.

I understand I have two alternatives: (1) a docking station or (2) a Matrox DualHead2Go. I ran the compatibility test on the Matrox website and learned that the DualHead2Go will allow me to expand my Windows desktop across two displays at up to 2560 x 1024 resolution.

First, are my assumptions correct about having the two options listed above? If so, what are the advantages / disagvatages of either option in terms of cost, ease of use, and performance?

Second, if the dock is the way to go, which dock should I get and why?

Finally, if the dock is the way to go, will I be able to dock it, close the lid, and use both external displays? Would that still require the DualHead2Go.

I'm really confused, and I apologize again for the newbie nature of my questions. Thanks a ton to anyone who can help.

[RonS]

I would use the Matrox product only as a last resort. With that unit, your two external monitors would appear as a single screen, so if you maximize a window on either monitor it will maximize across both screens. Also, both monitors must have the exact same resolution, and both be analog. The only positive with the Matrox solution is that it would allow you to keep your built-in screen as a third, active monitor.

Your best bet, I think, is to buy the Mini Dock. You can run one external monitor off the DVI (digital) port, and the other from the VGA (analog) connector. Your built-in Thinkpad display will be dark with both of the external monitors are active.

[romka]

go with 1)

[mrpaulin]

Get a full dock, and install a video card in it. Then you can use the ThinkPad LCD, an external monitor connected to the DVI port of the dock, and yet another monitor connected to the video card -- all at the same time.

[The Bard]

Thank you. Since I have a 15" ThinkPad I think I'll start with one external monitor and use the notebook monitor as my second to see if that's sufficient. If not, I'll go the Mini Dock route.

Anyone use the ThinkPad Adjustable Notebook Stand? Is it worth the money? Any better products from other manufacturers? I'd like to get the notebook in an ergonomic position if I'll be using it with an external monitor and external keyboard and mouse.

[GuinnessDrafty]

Dear Bard,

I've been curious about the same questions you have.

There's not a ton of information here about the adjustable notebook stand, but there are three posts, which give a good bit of information and a variety of links to alternative models. My appologies if you've seen these already. A couple of people comment that they think the stands are designed for the Z60 rather than the T60. Check out the posts if you haven't seen them. There are some links to some really interesting alternative stands .

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... book+stand
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... book+stand
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... book+stand

I'm curious about running external monitors too. I just ordered a T60 and a mini-dock, and I'll be happy to share my results with you once they arrive.

[The Bard]

G-Drafty,

Thanks. Would love an update once you're up-and-running with the dual display.

[Anthony S]

I'll start with one external monitor and use the notebook monitor as my second to see if that's sufficient.

When I first got my T60 (15" UXGA) I attached a 21" external monitor (also UXGA) via Advanced Mini Dock and thought it would be wonderful to work in dual display mode.

No technical problems, but I found the differences in size, elevation and brightness impractical, and I've gone back to single display.

If you need to work with dual display, IMO the monitors need to be identical and side-by-side at the same height.