Dual monitor setup T41p + Port Replicator II Question

[ef3ktd]

Thinkpad T41p - 2373
14.1" SXGA+
1.7 Banias
2GB PC2700
60GB 7K200 x 2 (O/S - Linux + XP)
ATI Mobility FireGL T2 128MB
+ Port Replicator II

I love this baby. She goes everywhere with me. I'd like to upgrade her capabilities at home, if possible. I'd like to run 2 new 1920x1200 External LCD's (w/ laptop LCD off) but I'd prefer not to use a VGA-splitter solution. I want use each monitor's DVI connection to keep quality higher. Since the ATI T2 + port replicator can only run 1 of these monitors on the DVI throughput, and a DVI-D splitter cable would only mirror the signal, I need a better solution. (I am aware of reported DVI-throughput issues with port replicators on machines of this type, as detailed here...http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_w ... throughput)

Looks like it is possible to replace the port replicator with an IBM Dock II from eBay and throw in a compatible dual-monitor-capable card such as the Matrox Millennium P650 Low-profile. Is this the best/cheapest answer?

TIA,
Bryan

[sjthinkpader]

Dock II 2877 only has a PCI slot. It will be hard press to find a DVI capable PCI card. They are out there but it will take some effort.

The Advanced Dock 2503 for T6x/R6x has a PCI Express slot which will be much easier.

[user17600]

Some of us are experimenting with the Dock II and various cards (see: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=59736).

I think the general consensus is that the Dock II has limited voltage availability so some cards will not work. Note that the thinkwiki link on that page indicates a couple of cards that might work as well.

As for the ATI 9200 card I eventually found, it has both VGA and DVI connections. Both appear to work within windows but so far I have not been able to get Kubuntu to boot. Interestingly an old version (5.0...) of Knoppix does, so I know that *nix recognizes the card. Kubuntu is a backup on my son's computer so I'm not all that concerned... but will try again when Hardy is released.

[dr_st]

So, let me understand. What is the problem with running two monitors, each at 1920x1200, one through DVI, one through VGA? Why do you want DVI for both? Just for the higher quality?

If that's the only issue, then IMO you are wasting both your time and money. If the monitor is good and the VGA cable is good, it should look just fine.