W520 - why only two external monitors? Anyone from Lenovo?

[ThorsHammer]

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Ryan95842 wrote:
I totally apologize for raising the dead. I've just not been able to find a lot of information specific to my concern. I got bit with the W500 BIOS problem where the memory upgrade disables the PCI express card slot and that was, shall we say, a bummer. I'm looking for two things in a laptop. 1) 16 gig of ram 2) PCI express/34 card slot for my viDock 3 The W520 appears to meet both of the objectives. I just don't want to drop a bunch of coin then get bit again. As such, I'm trying to find confirmation that I can do both. -Ryan

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The T420 also fulfills those requirements at a much lower cost.

[ZipZap]

Hi,

    I feel the ViDock is an outmoded solution. I favor Displaylink chipset based devices such as:

Toshiba USB 3.0 dual display dock

     This will take you up to 4 monitors, 5 if you count the laptop display.

                                     ZZ

[ZipZap]

Hi,

    I feel the ViDock is an outmoded solution. I favor Displaylink chipset based devices such as:

Toshiba USB 3.0 dual display dock

     This will take you up to 4 monitors, 5 if you count the laptop display.

                                     ZZ

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i got the Toshiba USB 3.0 dual display dock, it is piece of junk. It won't work properly in the USB 3.0 ports of most ThinkPads that i got, and it produces artifacts on high resolution LCD when you play video.

I also got the dynadock U which has the same problem when streaming WUXGA video.

[ZipZap]

I have the earlier USB 2 version, Dynadock U, also. It has worked great for years, even driving fullscreen video.

I haven't up(down?)graded to the USB 3 version yet, so I can't vouch for it.

[ZipZap]

I have the earlier USB 2 version, Dynadock U, also. It has worked great for years, even driving fullscreen video.

I haven't up(down?)graded to the USB 3 version yet, so I can't vouch for it.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

@zipzap, which version of the OS are you using with the dynadock U? also which version of the driver?

[ZipZap]

Hi, Lead,

    I forget to mention that I also periodically run an older Displaylink device that draws power from the USB port i.e. no power adapter, and drives one monitor only at 1600x1200. It too is a great device. I use it with my old 1600x1200 Samsung.

    To answer your question, I run Windows 7 Pro, Displaylink driver version 5.6.31854.0 from 4/10/2011. Guess I'm due for an update, huh?

    Yes, I like Displaylink based products a lot, as opposed to the Magic chipset which is pure junk.

                                                      Best, ZZ

[ZipZap]

Hi, Lead,

    I forget to mention that I also periodically run an older Displaylink device that draws power from the USB port i.e. no power adapter, and drives one monitor only at 1600x1200. It too is a great device. I use it with my old 1600x1200 Samsung.

    To answer your question, I run Windows 7 Pro, Displaylink driver version 5.6.31854.0 from 4/10/2011. Guess I'm due for an update, huh?

    Yes, I like Displaylink based products a lot, as opposed to the Magic chipset which is pure junk.

                                                      Best, ZZ

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i like displaylink product when they work. But Vidock gives you more performance for your external display.

with eGPU i can get an ATI 5870 infinity edition and drive 6 external monitors at WQXGA resolution each.