Dual monitor dock for X series

[Fuzz]

   Is there a docking station that supports 2 monitors?  I don't want to use the notebook for one, I need 2 seperate displays.  Is this available?

[andyP]

In two words, sorry no.

When docked the vga port on the notebook is disabled. This has been previously discussed with the two most common solutions being Matrox DualHead2Go and the VT Book.

[Fuzz]

OK, thanks.  If I got the ThinkPad X6 UltraBase and plugged the Matrox dualhead into that, would that work fairly well as a docking station?  I have  t61 with the dock and it is nice that you don't have to open the laptop to use it.  Does the Ultrabase work the same way?


Message Edited by Fuzz on 06-16-2008 11:51 AM

[andyP]

I've only played with the Matrox once for a short time, but in theory it shouldn't be a problem. You could set up a profile in Presentation Director for an external screen attached and the TP screen disabled with settings in power management do nothing when screen is closed. You should then be able to configure the external screens through the Matrox utilities.

[Fuzz]

How is the performance of the GMAx1300?  I need to be able to run some 3D modeling apps.  Nothing to intense, It used to work fine on an ATI Radeon 9600xt.  Would the Intel chip keeppace on 2 monitors?

[wjli2]

That would be okay, but it would cheaper just to get another laptop with slightly better graphics.

[Chahk]

Has anyone tried one of those USB-to-VGA adapters as seen here: http://sewelldirect.com/usb2tosvga.asp ?

[wjli2]

Actually Lenovo builds a usb 2.0 port replicator like the one shown (with additional USB hub support) and Belkin and Kingston also makes one. From the price, i will pay little extra to get a more reputable brand like Belkin and even original lenovo products.

[andyP]

When considering USB solutions you need to check which screen resolutions they support; for instance the Lenovo USB Port Replicator "supports video resolutions up to 1440 x 900 at 60 Hz; 1400 x 1050 at 60, 75, or 85 Hz with superior quality"