Matrox DualHead2Go drives two monitors off one video card

We realize that not everyone can afford to set up a multi-display system as impressive as the HIPerWall at UC Irvine, so for those power users who need less than 50 monitors (namely, 48 less) and have around $200 to blow as opposed to $200,000, Matrox will soon be shipping a device that creates a dual-monitor configuration using your PC's existing graphics card. The DualHead2Go, as it's known, tricks your system into thinking that your two 1280 x 1024 monitors are really one big 2560 x 1024 beast, allowing your desktop to flow across two screens. Users of certain laptops can even employ the DualHead2Go for hooking up two more monitors in addition to the built-in LCD for a super-cheap three-monitor setup. Expect this to ship in the middle of the month for around $170, although we're gonna withhold final judgement until we find out if pushing three displays off of one card compromises your notebook's performance in any way.

[Via ExtremeTech]

[Robert Aitchison @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

I have a video card with two video outputs (though I still only have one monitor hooked up to it). I wonder if two of these would let me have a four monitor display for pretty cheap (the cost of the unit and three more monitors).

Of course once you get to that point desktop space is probably the biggest constraint.

[sean @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Does this mean if your video card already has two outputs, you could have a 5120x1024 desktop? Does windows let you arrange desktops vertically? Could you have a 2560x2048 setup instead? To bad it doesn't support DVI.

[derek @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Uh, $200 bucks? Depending on how much performance you care about, which when it comes to web browsing ain't much, you can get a suitable 2nd PCI video card for about 30 bucks. The only difference is you have to (GASP) open the case and put it in.

[Chegs @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

What about using this on a mac mini? Could the graphics card cope?

[2285 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

#3 : Uh, (GASP) the "2go" in DualHead2go indicates that this is intended for laptop users who would really prefer not to open up their case and cram a $30 pci graphics card where it wasn't meant to be crammed.

And I can think of two good markets for this product: someone who may be giving a highly graphical presentation (motion graphics /design), a mobile DJ using final scratch and wishing to show some larger visual effects on two projectors or monitors.

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

It involves Duct Tape and some kind of Magic.

[Yacko @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Matrox makes note of this in the FAQ for the device:

"Will DualHead2Go work with an OS other than Windows XP and Windows 2000?
Though there is no official support for Mac computers at this time, preliminary testing shows that basic DualHead2Go functionality is available on most Apple Powerbook laptops. Matrox is continuously testing new devices and working on expanding DualHead2Go compatibility"
Well at least there's hope. Mac Mini users might also want to look at the Tritton USB 2.0 SVGA adapter which they are promising to make Mac friendly someday.

[matt @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

ok wait a min does this mean you can finally hook up an apple 30in display to a notebook or something if you have 2 dvi adaptors?

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Would thi support my iBook G4's graphics card?

[blueaura @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

err, what? linux+xinerama, anyone? i have a plain old ati mobility m6 on my laptop, and can get the same functionality already...

[jazzay @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Heres for compatibility, if your card supports 2560 x 1024 then your all set. But im still trying to figure out what the OS has to do with anything, so you probably shouldnt listen to me ;)

[pimpf @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

This works great already, and it supports Windoze and OSX.

http://www.villagetronic.com/

[John Laur @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Despite all the naysaying in the comments this is an absolutely fantastic product idea. It will open up many possibilities when none existed before. Even though dropping multiple graphics cards into a computer will let you expand your desktop to whatever size you desire, there are still some problems when you need to use all of that screen real estate in a single application, particularly if you need hardware accelerated functions to work properly when you have broken a window in half between two screens.

High end graphics cards typically will allow unified 3d acceleration across only two displays. Using two of these devices on a dual port video card will allow you to paint a 3d accelerated canvas across four monitors... or if you want, 8 monitors with a pair of nvidia cards on one of those nice motherboards with dual pci-e 16x slots.

[a10 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

The great question would be....
can they be chained ? it would be really great to have 8 (or 16 or any power of 2) monitors side by side as a 10240x1024 (or 20480x1024) virtual display. I really can't wait for it!

It would even be better if you could choose for them to work vertically or horizontally... "cheap" way to have a display matrix!!

[db @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

The latest Apple 15" and 17" PowerBooks support the 30" Cinema Display (2560x1600) with no adapters required.

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Too bad you can't have the external displays on either side of the laptop. It'd be nicer to work with the laptop in the middle and the screens on either side.

[Drewsky @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

According to the Matrox site, "Matrox DualHead2Go is compatible with the following systems. In order for DualHead2Go to function properly and for the product warranty to be valid, your system must be included in the list below and you must run the Matrox DualHead2Go System Compatibility Tool to validate your system compatibility prior to purchase."
...and the tool is not yet available. They advise to "check back soon." And for us corporate types that get Dell's there are only 9 models on the list. I hope the list continues to grow, cause I want one and my model (D400) is not on the list.

[Doug Stone @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

You can do this today if you use old laptops instead of monitors with software called MaxiVista.

MaxiVista turns your Laptop PC into a second display.

So you get twice the viewing space without the need to buy costly hardware.

It is available here: www.maxivista.com

I use it on a Dell Inspiron 1100 hooked up to 2 laptops (mounted upside down) and a desktop. That's 4 monitors off one laptop.

[EL ShaDDai @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Matrox DualHead2Go.........Can it workwith the MacMini....i need something like this desperately....Thanks......if it does i 'd buy one immediately

[EL ShaDDai @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Matrox DualHead2Go.........Can it workwith the MacMini....i need something like this desperately....Thanks......if it does i 'd buy one immediately

[k @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Go to the website and download the 5mb file and install the software and it will tell you if your computer is compatible. There's also a link about this at handtops.com

http://www.handtops.com/forum/1508/1/15125/Dual_External_Monitors_for_OQO.html#15125

[k @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

the matrox website is what I mean by go to the website, they have software that will tell you u if it will work or not BEFORE you purchase it.

I agree with what has already been said. VillageTronic's VTBook is better for most if you have a pc card slot as it does super high resolution AND Tritton USB device supports up to SXGA, too.

[EL SHADDAI @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

The Compatibility Software doesnt not download on my MacMini that is why i was asking if it was mac mini compatible..........Plus i've heard of people who purchased it for their mac mini and functions without the software............JUST want to make sure that it works correctltly instead of just blowing away my money.................

[Lee Gibson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Hey, um, Derek? Where do you put a PCI card in YOUR laptop?

Does it involve duct tape? It's got to involve duct tape...