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ViBook looses DisplayLink USB-to-DVI adapter with support for six-screen spanning
DisplayLink USB monitors are starting to trickle out a little more frequently now, but USB graphics cards based on the tech are still somewhat rare -- we've seen a couple, but VillageTronic's ViBook box is the only one that comes with software to span an image across up to six screens at once. That's right, the bundled VT MultiDisplay software will let you create a single giant Windows desktop out of six 1600 x 1200 22-inch displays if you buy enough of the $130 dongles -- Mac users can do the same with four screens. The dongle can be outfitted with a VESA cradle that allows it to hide discreetly behind your monitor, and while we don't know what the upper limit of graphics performance is, we do know that we'd kill for a gigantic 4800 x 2400 workspace. Weekend project, anyone?[Thanks, Becky]
Acer ships 22-inch B223 DisplayLink USB monitor in Europe
The whole DisplayLink thing still hasn't completely caught fire or anything, but it's getting there -- slowly, but surely. Now, Acer has a new USB-connected monitor that's shipping in Europe, the 22-inch B223. The unit is part of the outfit's B series of monitors and features a decidedly ho hum 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, a DL-160 network display chip that enables up to six of these to be connected to a single PC and a 5-millisecond response time. You should definitely expect a premium when getting all this USB-y functionality, but €339 ($430) just seems, how do you say... outrageous?[Via Electronista]
GrandTec's USB-to-HDMI adapter does exactly what it says
Those wary of having just one option when it comes to choosing a USB-to-HDMI adapter can breathe a huge sigh of relief, as merely hours after Atlona's AT-HDPiX hit the scene, in flies a top-notch rival from Sewell Direct. The GrandTec SW-20189 USB-to-HDMI converter channels high-def video (up to 720p) through a user's USB port and into a HDMI-accepting display. The primarily difference between this device and the aforementioned Atlona is how it handles audio; you see, this box features a Display Link chip that removes the burden of bandwidth from the USB cable, enabling both audio and video to run through the same copper. 'Course, the lower price tag ($129.95) doesn't hurt things either. Expect this one to start shipping on November 17th.
Mitsubishi's RDT201WDL DisplayLink monitor now available
Laptop user looking for some dual-display action? Mitsubishi's new DisplayLink-equipped RDT201WDL WIDE LCD is a 20.1-inch wide-format monitor that features a USB hub, built-in Ethernet and WSXGA+ (1,680 x 1,050) resolution. Energy-conscious consumers will enjoy the on-screen energy meter and three levels of power usage, and we can all appreciate the fact that this monitor uses up to 36 percent less juice than a traditional LCD (in addition to the traditional savings DisplayLink provides by skipping the discrete graphics card). This item is currently available in Japan, and there's no word yet on a Stateside release date.[Via Business Wire]
Sony VAIO VGP-UPR1 notebook dock boasts DisplayLink technology
Lookin' a USB docking station for your VAIO (or other machine)? Look no further than the VAIO-branded VGP-UPR1, which is compatible with a whole alphabet worth of Sony's laptops. The unit boasts a VGA / DVI port, four USB sockets, an Ethernet jack and headphone / microphone connectors; furthermore, it supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200, and of course, DisplayLink's USB graphics technology. Not too terribly painful at $199.99, and it's out now for folks in the US, EU and Japan.[Via CNET]
ASUS USB-N11 Wireless N USB adapter ships with EZLink
We'll admit, ASUS has us scratching our noggins on this one. Just last month, the outfit coaxed us into believing that EZLink was simply its way of saying DisplayLink. Now, however, it seems that it's a blanket term being used anytime ASUS "simplifies" something. Whatever the case may be, the outfit has introduced its newest Wireless N USB adapter, the USB-N11. Sporting integrated support for Mac, Windows and Linux-based computers, this draft-N compliant device also features a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button -- this is where the EZLink comes in -- that "allows users to setup a protected networking environment with ease." Per usual, there's no mention of a price or release date, so it's on you to keep an eye out for it to land anytime, anywhere.[Via I4U News]
InFocus IN3100 / IN1100 series projectors nab DisplayLink
DisplayLink monitors are fine and dandy, but what if you're looking to get that PowerPoint presentation even bigger? Enter InFocus' IN3100 / IN1100 series of multimedia projectors, both of which claim to be the first of their kind with DisplayLink embedded. With a simple USB-to-PC connection, the beamers blast whatever totally boring and equally insignificant chart you're being forced to speak on upside the wall. As for specs, we're left in the dark with regard to resolution (hint: don't set your expectations too high), but the IN3100 series boasts 3,000 to 3,500 lumens and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio while the IN1100 series offers up 2,000 lumens and an 1,800:1 contrast ratio. You can slap the former (starting at $1,499) on your corporate card later this month, but you'll be waiting until early August before nabbing the $1,099 and up IN1100.
ASUS VW223B and VW202B DisplayLink monitors now on sale
We originally spotted ASUS' DisplayLink-equipped VW223B back at CeBIT, but now it -- alongside the 20.1-inch VW202B -- is finally available. Both LCDs boast a WSXGA+ (1,680 x 1,050) resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time and VGA / USB 2.0 connectors. The USB functionality is being coined EzLink by ASUS, but it's no different than the DisplayLink you've grown to know and love. As per ASUS' apparent internal guidelines, it has completely failed in dishing out pricing information for the freshly available duo, but hey, at least we know they're out there!
Kensington starts shipping DisplayLink Dual Monitor Adapter
Kensington has been touting its DisplayLink Dual Monitor Adapter since before it even had a product to show off, but the company's now apparently finally gotten its act together and pushed the device out the door. Like similar devices, this one will let you add a second monitor with nothing more than a USB connection, or up to six monitors if you want to string a bunch of the adapters together. You still won't get more than a 1440 x 900 or 1280x 1024 resolution, however, but thanks to those recently released drivers, you will now be able to use it with Macs in addition to XP or Vista-based PCs. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the price has taken a bit of a jump since the company's initial estimates, with it now running $120 instead of the even $100 we were first promised.
EVGA intros sub-$100 UV12 and UV16 USB graphics adapters
We've heard your cries for USB-to-DVI adapters that don't cost two arms and a good portion of your left leg, and apparently so has EVGA. Announced today with DisplayLink, the company is serving up two new USB graphics adapters (UGAs) in the UV Plus+ family of wares, both of which are hitting resellers as we speak for "well under $100." Both peripherals are designed to play nice in Windows XP and Vista, and while the UV12 supports resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024 (1,440 x 900 widescreen), the UV16 goes all the way up to 1,600 x 1,200 (1,680 x 1,050 widescreen). Kudos for lowering the bar EVGA, now it's time for everyone else to follow suit.
DisplayLink releases beta drivers for OS X
Folks hanging on the Mac side of life have surely been waiting in tense anticipation for DisplayLink to become OS X friendly, for like, ever. As promised, the first drivers have emerged in order to give Intel-based Macs (yes, MacBook Air and Mac mini are included) the ability to connect with up to four monitors over USB. Granted, the beta software has no 2D acceleration and no OpenGL 3D acceleration, but both limitations are known and will hopefully be ironed out in the final release. So, what are you waiting for? Tap the read link below to get your download on -- but be sure to read up on the documentation before forging ahead without a care in the world.[Thanks, Mike]
InFocus projectors adding DisplayLink USB graphics
It may (or may not) be wireless, but InFocus will apparently be one of the first companies to incorporate DisplayLink's USB graphics directly into their future projectors. No other details, that's all we've got for now, we'll let you know when they've actually got gear to announce.
ASUS does DisplayLink with VW223B 22-inch LCD
Hard to go wrong with a little bit of DisplayLink, and ASUS giving its VW223B the full USB treatment. The 1680 x 1050 display can accept a VGA plug, but the real magic happens over USB. You can plug up to six of these monitors into your PC and run them at full resolution, and the VW223B even includes a few USB plugs to help with the daisy-chain. The 5ms response time and 3000:1 sweeten the deal. No word on price or availability just yet, but we're starting to get a serious DisplayPort hankering up in here.%Gallery-17518%
I-O Data's USB-to-DVI adapter plays nice with Aero
USB-to-DVI adapters have certainly progressed a good ways over the years, and I-O Data's ain't too shabby, either. The external graphics dongle supports resolutions up to 1,680 x 1,050, measures in at 57- × 85- × 22-millimeters and even plays nice with Vista's Aero Glass interface. Unfortunately, it's not so compatible with Open GL or HDCP. That's a little too hamstrung for our ¥14,600 ($135), but to each their own.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Video: DisplayLink technology showcased at CES
We've been hearing a bit here and there about DisplayLink ever since just after CES last year, but Mahalo Daily's Veronica Belmont was actually able to swing by the booth and grab some video this go 'round. 'Course, you should fully expect an extraordinarily monotonous rep in this one, but just focus on the technology, people.
IOGEAR demonstrates WUSB Graphics Adapter
IOGEAR and DisplayLink are here with the second wireless USB demo at CES. This time, we've got an adapter that adds multiple "high-resolution" displays via a WUSB connection between laptops, desktops and their WUSB enabled monitors. IOGEAR's new WUSB to VGA Video Adapter supports "instantaneous mouse and keyboard movements" with output resolutions as high as 1680 x 1050 pixels and 16.7 million colors -- presumably less (they don't say) as you add multiple displays. Expect the Wireless USB Graphics Adapter (UGA) to be commercially available by mid 2008. We don't have a picture yet, but it's likely to look a whole lot like the DisplayLink reference design you're looking at to the right.
Kensington teams with DisplayLink for USB Dual Monitor Adapter
While it hasn't gone so far as to take advantage of DisplayLink's wireless USB video card know-how, Kensington has turned to the company for some help with its new USB Dual Monitor Adapter, which should still get the job doe even it adds a bit more clutter to your desk. Somewhat notably, this one includes both VGA and DVI connectors, and it'll give you your choice of mirrored or extended desktops. Unfortunately (for some), you'll have to make do with a max 1440 x 1050 resolution on widescreen displays or 1280 x 1024 on standard monitors, but you will get full 32-bit color depth and promised " smooth DVD video playback," but as with most of these, Kensington makes no promises about gaming performance. If that's not too much of a compromise for you, you'll be able to grab one of these early in the second quarter of this year for an even $100.
DisplayLink's new VGC 4.3 supports Vista Aero 3D
Since simply having a USB-fed monitor would not be bleeding edge enough for you, DisplayLink has updated its Virtual Graphics Card software to support the Windows Vista Aero 3D interface. The update, version 4.3, is available to all DisplayLink-based systems, including USB graphics adapters, docking stations and monitors. DisplayLink claims it's the first implementation of Aero in a network display technology, and since you can plug in up to six displays with VGC, certain maths would say that adds up to a whole bunch of Aero.
DisplayLink, Alereon intro wireless USB video card reference design
DisplayLink's certainly no stranger to wireless monitors, but it now looks set to push the technology even further along, with it and Alereon trotting out a new reference design for a wireless USB video card (and corresponding monitor adapter). That'll apparently let you use a monitor at a distance of up to three meters, with a throughput of 120-150mbps and lossless compression ensuring that "the image users see is the same that they'd get with a wired monitor," according to Wi-Fi Planet. What's more, you should also be able to use up to six displays at the same time, "theoretically," although DisplayLink admits that gamers likely won't be satisfied. While this is just a reference design, DisplayLink says the final adapter set should run between $150 and $250 when its released in the spring, while monitors with the technology built-in will apparently demand $150 "or more" than a comparable non-wireless model (those are expected in mid-2008).[Via DailyWireless]
LG FlatronWide L206WU USB monitor comes to North America
LG is announcing today that it's bringing the 20-inch FlatronWide L206WU USB-based monitor to North America. You may have seen the display over at our sister site Engadget Chinese, where you can also check on the specs: in case you don't know Chinese, the L206WU is based around a Samsung SyncMaster 940UX and has a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 170 degree horizontal / vertical viewing angles, and most importantly eschews DVI and VGA for a USB connection that can be daisy chained over five more displays. Other USB-based display options have generally included some form of built-in lag due to the restrictions of the USB connection, so it'll be interesting to see whether LG and its partner DisplayLink have managed to provide a solution. Price and availability dates are yet to be announced.
