Hardware

Maxtrox TripleHead2Go, Digital Edition: The Right Tool for the Job?

By // November 27, 2007, 5:25 AM PST // paulmah

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  • 3 Monitors in 1280 x 1024 mode

    When ALT-TAB no longer cuts it for navigating the half dozen or more application windows you have in use at any given time, you typically solve the problem by switching over to a multi-monitor setup. It's usually a trivial matter to slot in additional video cards for a desktop. But what if you're dealing with a small form-factor PC that doesn't have the slot for more video cards, or a laptop to which you need to add two or more external monitors? That's where the Matrox TripleHead2Go enters the picture.

    View this gallery for a look at TripleHead2Go in action.

    Read a concise summary of the Matrox TripleHead2Go's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

    3 Monitors connected to the Matrox TripleHead2Go in action. Laptop used is Sony SZ-series, with lid closed.

  • Close-up of the Matrox TripleHead2Go

    Note the 3 DVI connectors on the far end.On the side facing the camera, you see that the VGA input has been utilized, leaving a DVI connector still un-used. What's that, you ask? The TripleHead2Go actually supports DVI input as well. However, according to John from Grotech (Asia distributor of Matrox products), only laptops from Apple support DVI at the moment.

  • Closer look - 1 monitor

    A close-up look at one of the monitors...

  • Closer look - 3 monitors

    A close-up look at all three of the monitors. Note the visualization on the Windows Media Player that is playing. Due to the native acceleration from the graphics card, everything is crisp and smooth.

  • Back view of monitors

    With the help of some cable ties, your workstation can remain relatively clear.

  • Closer look - 3 monitors (laptop open)

    A close-up look at all three of the monitors with laptop display open.

  • Matrox TripleHead2Go

    Matrox TripleHead2Go connected to laptop's VGA-out port.

  • TripleHead2Go driver options

    Device driver for the TripleHead2Go appears as a tray icon. Right clicking on that brings up the menu.

  • GXM Setup

    Detects the various modes supported by the monitors.

  • Desktop Management

    Allows you to configure various desktop settings. Note the option to "Maximize across all displays." You can also set the display in which new application windows will appear.

  • Driver - About

    About information appears on this screen.

  • Driver - Help

    Help file

  • Driver - Desktop Divider

    Allows you to setup the desktop divider. Basically, the desktop divider allows you to set the "size" of the desktop so that application windows snaps to the correct size when you maximize them.

  • Windows Display Properties

    Note the wide-screen display.

  • Driver - Bezel Management

    This allows you to define and set bezel-related configuration.

    The Right Tool for the Job?

    If you need to work with 2 or more monitors on your laptop, then this is definitely the right tool for you. Setup is simple and intuitive, and its stability and performance is rock solid. Its software driver also ensures that application windows behave correct by snapping them to the right monitor when you attempt to "maximize" them. Overall, TripleHead2Go is something I would definitely consider getting for my laptop if Santa Claus were to drop 2 or 3 LCD monitors at my doorstep this Christmas.

    Read a concise summary of the Matrox TripleHead2Go's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

3 Monitors in 1280 x 1024 mode

When ALT-TAB no longer cuts it for navigating the half dozen or more application windows you have in use at any given time, you typically solve the problem by switching over to a multi-monitor setup. It's usually a trivial matter to slot in additional video cards for a desktop. But what if you're dealing with a small form-factor PC that doesn't have the slot for more video cards, or a laptop to which you need to add two or more external monitors? That's where the Matrox TripleHead2Go enters the picture.

View this gallery for a look at TripleHead2Go in action.

Read a concise summary of the Matrox TripleHead2Go's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

3 Monitors connected to the Matrox TripleHead2Go in action. Laptop used is Sony SZ-series, with lid closed.

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About Paul Mah

Paul Mah is a writer and blogger who lives in Singapore, where he has worked for a number of years in various capacities within the IT industry. Paul enjoys tinkering with tech gadgets, smartphones, and networking devices.