Maxtrox TripleHead2Go, Digital Edition: The Right Tool for the Job?
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3 Monitors in 1280 x 1024 mode
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
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
Closer look - 1 monitor
A close-up look at one of the monitors…
Closer look - 3 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
Back view of monitors
With the help of some cable ties, your workstation can remain relatively clear.
Closer look - 3 monitors (laptop open)
Closer look - 3 monitors (laptop open)
A close-up look at all three of the monitors with laptop display open.
Matrox TripleHead2Go
Matrox TripleHead2Go
Matrox TripleHead2Go connected to laptop’s VGA-out port.
TripleHead2Go driver options
TripleHead2Go driver options
Device driver for the TripleHead2Go appears as a tray icon. Right clicking on that brings up the menu.
GXM Setup
GXM Setup
Detects the various modes supported by the monitors.
Desktop Management
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
Driver - About
About information appears on this screen.
Driver - Help
Driver - Help
Help file
Driver - Desktop Divider
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
Windows Display Properties
Note the wide-screen display.
Driver - Bezel Management
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.
