Connecting a laptop to two external monitors

I am trying to find out if it possible to connect my laptop to two external monitors, with each monitor displaying its own desktop (i.e. not broadcasting an identical image to multiple screens). Ideally I would then like to have the laptop monitor display nothing so that the total number of desktops is two (two externals) instead of three (two externals + laptop).

My laptop is a Dell Vostro 1500 with a GeForce 8400 GS video card with a single VGA output port. Also, in case anyone was going to suggest a docking station, it is my understanding that the Vostro line (or at least this model) does not have any docking capability.

Thank you very much.

Abiel

 

It is expensive, but the Matrox Dual Head 2 Go is really your only option.

 

Matrox products can do this, http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/home.php

 

There is a USB video adapter on the market, although I've never used one. I really doubt USB can push enough data to keep up with VGA or DVI and really hi-res, but you might search for some reviews.

 

USB is like 640x480 (my gamebridge does this), I think some may do 1280x800 but I know for sure you cant expect multiple high resolution monitors across a single usb connection.

 

Your only options are the matrox dual head 2 go, for two external monitors, or their triple head 2 go for three external monitors.
The price tag is going to be a bout $250 for thw dual head, and about $350 for the triple head.
The price is well worth it, since Matrox manufacturers all of their products in the United States.
I am going to be doing a triple monitor setup for my dorm room next year, so I am going to be getting a triple head 2 go.

K-TRON

 

He needs the analog version since its VGA and I do think that the analog version has gone down in price since the digital one is here now. He also would be smart to see if maybe ebay has some used ones for those people who owned one and upgraded.

 

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like the Dual Head 2 Go Digital edition would be one solution. According to the website it does connect to a VGA output port, and it supports the resolution I was looking for (two 22" widescreen monitors). My only concern is it only able support a refresh rate of 60 hertz when displaying at the native 22" resolution. It's been a long time since I did anything below 75 hertz, but I seem to remember some eye strain when using 60 hertz for lengthy periods of time.

 

You plan to use CRTs? A LCD runs at 60z for 99.9% of models out there and doesnt have the same issues as a CRT with refresh rate since the image is not "drawn" on screen.

 

ViciousXUSMC,

Actually I am planning on using LCDs. It appears then that my discussion of the refresh rate for an LCD doesn't make sense then! Thanks for clarifying this.

Abiel

 

USB to DVI External Video Card, High Resolution, 1600 x 1200 $129.95

http://sewelldirect.com/USB-to-DVI-External-Video-Card-High-Resolution.asp

A Quick Guide to Multi-Display Computing

 

Yeah thats neat and all, but its an external video card and its only for one monitor. Asus had something like this that hooked a 7800gtx to your computer via USB (I think it was a 7800gtx, you could actually open the unit up and put your own video card in there anyways)