laptops that can drive 2560x1600 or two 1900x1200

[redhouse]

Hi, I'm in the market for a laptop and the feature I most need is that it can drive a 2560x1600 monitor with dual-link DVI. It doesn't have to run games or do serious graphics work... I just need the big screen for programming.

It'd be great if there is a way to run dual 1900x1200 as well.

Can people recommend particular laptops or tell me how the graphics capabilities will be described if it can run such a monitor. (I'd also like the laptop to be lightweight... either 13 or 15in.

 

[Peter Nixeus]

There are no laptops that can drive an external 2560x1600 via Dual Link DVI output. Laptops with DisplayPort output can.

Most laptops if it has a HDMI output and a VGA output can drive two external 1920x1200 monitors.

 

[Ketchup]

I don't see a laptop itself having the DVI port, but my w530 has a dock that will do it. If you don't want to do a dock, the next closest thing might be a DisplayPort connection.

 

[Stuka87]

Lots of laptops that can. I run dual Dell 2412M's off my Precision M4600 (Via Dock), along with having the laptop open and its display enabled. And as far as I know Dell makes a dock with a dual-link DVI port for larger displays. Although I also think they have a newer dock with display ports on it.

My Precision is not a lightweight. Its a mobile workstation. I do take it a lot of places, but it has some heft to it.

 

[Ketchup]

Lots of laptops that can. I run dual Dell 2412M's off my Precision M4600 (Via Dock), along with having the laptop open and its display enabled. And as far as I know Dell makes a dock with a dual-link DVI port for larger displays. Although I also think they have a newer dock with display ports on it.

My Precision is not a lightweight. Its a mobile workstation. I do take it a lot of places, but it has some heft to it.

I run a similar setup (2 screens plus laptop display). What resolution is your laptop? The only thing I would have done differently is the laptop display. 1920x1080 is a bit much for a 15" screen.

 

[Stuka87]

I run a similar setup (2 screens plus laptop display). What resolution is your laptop? The only thing I would have done differently is the laptop display. 1920x1080 is a bit much for a 15" screen.

Mine is also 1920x1080 with a 15.6" display. Its right on the edge. I actually REALLY wish it was a 1920x1200 display. There is plenty of room for it, but for whatever reason Dell changed to a 16x9 ratio. But most makers have.

 

[redhouse]

well, using an adapter wouldn't be the end of the world... i'm open minded about pc vs. mac and even something as light as the macbook air can run 2560x1600 http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...URE-MACBOOKAIR

 

[Essence_of_War]

If you just need it for display/programming purposes and not graphics, any laptop w/ DP/MDP/TB output would work, and you could get a DP->DVI adapter. It will probably be pricey, there are fairly inexpensive MDP->Single link DVI adapters, but MDP/TB->Dual link DVI is like ~60 USD.

Unfortunately, the standard I've seen in all of the thin/light.

The MBA, and 13/15in rMBP would do the job nicely since they have TB ports.

The HP Specter also has a TB port.

The ThinkPad XI Carbon has a MDP.

What's your budget, and do you have any other preferences?