Question about operating with 3 displays...

[tinpanalley]

At work I'm running a laptop which has the display outputted to two LCDs. But needing full use of those screens, I'd like to have the laptop's display on as well to do things like email. Is there any way to do this or can Windows only handle sharing with ONE other display?

I'm on a Lenovo T420 on Windows 7 Professional.

Thanks!

 

[DesiPower]

By default its not possible. Even two displays in possible, probably bcoz a docking port is being used, which has a VGA and a DVI port.
It all depends on the video card, not the OS. All general LT's on-board Videos can handle 2 displays only. If you need to use more than 2 you need eternal, USB video cards.

 

[tinpanalley]

Well, I already have it set to export the display to two extended monitors, but what I need is for the laptop's own display to be on as well.

 

[DesiPower]

Again, it does not matter how and whats connect to the LT, the video card can handle 2 displays only (external or attached monitor). In order to get 3 displays, you have have to connect a USB video card, attach one external monitor to LT's port, one to the USB's port and now you should be able to see three display's on your window's display manager...

 

[tinpanalley]

So, basically something like this...
http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC2020DW6/

 

[DesiPower]

Yes, exactly, but do some more research before you buy, I am not 100% sure if it will work, you may still be stuck with 2 displays for some other reason...