USB monitors or adapters?

[CTho9305]

Does anyone have experience with USB monitors or USB->DVI adapters? I'm using an i5-based laptop that can only drive a total of two displays with the IGP, but I'd like to use two external monitors plus the built-in display at the same time. I'd also really like to be able to fullscreen applications across the two external monitors if possible. Can that be done? Does the USB part introduce enough lag to matter for ordinary office work?

 

[Destiny]

Does anyone have experience with USB monitors or USB->DVI adapters? I'm using an i5-based laptop that can only drive a total of two displays with the IGP, but I'd like to use two external monitors plus the built-in display at the same time. I'd also really like to be able to fullscreen applications across the two external monitors if possible. Can that be done? Does the USB part introduce enough lag to matter for ordinary office work?

Yes it can be done with a USB to DVI adpaters... I have one on a dual monitor set up on a desktop PC one of my intern uses... good enough for office work - but not for professional photo shopping or gaming purposes.

 

[Dratickon]

I also use one at work to drive my third monitor. All three monitors are the same, but there is a slight, yet noticeable, delay on the one connected through USB. Also, the colors seem to be faded/washed out a bit compared to the other two. Overall, it's nice to have for things that don't change much or can be left in one place, such as Outlook or SQL Studio, but the reduced response rate really drives me crazy for any other uses.

 

[CTho9305]

Can apps like VNC viewers or Citrix be fullscreened across the two external monitors?

 

[pabs]

Do you mean one window stretched across 2 monitors? If so, then yes I can do that with my VNC viewer although its only running in 800x600 at the moment. Note that I am using a USB -> VGA adapter as well. As far as I can tell VNC viewer (on my machine) works no differently than the triple monitor setup we have in the back of the office (PC with 2 discrete cards).

As has been noted above, there is a noticeable amount of lag associated with these adapters. I use the 2nd screen for Outlook and spreadsheets mainly, I have used it for some CAD work, but it was a real pain to use it in that manner.

 

[PrincessFrosty]

I've used EVGAs UV+ range to do USB to DVI/VGA as 2nd/3rd monitors on managers PCs in the office before, they work very well, the software allows them to extend desktop across them, the maximum resolution depends on the model you get.

They have basically zero processing power so don't expect to do anything too fancy on them past basic desktop rendering.

 

[n0x1ous]

I use a SiiG USB to VGA for my 3rd monitor at work. Works great for office work, but would be bad for gaming or photo work. was about 40 bux from amazon i think. Runs the usual displayport drivers...