Dual external monitors with MBP SOLVED (not Matrox!)

[rotobadger]

For the last few weeks I've been trying to find a way to use my 2010 MBP with two external monitors (preferably two 24 inch Cinema Displays). I wanted an extended desktop setup but found the ONLY option was to use the the Matrox Dualhead2go (or similar) which simply doubled resolution and gave you one giant desktop spread over two monitors.

Well, today I purchased the Kensington Universal Notebook Docking Station. And...it works. ACD is plugged in via Mini Displayport and the second monitor (a 22 inch Samsung in this case) is plugged in with USB/DVI. Full extended desktop functionality which works on both OSX and Windows 7 (Bootcamp).

I'm going to pick up a DVI to Mini Displayport to get the two Cinema Displays to work together.

Just wanted to pass this along as I know a few other people have had this issue.

 

[troy14]

For the last few weeks I've been trying to find a way to use my 2010 MBP with two external monitors (preferably two 24 inch Cinema Displays). I wanted an extended desktop setup but found the ONLY option was to use the the Matrox Dualhead2go (or similar) which simply doubled resolution and gave you one giant desktop spread over two monitors.

Well, today I purchased the Kensington Universal Notebook Docking Station. And...it works. ACD is plugged in via Mini Displayport and the second monitor (a 22 inch Samsung in this case) is plugged in with USB/DVI. Full extended desktop functionality which works on both OSX and Windows 7 (Bootcamp).

I'm going to pick up a DVI to Mini Displayport to get the two Cinema Displays to work together.

Just wanted to pass this along as I know a few other people have had this issue.

I'm in the same boat. Can you link what one you bought and what resolutions you're running at? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hoverX]

Does this setup allow you to use 2 monitors and your laptop monitor all at the same time?

 

[Sneakz]

Or you could just use any DisplayLink adapter.

Its not a "real" solution. Try playing 1080P on the display thats connected over USB and see how well that works. Hint: it doesn't.

There is a reason the Matrox is expensive.

 

[rotobadger]

Or you could just use any DisplayLink adapter.

Its not a "real" solution. Try playing 1080P on the display thats connected over USB and see how well that works. Hint: it doesn't.

There is a reason the Matrox is expensive.

"Real" solution is a subjective term. For me, it is a real solution. As I've stated in some other posts regarding my set up, I don't need to play video on the second monitor. I use it for the many windows I need to have open for files and reference while I work. The Matrox is expensive and spreads the desktop over both monitors. Frankly, I find that set up up less usable than the one I've described.

Your suggestion is not a "real" solution either.