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Aea

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
May 23, 2007
838
208
Denver, Colorado
My work recently has been requiring that I spend time doing traditional development on a Mac, this really means lots of code, debug, etc windows open at once. I have a MacBook Pro (15") and a 1920x1200 Monitor, but I'm finding myself more and more constrained for space and know I could become much more productive by having more screens to work with. Now I know a Mac Pro would be the best for this, but I'm not particularly keen on getting on until a refresh and until Snow Leopard. I don't really need the power of one either, my laptop does everything I want it to do and more.

The MBP only has one DVI output, I could get a Matrox TripleHead2Go and then connect another 1920x1200 monitor to my system, but that's quite pricy by itself.

Matrox TripleHead2Go $300 @ NewEgg
+
A Matching Monitor (http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop...24"+Wide+1000:1+5MS+LCD-Monitors&dpno=7502310) for a $100 premium over what I paid for it a month ago.

I've heard conflicting reports, but I think that it should work with displays this size. I don't want the DualHead2Go because that only has a VGA input.

My other option would be building a, yes cringe, Hackintosh for temporary use. I don't doubt that it's possible to build a pretty high end system this way for a low price, but I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm worried that it won't work as well as I would expect. Once Snow Leopard hits it'll probably be relegated right to file server duties so it won't go to waste. But at least this way I could get more then two monitors in and won't be paying a $300 premium just to connect them (although as an option this is more expensive overall). Also makes me feel a bit guilty.

Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
 
If you are planning on getting a Mac Pro then you could sell the TripleHead2Go and probably take at most a $150 loss. You're going to take a financial hit one way or another on this you just need to work out what makes the most sense for you from a time and money perspective.
 
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