Dual external monitors on MacBook Pro

Paris · 16 Sept 2008, 19:50

Hey,
Is anyone using dual monitors on a Macbook Pro?

remus · 16 Sept 2008, 19:59

I might be wrong (havent got a macbook pro lying around ) but i dont think theyve got 2 DVI ports, so you wouldnt be able to hook up 2 screens. Might be able to work something using its native screen and an external monitor though.

If per chance you meant the mac pro, then you should be able to run 2 monitors if you have a graphics card with 2 ports.

Chris Fullmer · 16 Sept 2008, 20:07

Do those Mac things support that?

teehheeeehheee

sorry, I can't help myself sometimes. I am not using double monitors (or a mac), but that doesnt much matter. Dual monitors are not officially supported in SketchUp, though many of the developers use them.

Chris

Paris · 16 Sept 2008, 20:39

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a 'hub/switcher' type gizmo so I can use two monitors as one. Worktable on #1 and toolbars etc., on #2.
I have dual 22" monitors setup on my G5 right now and a single 22" external monitor on my MacBook Pro. I used to take the G5 to production offices but it's a hassle lugging it around. A second 22" on the MacBook would be perfect. I've heard there is a way to do this but can't find any info.

Paris · 16 Sept 2008, 20:42

@chris fullmer said:

Do those Mac things support that?

teehheeeehheee

sorry, I can't help myself sometimes. I am not using double monitors (or a mac), but that doesnt much matter. Dual monitors are not officially supported in SketchUp, though many of the developers use them.

Chris

Not to worry Chris... one of these days you will be allowed to play with the grownup's toys.

remus · 16 Sept 2008, 20:45

I did a quick search, and apparently this will do what you want: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/dh2go/

i havent got any personal experience of this though, so youll probably worth reading around it a bit first.

Paris · 16 Sept 2008, 21:58

@remus said:

I did a quick search, and apparently this will do what you want: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/dh2go/

i havent got any personal experience of this though, so youll probably worth reading around it a bit first.

Thx remus.
This is the one I also found and it does everything I need. My issue is with the VGA output to DVI and what appears to be adjustment issues, ie. text is soft. I would need to convert DVI output to VGA then back to DVI or use the VGA input on the monitors.
Hopefully there's someone here who has used this unit.

Edson · 16 Sept 2008, 22:22

i use my macbook pro with a 20" apple screen and it works perfectly: palettes on the small one, model or image on the big one.

but i would not know how to hook two external screens to a macbook.

Paris · 16 Sept 2008, 22:33

@edson said:

i use my macbook pro with a 20" apple screen and it works perfectly: palettes on the small one, model or image on the big one.

but i would not know how to hook two external screens to a macbook.

I'm using a mac wireless keyboard, bluetooth mouse and a 22" external monitor. I want to use the MacBook Pro as a cpu only, close the lid and tuck it away.

On another note: If you find the MacBook gets hot, I posted a fantastic app on freeware that lets you amp-up the fan speed and cool it down.

DavidBoulder · 22 Sept 2008, 18:32

@unknownuser said:

I'm using a mac wireless keyboard, bluetooth mouse and a 22" external monitor. I want to use the MacBook Pro as a cpu only, close the lid and tuck it away.

So you are tucking away your macbook pro screen, and then want to hook up two external screens? Just out of interest, why not just use the laptop screen vs. hauling 2 extra screen around. Plenty big for pallets.

If you want to get complicated keep your mac screen active but close it, then maybe can use another computer (any computer sharing network connection, and use screen sharing), I have fond there isn't much lag on local network.

Or wait to weeks and get tablet mac? Then you can have pretty screen without the keyboard, Maybe?