Test System
| System Hardware | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium M Processor 770(2.13 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache) |
| Test platform | HP Compaq nw8240Mobile Intel 915PM Express |
| RAM | 1024 MB SODIMM1x 1024 MB DDR2-533 |
| Hard Drive | Hitachi Travelstar HTS541080-G9AT0080 GB, 5.400 rpm, 8 MB Cache, ATA100 |
| Networking | Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet |
| Graphics Card | ATI FireGL V5000 128 MBPackaging 8.1033-050208a-021072C |
| System Software & Drivers | |
| OS | Windows XP Professional 5.10.2600, Service Pack 2 |
| DirectX Version | 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904) |
| Graphics Driver | ATI 6.14.10.6521 |
Conclusion
Using All Three Displays
The Matrox DualHead2Go works flawlessly and is definitely worth its price for those who need lots of screen real estate to get things done. Unlike other external solutions, the virtualization of an auxiliary monitor is fast and doesn't suffer from resolution quality problems.
You also have to give some thought as to how to arrange your workspace with the extra monitors. After a short while, we switched our monitor arrangement from three displays in a row and placed both external monitors side-by-side behind the laptop. This was as much a function of our test bay layout as it was a matter of what worked best for our needs.
It's sad that Matrox didn't take its software technology the extra step by delivering multiple virtual monitors on individual displays (as far as this is possible). This would enable users to place monitors both to the right and left of the internal notebook display. But perhaps Microsoft isn't yet ready to permit aftermarket vendors to dig this deep into the innards of its display subsystem.
