New Laptop - 2 monitors

davindub

Hi,

I have my current laptop connected to 2 monitors (HDMI to DVI & usb3 to VGA) due to the HDMI port and VGA port being "either or" use.

I am looking for a new laptop and am keen to avoid using a usb to vga adapter as the one I have affects connectivity. I used one laptop purchased last year and you could connect VGA and HDMI cables together and extend displays to the 2 monitors.

However, I am noticing on new laptops, they no longer have a VGA port. Anyone any ideas on alternative ports which can be used to connect a 2nd monitor assuming the HDMI is used to connect to the 1st monitor?

Bateman

I am also soon to buy a laptop that I will need to run an extra screen (or two) off so interested to hear the responses to this.

luketitz

ThinkPad or Dell with a docking station or a cheaper option with a HP USB port replicator will do the job!

luketitz

ThinkPad or Dell with a docking station or a cheaper option with a HP USB port replicator will do the job!

Alanstrainor

Something like this is what you want:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Display-Docking-Ethernet-included/dp/B00C631EYU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1506981343&sr=8-5&keywords=usb+docking+station

Your new laptop should have USB 3.0 ports to use with this. Up to 3 monitors.

davindub

luketitz wrote: »

ThinkPad or Dell with a docking station or a cheaper option with a HP USB port replicator will do the job!

Yep its looking like that way now or bring a suitcase to work with a desktop.

Have you used any good port replicators? I was looking at this but 1 very bad detailed review. https://www.amazon.co.uk/HP-H1L08AA-ABU-3005PR-Replicator/dp/B008KMDVME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506981735&sr=8-1&keywords=HP+USB+3.0+Port+Replicator+Docking+Station+%28H1L08AA%23ABA%29

davindub

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Something like this is what you want:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Display-Docking-Ethernet-included/dp/B00C631EYU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1506981343&sr=8-5&keywords=usb+docking+station

Your new laptop should have USB 3.0 ports to use with this. Up to 3 monitors.

Have you tested this one?

Alanstrainor

davindub wrote: »

Have you tested this one?

No I haven't tested this particular one, but I've used a similar one from Toshiba. Anker are a great brand for peripherals.

davindub

Alanstrainor wrote: »

No I haven't tested this particular one, but I've used a similar one from Toshiba. Anker are a great brand for peripherals.

Thanks. Looks like my best option so far!

Bateman

That Anker stuff looks like good kit, where else is it available?

Bateman

bump

Does anyone know if Sky Go "doesn't like" products such as this Anker device? Seems that way from an error I am receiving, but just checking. Seems slightly strange that Sky haven't figured out how to stop you playing Sky Go off a HDMI cable from your laptop to a TV, but can block content once you connect additional displays...

davindub

Bateman wrote: »

bump

Does anyone know if Sky Go "doesn't like" products such as this Anker device? Seems that way from an error I am receiving, but just checking. Seems slightly strange that Sky haven't figured out how to stop you playing Sky Go off a HDMI cable from your laptop to a TV, but can block content once you connect additional displays...

It doesn't work that well if you connect the TV to the laptop when a 2nd monitor is plugged in, I haven't bothered to try and correct, but I don't think its anything to do with Sky Go.

BTW the Anker worked perfectly, I have since bought a desktop, but the anker work perfectly for the 2 displays, so my thanks to Alanstrainor for recommending.

ED E

For future reference daisy chained displays over TB is a great solution for this - if you get the right monitors first.