If you have a MacBook Pro, you can connect a monitor to the notebook via an inexpensive adapter. This Kensington dock product allows you to connect a second monitor to the notebook so that you have a total of three screens including the notebook screen.
If you follow these instructions, then this device works fine with the latest (April 2010 refresh) MacBook Pro notebooks running 10.6.3.
1. Buy and set up the dock but DO NOT INSTALL THE SOFTWARE THAT COMES WITH IT
2. Download the 64-bit driver (currently a beta) from DisplayLink and install it:
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The 32-bit driver (which is not a beta) will work fine on Snow Leopard unless you need a portrait mode (screen rotation). The 64-bit driver fixes that. I'm running 1200x1920 (the max resolution) in portrait mode with no problems.
Previous to this, I was using ScreenRecycler, which is a lot slower. The video speed of this dock isn't "native", but it's acceptable for browsing and word processing, and it even runs YouTube fine in windowed mode (but NOT in full-screen mode -- you can see the lag). Kensington Universal Notebook Docking Station with VGA/DVI - sd300v
I am using this with my new Lenovo T410 Thinkpad.
My setup is as follows:
Lenovo T410 Thinkpad running Windows 7, 64-bit with 6GB of RAM and integrated graphics with Intel i5-540 processor
23" Dell monitor (2048x1152) plugs directly into Thinkpad VGA out
20" Dell monitor (1600x1200) plugs into Kensington Dock using the VGA to DisplayPort converter
Microsoft USB mouse plugs into Kensington Dock
Headset (headphones w/ microphone) plug into from slots of Kensington Dock
USB from Dell Monitor (for its built-in webcam and microphone) plugs into Kensington Dock
USB from Kensington Dock plugs into Thinkpad
PS/2 to USB converter (for PS/2 keyboard/mouse) plugs into laptop (it's flaky and doesn't work on Thinkpad's other USB ports or on Kensington dock)
When I boot up my computer from fully off, everything comes up alright
When I get to the office and boot up my computer before connecting anything, I usually plug in the VGA cable (from 23" monitor) into the laptop first. Then once it is displaying, I plug in the USB from the Kensington Dock. I have my windows task bar show up on the 23" monitor, but I can easily set it to show up on any of the three. Similarly, I can reposition monitors, and indicate where they are in relation to each other through the Windows 7 display settings interface.
Every once in a while, when I come out of hibernation, and plug the USB from the Kensingon Dock into my laptop before or after I plug in the VGA from the other monitor, the DisplayPort drivers (for the Kensington Dock) crash. In this case, a reboot fixes it. A log off and log in may also fix it, but Windows 7 boots pretty quickly.
Overall, happy with the device. Every once in a while, the cursor does seem to freeze a little bit, but this may be due to all the programs I have open. I am able to stream video and watch it on the 20" monitor connected to the dock. I also generally have music streaming, which has to be sent through the dock's USB cable to my headphones, and that works flawlessly. What also is cool, is that the volume up/down on my Thinkpad will control whatever is the active sound device (headphone through front dock, or speakers through back of dock, or speakers on laptop (if nothing plugged into dock).
I would recommend this dock to friends. I believe the problems people saw in other reviews may have been ironed out by the firmware/software updates over the last year.
Only note, is that you can't do high-end fast-moving graphics development on the monitor that is connected to the dock, since there is going to be somewhat of a bottleneck on refresh speed. The monitor works well for Powerpoint, Email (outlook), Word, web browsing, etc.
Also, note that since I am essentially using three displays simultaneously (23" monitor, 20" monitor, laptop screen), some of my lag/system freezing issues could be because of that.
A great idea in concept. The unit installed without a hitch. Performs well during tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, etc. But beware: for apps that require graphics speed (computer games, etc.), this is not what you want. On some games the apps wouldn't launch. On others, the graphics were "herky-jerky" at best. I spoke with Kensington tech support about this matter and was told that "They do not recommend this Docking Station for computer games and the like". I told him that this was never mentioned in the product description, he then gave his apologies a second time. Needless to say, I had to return this item..
This dock works perfectly with my laptop, 23" monitor, wireless keyboard and trackball mouse, external HD, printer and Wifi router! This dock was purchased as my older Targus dock didn't have the newer resolutions to support my new 23" monitor. It was so easy to install, setup and when I plug it in, everything automatically syncs and works to the settings I set for all components. And a great price after doing much research. - Docking Stations - Displaylink - Laptop Docking Stations - Notebook Dock'
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