Best Way of Connecting Two External Monitors to Laptop?

-.- on 25/12/2017 - 14:15
Last edited 25/12/2017 - 15:03

So I recently purchased two Dell U2415 monitors and I wanted to connect both to a laptop (which only has integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500 and one HDMI port). What's the best way of doing it with the highest possible resolution? Just plugging one in via a standard HDMI cable gives me 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, which is okay, but I know the resolution can be higher.

A few options spring to mind:
* HDMI splitter (can be had for a few dollars)
* USB to HDMI adapter (with the other HDMI cable plugged directly into the HDMI female port on the laptop)
* USB to display port adapter (with the other HDMI cable plugged directly into the HDMI female port on the laptop) (something like this with an external video card - http://www.techbuy.com.au/p/394554/VIDEOCARDS_EXTERNAL_VIDEO…)
* A docking station (similar to https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECDM78E/ref=s9_acsd_top…)
* Daisy chaining using displayport (I know that this will not work given that the laptop only has one HDMI port and no DP or mDP, but perhaps it might work with an adapter like the USB to DP adapter)

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks

Computing

Comments

ChunkyToast on 25/12/2017 - 14:25

+1

I use a Dell D3100 Dock Station. Has 2 HDMI Out and runs through connection via USB to the laptop. Also has multiple USBs etc as well
- SimpleRoger on 25/12/2017 - 22:26
  
  $195, nice bargain.
Wystri Warrick on 25/12/2017 - 15:02

Best Way of Connecting Two External Monitors to Laptop?

A multi hookup, Scab is the best to ask about these things, he's very knowledgeable.
- jelko on 25/12/2017 - 19:01
  
  +7
  
  Scab is the worst of OzBargain. Purposely destroying a 15 cent bag from Aldi just so he can get a refund. Disgusting.
  - Diji1 on 25/12/2017 - 19:29
    
    -1
    
    Surely the well meaning environmentalist idiots that bought in the plastic bag legislation are to blame though.
  - mskeggs on 25/12/2017 - 21:54
    
    I guess we should ignore any valuable knowledge they share here for free because they once ripped a plastic bag.
decadent1 on 25/12/2017 - 18:07

Lots of options here. Nearly all use the DisplayLink drivers.
http://www.dx.com/s/usb+to+HDMI?cateId=0&cateName=All%20Cate…
Gravy on 25/12/2017 - 19:51

No VGA port as well?
- Presence on 25/12/2017 - 20:02
  
  Most laptops wont use both HDMI and VGA at the same time.
  - Gravy on 25/12/2017 - 20:38
    
    You sure? Ive got a Dell laptop, few years old with a 650m GPU and does HDMI and VGA output at the same time. I've also got an old Emachines bog standard laptop with just an Intel GMA 4500M and it also does VGA and HDMI simultaneously (found it on the side of the road with a smashed screen, but works with external monitors.
    
    Edit: Just checked specs on the Op's monitors and they have no VGA input, however if the laptop has a VGA port they may be able to use a converter such as https://www.jaycar.com.au/vga-to-hdmi-video-converter/p/AC16…
- -.- on 25/12/2017 - 21:06
  
  Only one HDMI unfortunately … it's an ultrabook! You have to sacrifice some functionality for form these days
  - Gravy on 25/12/2017 - 21:25
    
    Ah… then USB to whatever then. Have never used one though. Assume it has it got a USB 3 port?
Presence on 25/12/2017 - 20:02

A few options spring to mind:
* HDMI splitter (can be had for a few dollars)

A splitter is more accurately called a duplicator. The only thing it will do is show the same image on both the screens.

Best Way of Connecting Two External Monitors to Laptop?

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