Two monitors on a laptop with only HDMI and USB ports

[timeshifter]

One of my customers has two Asus laptops, model
UX360CA-UBM1T.

(note, I tried to post an Amazon link to it, but the forum seems to convert it to something else)

Each laptop has two 24" monitors that have HDMI, VGA and DVI inputs. They want to have it set up for all three screens: built-in screen and two externals. No mirroring, three separate workspaces.

Currently they're working with the internal screen and one external hooked up to the HDMI port. Works fine. The problem is the second external screen.

I'm pretty sure HDMI is out. Don't think there's any kind of external HDMI splitter that does anything more than mirror.

So I guess my only option is some kind of USB to HDMI (or VGA or DVI).

The computer does have one USB C port. Was all ready to order this USB C to HDMI adapter.

https://smile.amazon.com/USB-Type-C...ie=UTF8&qid=1491414571&sr=8-1&keywords=jca153

Then I noticed the Amazon description described the port as "1x Gen 1 USB 3.1 Type-C" and got a little nervous.

Anyone worked through something like this already?

 

[Encrypted Existence]

I would advise them to invest in a docking station. I am currently using a 3 screen setup (one being my laptop screen) with no mirroring. Prior to getting a docking station I was using a USB>HDMI converter that worked, but caused a resolution mismatch betwixt external monitors bc the adapter was unable to support the native res of my screen. If your client can stand the res mismatch, the adapter is cheaper. I would recommend the docking station as the best solution here. You can sell it by adding "you'll never have to remove whatever is plugged in via USB everytime you take your lappie away from your desk now! Yay!" Honestly, just not having to unplug everything stationary that is connected to my laptop everytime I have to go to a mtg is worth the station's weight in gold.

 

[timeshifter]

I would advise them to invest in a docking station. I am currently using a 3 screen setup (one being my laptop screen) with no mirroring. Prior to getting a docking station I was using a USB>HDMI converter that worked, but caused a resolution mismatch betwixt external monitors bc the adapter was unable to support the native res of my screen. If your client can stand the res mismatch, the adapter is cheaper. I would recommend the docking station as the best solution here. You can sell it by adding "you'll never have to remove whatever is plugged in via USB everytime you take your lappie away from your desk now! Yay!" Honestly, just not having to unplug everything stationary that is connected to my laptop everytime I have to go to a mtg is worth the station's weight in gold.

Do you have any docking stations that you recommend?

This machine doesn't have any kind of docking station port.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

Do you have any docking stations that you recommend?

This machine doesn't have any kind of docking station port.

Well in this case I wouldn't recommend a docking station at all considering the laptop doesn't have a docking port. Personally I would just go with well-reviewed USB>HDMI converters from Amazon. I have never used one of the USB type C flavor so I can't really comment on that.

 

[timeshifter]

Using USB for video just feels icky.

 

[GTP]

Using USB for video just feels icky.

But actually works quite well if you source a good quality adaptor. Not one of the $15 ebay or Amazon "specials."
The ones I get for my customers cost around Au$75. My.02

UGREEN USB 3.0 to Dual DVI HDMI VGA Video Graphics Card

http://www.ugreen.com.cn/product-779-en.html

 

[timeshifter]

This one looks pretty nice. Especially like the VESA mounting kit included so you can screw it to the back of your display and get it out of the way.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D97Y4NO?psc=1

 

[occsean]

Why not do a USB docking station. I know of several companies that do that with Dell ultrabooks..

Here is one I found that supports three screen output

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Universal-Laptop-Docking-Station/dp/B00AKUAWD0

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

Those USB adapters can't handle anything above 1080P with multiple monitors in use.

 

[NviGate Systems]

I got a deal on some Toshiba U3 USB 3.0 Universal Docking Stations and I will be checking out how the video out works. There are "universal" docking stations that use USB 3.0 but your mileage may vary depending on monitor.

If I recall, I have some older Lenovo USB 2 DVI dongles that supported a good set of res, these are of course powered by DisplayLink.

http://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/525038-displaylink-display-resolution-support

There are some DisplayLink chips that do support high res. but not cheaply.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

But actually works quite well if you source a good quality adaptor. Not one of the $15 ebay or Amazon "specials."
The ones I get for my customers cost around Au$75. My.02

UGREEN USB 3.0 to Dual DVI HDMI VGA Video Graphics Card

http://www.ugreen.com.cn/product-779-en.html

Is this for real? You can really do 2 1920x1200 monitors one in primary and one in extended mode from 1 usb port and it works without issues? Yet a usb port can't do a single monitor at 1440p!?

 

[GTP]

Is this for real? You can really do 2 1920x1200 monitors one in primary and one in extended mode from 1 usb port and it works without issues? Yet a usb port can't do a single monitor at 1440p!?

That's why I suggested a quality one, not an Amazon elcheapo. I have used a few of these and more expensive ones as well.
Had no issues so far.

 

[glricht]

I have a number of customers using dual, triple and even quad monitors. Used to do it using combinations of video cards, but results were sketchy. Now-a-days I use the Plugable USB adapter (see link below) and the thing just plain works! Supports just about any resolution and connection type I've thrown at it. Used it with both laptops and towers. Best thing is it's portable and can be moved to a different PC later on. This is a quality unit and I've never had a problem with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Gra...sb+3.0+to+vga+dvi+hdmi+video+graphics+adapter

 

[timeshifter]

This looks like the same unit on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/Plugable-G...rd_wg=SvuFS&psc=1&refRID=REHW2VAFDERER4NHW7AJ

Very high review score. Plus it looks like it's DVI and can convert to VGA or HDMI with the included adapters. $46.

 

[Rocco]

One of my customers has two Asus laptops, model
UX360CA-UBM1T.

(note, I tried to post an Amazon link to it, but the forum seems to convert it to something else)

Each laptop has two 24" monitors that have HDMI, VGA and DVI inputs. They want to have it set up for all three screens: built-in screen and two externals. No mirroring, three separate workspaces.

Currently they're working with the internal screen and one external hooked up to the HDMI port. Works fine. The problem is the second external screen.

I'm pretty sure HDMI is out. Don't think there's any kind of external HDMI splitter that does anything more than mirror.

So I guess my only option is some kind of USB to HDMI (or VGA or DVI).

The computer does have one USB C port. Was all ready to order this USB C to HDMI adapter.

https://smile.amazon.com/USB-Type-C...ie=UTF8&qid=1491414571&sr=8-1&keywords=jca153

Then I noticed the Amazon description described the port as "1x Gen 1 USB 3.1 Type-C" and got a little nervous.

Anyone worked through something like this already?

It's in storage somewhere, but I have a old splitter I used back when I was into flightsim. Look at some flight sim web sites for suggestions. Certain that they have updated this type of thing.

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

I have a number of customers using dual, triple and even quad monitors. Used to do it using combinations of video cards, but results were sketchy. Now-a-days I use the Plugable USB adapter (see link below) and the thing just plain works! Supports just about any resolution and connection type I've thrown at it. Used it with both laptops and towers. Best thing is it's portable and can be moved to a different PC later on. This is a quality unit and I've never had a problem with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Gra...sb+3.0+to+vga+dvi+hdmi+video+graphics+adapter

Looks like a good adapter but looks like you need USB 3.0 for it to work.

 

[glricht]

Looks like a good adapter but looks like you need USB 3.0 for it to work.

Only needs USB 3.0 for the high resolutions. For the 1920-type connections, USB 2.0 has worked fine.

 

[brandonkick]

I've used some of the "cheapo" USB to DVI / HDMI adapters for this purpose, and if they work at all they tend to do an "OK" job. I ordered about 6 or so of these for the company I work at during the day, and 3 or 4 just worked and maybe 2 or 3 were kinda flaky. Once we got it to where we had 6 that actually worked, they did "OK". Seemed like quality wasn't 100% (maybe 85% or so) but that could also just be me being skeptical of the idea of using a $10-$15 adapter. I suggested $30 video cards that supported dual monitors, but we ended up going with the adapters.


Keep in mind that you may be limited to the amount of displays you can use. I know, for example, with some lenovo laptops you need to have a certain graphics chipset in order to run 3 monitors. The laptop screen, plus two more from the dock. For the thinkpad's I own, I can use a max of two... either two from the dock or my laptop display plus one from the dock. Might not apply since your not using a dock, but just something to keep in mind.