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While we could have tested the Vid 2X with a Windows based laptop, we wanted to try the ultra portable, ultra slim 11 inch MacBook Air which has proven a big seller for Apple in the last 24 months. This machine has a moderate resolution screen, so we can think of no better audience for the Vid 2X to target.
Connecting the device to our 24 inch screens was straightforward, simply run the DVI cables from both screens into the Vid 2X and the Displayport cable from the Vid 2X into the Mini Displayport port on the Macbook Air. Sapphire supply both a full sized and Mini Displayport cable to cover the full range of Macintosh computers.
A USB cable is also supplied, to power the Vid 2X. Sapphire have bundled a dual head version in case the system has low power USB ports. We only attached a single USB header to the Macbook Air for power and it worked fine.
Setting up the two 24 inch screens was incredibly straightforward and no drivers were required. The latest version of OSX detected the Vid 2X box with a dedicated display profile. The 3840×1080 resolution was immediately available as shown above.
The Vid2X has an OLED readout which contains useful information. It gives a status indicator for population of both ports and the output resolution. In diagnostic mode the readout displays the ASIC version and input/output port status. It can also show information relating to Bezel correction and how many pixels have been removed, to compensate for active panels.
When I initially received the device for testing I was skeptical, believing that there would be an inordinate amount of fine tuning and tweaking required before achieving the desired result. I was shocked how easy it was to set up, requiring very little user intervention at all. I was also particularly impressed by the cooperation between the Vid 2X and Mac OSX, because it held the X and Y coordinate positions of application windows (on the multiple panels) via subsequent system boot up.
The MacBook Air is a lovely little computer, but due to the single screen and moderate resolution, it wouldn't be the ideal computer to use at home in an heavy duty office environment. With two extra 24 inch screens, the huge desktop real estate transforms the working experience. As the image above shows, the internal screen could be used for email and messaging, while the two large 24 inch panels could handle professional applications such as video editing and Photoshop duties.
Additionally, I noticed no reduction in display quality, which is very important. Previous adapters I have used have suffered from a minor amount of image quality reduction. The Vid 2X signal is very pure and doesn't compromise the quality of the screens at all.
very smart. and useful for macintosh owners. Good review thanks.
I always wondered why people only made those USB driven dual screen things. this is a heck of a step up.
Rather costly though, I think……..
Excellent idea. I have a 13 inch macbook air and fancy the mini displayport version. Shall invest in one end of the month.
Well thats interesting. I know a lot of higher end laptops have a single display out HDMI, but this makes it all very different. I have a Dell machine, would it work?
I think the pricing is great, for what you get. for many Apple users, the DP version will be a godsend, especially as you dont even need displayport screens !