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If you own a laptop computer quite often you are limited to a display on a single, or dual screen via DVI or HDMI out. Sapphire have released their new Vid 2X Display Expander, which allows two monitors to be connected to almost any computer, including a netbook, laptop or desktop. With the Vid 2X you don't need to install drivers or software to get it working, therefore negating any potential issues with your operating system installation. Simply plug in two HD monitors and a USB cable for the power and you can enjoy multi screen viewing.
Sapphire sent us the Displayport and DVI versions of the Vid 2X. To make the review more interesting today we thought a test with the ultra portable 11 inch Macbook Air would make for good reading. After all, what machine could benefit more from a 3000 pixel+ desktop resolution?
The Sapphire Vid 2X is multi platform capable, supporting Windows, Linux and Mac OS platforms.
The Vid 2X acts as a virtual monitor, based on the VESA Plug and Play standard, effectively fooling the graphics card and operating system into thinking that the output device is one extremely wide monitor, then splitting the output signal across two separate horizontally oriented monitors. It also has an operation mode which allows the user to clone the same output onto two separate panels.
PSE-DP4196
DisplayPort version of the Vid-2X product. Connects to your system or laptop via DisplayPort or Thunderbolt and to the displays via Single-Link DVI or HDMI. Supports up to 1920×1200(1080) per display. Sapphire also includes both DisplayPort to DisplayPort and mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables for Apple users.
PSE-DV2185
Dual-Link DVI version of the Vid-2X product. Connects to your system or laptop via Dual-Link DVI and to the displays via Single-Link DVI or HDMI. Supports up to 1920×1200(1080) per display. Refer to your product documentation or closely inspect the DVI connector on your device to confirm support for Dual-Link.
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 !