Filed under: Accessories, Mac mini, Macbook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air
Is the Multi-display Mini finally about to debut?
Mac Mini users have been waiting a long time for a true dual-monitor solution. Sure there are a bunch of work-arounds out there that let you run more than one screen at a time but a real multi-screen solution hasn't yet been available as far as I know. (Honestly, I haven't been looking all that hard--so if there's one I missed let me know in the comments.)
Display Link has finally decided to let the mini come to the multi-display party. TUAW reader Nick tipped us off to these new beta drivers for Mac OS X.
The DisplayLink hardware supports up to 4 USB-based monitors. You're limited to Intel Macs but minis and MacBook Airs are supported. The beta does not support OpenGL acceleration so Keynote and iPhoto slide shows will not properly function.
From what I could tell from the site, Display Link seems to be sold with third party branding. The Kensington USB docking station (model 33415) for $140 is apparently the product in question.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JGO said 2:08PM on 3-31-2008
I think you meant iPhoto slides hows, not iPhone. Erica, you have waaaayyyy too much iPhone on the brain!!
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JGO said 2:09PM on 3-31-2008
*slide shows
Gene Williams said 3:08PM on 3-31-2008
I think IOGear has a few similar branded DisplayLink products.
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Fuzzmanmatt said 3:12PM on 3-31-2008
It's about dang time! I was one of the winners in Engadget's DisplayLink contest back in, shoot, January? I'm going to have to dig out the adapter and see how it compares to the actual DVI out on the MacBook Pro.
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Sabon said 5:01PM on 3-31-2008
Check out http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/support/mac/home.php
Here is what they say:
More space for your Mac with DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go
Matrox Graphics eXpansion Modules (GXM) connect externally to your system to add up to three monitors to your Mac notebook or desktop computer. More desktop space means you can open more applications full screen like never before. Discover a new Mac experience with Matrox DualHead2Go and Matrox TripleHead2Go GXM.
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tacticus said 5:06PM on 4-12-2008
the matrox solution gives you one big monitor split on virtual ones
there is a difference between that and having a useful multiple monitor setup that this solution hopefully fixes.
tacticus said 5:10PM on 4-12-2008
Gah my mind is rebelling.
the matrox solution gives you one big virtual monitor split on seperate physical ones a downside to having just one big one.
Multiple monitors allow a better organisational setup when the software can identify them as seperate ones.
Sabon said 10:51AM on 4-13-2008
I guess I'm so used to the way that Windows is so ****** up in how badly they do multiple monitor that I often forget that Apple knows better in so many ways.
I've only had iMacs at home since 2000 when my last "PC's" power supply failed and I didn't bother replacing it.
At work (since I haven't found a job supporting Macs) I've been a Computer Systems Analyst in title or job duties since the '80s and support quite a few people with Windows with multiple monitors. Microsoft is a perfect example of how _not_ to do it.
Everything is a work around. Nothing in Windows programs knows which monitor you moved a program to. Open up a dialog box while having three monitors and you never know which monitor that dialog box will show up on.
Like I said before. I keep forgetting that OS X keeps track of that and acts accordingly.
I'm guessing that Bill Gates wonders how Apple does that when he uses a Mac. And _yes_, he must. How else does Microsoft keep copying Apple? Well, at least in looks if not in function.
Bob Mc said 6:09PM on 3-31-2008
I love the idea of these USB monitors. I can't wait untiil they are released.
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OT said 8:08PM on 3-31-2008
Surely the cost of one of these and two 17 inch matching monitors is more than the cost of one big ass LCD (24-30inch) I dunno about you guys in america but it is certainly cheaper here in the UK to do it that way. Plus you dont get the massive line down the middle, the cabling and the general hassle of all these hacks.
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FabioC said 6:29AM on 4-01-2008
I won this on a Internet Giveway. Still waiting to receive the item though, so I can't tell how it works with my mac mini. Really Looking forward to try it
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flyrod said 6:04PM on 4-01-2008
Screen Recycler is another way to get more screens. I think a lot of mini owners might also have the old DOS box around somewhere too.
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