Dual Monitor Laptop Question

[RadioHead84]

I am looking at buying the UL80vt as reviewed on Anandtech this week, via suggestion from the other topic I started.

I noticed that it has a VGA output and a HDMI output. Does this mean you could have a VGA monitor plugged in and HDMI monitor plugged in..effectively having two monitors?

Also, this is a bit embarrassing, as I have been around computers basically my entire life, but I am going to ask anyway. A laptop like the UL80tv has a max resolution of something like 1300x700. When using the VGA output..does this change to whatever the monitor is capable of?

 

[TheStu]

I don't think that you can use both outputs at once, but I could be wrong.

When you have an external monitor hooked up, you should be able to run the external and internal independently of each other with regards to their resolution. At least, it has been that way on every laptop I have ever touched.

 

[RadioHead84]

I found an answer to my own questions...so those who want to know... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=304669

You can do it as long as you are not using a docking station, and you turn off the laptop screen.

Pretty cool that it is doable, this gives me another reason not to buy a desktop and just have a laptop.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: RadioHead84
You can do it as long as you are not using a docking station, and you turn off the laptop screen.

Therefore, you do not have dual monitors - you have one or the other.

 

[RadioHead84]

Originally posted by: corkyg

Originally posted by: RadioHead84
You can do it as long as you are not using a docking station, and you turn off the laptop screen.

Therefore, you do not have dual monitors - you have one or the other.

How is having two monitors on...not dual monitors?

 

[corkyg]

You said it - "As long as you turn off the laptop screen." If it is not on at the same time, you don't have dual monitors. Dual monitors is a term used for two monitors on simultaneously.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: corkyg
You said it - "As long as you turn off the laptop screen." If it is not on at the same time, you don't have dual monitors. Dual monitors is a term used for two monitors on simultaneously.

I think what he's saying is you can use both the VGA and HDMI output at the same time (to two different monitors) as long as you turn the laptop's own screen off.

So you have two independent external screens, just not a third (laptop) screen.

Whether or not that's true, I don't know. If I have time I'll test it on my UL30A. I don't have an HDMI cable handy, though.

 

[RadioHead84]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky

Originally posted by: corkyg
You said it - "As long as you turn off the laptop screen." If it is not on at the same time, you don't have dual monitors. Dual monitors is a term used for two monitors on simultaneously.

I think what he's saying is you can use both the VGA and HDMI output at the same time (to two different monitors) as long as you turn the laptop's own screen off.

So you have two independent external screens, just not a third (laptop) screen.

Whether or not that's true, I don't know. If I have time I'll test it on my UL30A. I don't have an HDMI cable handy, though.

Yeah that is what I am saying, sorry if it was confusing.

Yeah that would be awesome if you could try it out!

 

[corkyg]

OK - that makes sense. I was reading it as two screens, not three. Cool!