Dual Monitor Set Up (1 Viewer)

[ChiefD]

Need some help.  Tried to check the existing monitor threads for help. 

I want to run two monitors at work. Both monitors only have the standard VGA monitor hook up.

Computer only has a VGA hookup. What connectors do I need? Thanks in advance. Already tried a VGA splitter but all that does is mirror the output onto both screens. I can't run two different things simultaneously.

Help a brother out. 

 

[RJS113]

Have you tried changing your display settings to extend your screen instead of duplicating it?

 

[The Tick]

Need some help.  Tried to check the existing monitor threads for help. 

I want to run two monitors at work. Both monitors only have the standard VGA monitor hook up.

Computer only has a VGA hookup. What connectors do I need? Thanks in advance. Already tried a VGA splitter but all that does is mirror the output onto both screens. I can't run two different things simultaneously.

Help a brother out. 

If your computer only has one VGA output there is not way you can do that without purchasing new equipment for your computer.  If it's a laptop a docking station will have the extra monitor outputs, if it's a PC you'd need to purchase a video card to increase your monitor outputs.

ETA: jamny is correct there is also the USB to VGA option, I didn't think of that, haven't really tried those in the past.

 

[jamny]

You can't have 2 separate signals from one vga output.

The computer only has one VGA output? Not even usb? You could get a usb to vga converter if there is a usb.

 

[ChiefD]

You can't have 2 separate signals from one vga output.

The computer only has one VGA output? Not even usb? You could get a usb to vga converter if there is a usb.

Yes, there are USB ports. Just not on the monitors.

 

[jamny]

Yes, there are USB ports. Just not on the monitors.

link

eta: just as an example. I don't know anything about that one in particular.

 

[Joe Summer]

If it's a desktop, get a video card that supports dual monitors. $20 on eBay.

 

[ChiefD]

link

eta: just as an example. I don't know anything about that one in particular.

Would I need to add a VGA splitter to the VGA end of that?

 

[Osaurus]

KVM 

If it's a desktop, get a video card that supports dual monitors. $20 on eBay.

yup.  You can always use a KVM box too.

 

[jamny]

Would I need to add a VGA splitter to the VGA end of that?

No. Your current vga would go to one monitor and this would go to the other with a short vga cable.

Ideally, Joe Summer's option is better if that is something you would be up for doing.

 

[ChiefD]

No. Your current vga would go to one monitor and this would go to the other with a short vga cable.

Ideally, Joe Summer's option is better if that is something you would be up for doing.

Ah, gotcha. Thanks.

 

[TheFanatic]

How old is all of this equipment? I haven't seen VGA on a laptop in years. 

 

[odin33]

I've got one VGA and one USB at work for my laptop. Only drawback the the crispness of the one screen, which oddly enough is the one I use the most. I'll never not have two screens at the office again.

Have a converter like jamny's at home to covert the monitor I picked up years ago and rarely use into usb. 

 

[skol asylum]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sJtBWurUpVKrV7WNA

 

[ChiefD]

How old is all of this equipment? I haven't seen VGA on a laptop in years. 

It's a desktop system. Not sure of age. Was here at my job when I started a year ago.

 

[belljr]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

um I can read you emails

 

[TheFanatic]

It's a desktop system. Not sure of age. Was here at my job when I started a year ago.

Request new equipment. 2011 called. They want that system back. 

 

[gianmarco]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sJtBWurUpVKrV7WNA

3?  Rookie.

THIS is the only way to go.

 

[TheFanatic]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sJtBWurUpVKrV7WNA

I run three as well. My laptop monitor and two 27 inch 4K screens. 

 

[TheFanatic]

3?  Rookie.

THIS is the only way to go.

I can't imagine how heavy those tube monitors are all together. I wonder if the floor is reinforced?!?

 

[matttyl]

KVM 

yup.  You can always use a KVM box too.

KVM box does the opposite.  Instead of one computer and two monitors, it's one monitor (and one keyboard and mouse) with two computers.  I use one daily to switch between work and personal laptops.

 

[Osaurus]

KVM box does the opposite.  Instead of one computer and two monitors, it's one monitor (and one keyboard and mouse) with two computers.  I use one daily to switch between work and personal laptops.

Actually there are 2 monitors for 2 computer setups as well.  They’re a little pricey, but worth it imo.

 

[matttyl]

Actually there are 2 monitors for 2 computer setups as well.  They’re a little pricey, but worth it imo.

Yup, and audio and additional USB.  They do get pricey, but I only need the one monitor for the personal computer.  When using the personal computer via the KVM switch, the second monitor still displays my Outlook mailbox, so I can still see if I'm getting any messages.

 

[AAABatteries]

Your computer has ball cancer.

 

[skol asylum]

um I can read you emails

Can you go ahead and answer them too? Thanks.

 

[odin33]

I run three as well. My laptop monitor and two 27 inch 4K screens. 

Do you need a special video card or program to run three? I'd love to be able to flip my laptop screen up and go trips right.

 

[Joe Summer]

If your laptop has 2 video ports, then running 3 screens should be easy. But if you don't have 2 video ports (and you're going to use USB adapters) then I'm not sure if it'll work.

 

[jrt103]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sJtBWurUpVKrV7WNA

404. That’s an error.

The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.

 

[TheFanatic]

Do you need a special video card or program to run three? I'd love to be able to flip my laptop screen up and go trips right.

I have a docking station for my Mac. It has an extra HDMI slot. So I use one plugged in directly to my laptop and the other goes into the doc. 

 

[ChiefD]

link

eta: just as an example. I don't know anything about that one in particular.

Picked up one of these yesterday. Works like a champ.

Thanks everyone for your help. 

 

[xulf]

3 is the way to go - laptop screen and two 27's.

 

[SWC]

your welcome glad i could help take that to the bank bromigo

 

[TheFanatic]

3 is the way to go - laptop screen and two 27's.

That's my set up. Need a bigger desk though. Looking at doing a live edge L shaped desk custom made for my office. 

 

[belljr]

3 is the way to go - laptop screen and two 27's.

Although I have 2 27's and a 24.  My laptop stays closed

 

[DallasDMac]

3 is the way to go - laptop screen and two 27's.

I have that setup but opt not to use the laptop screen. To small to be useful and I don't feel I need the extra real estate. I'd rather just close it and use the monitors.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Yep three is the way to go. I run my Outlook monitor vertically.

 

[Mister CIA]

Alt-Tab is all you need.

 

[TheFanatic]

Alt-Tab is all you need.

HA! Not with the number of windows/tabs I have open at any given time. 

 

[TheFanatic]

Yep three is the way to go. I run my Outlook monitor vertically.

Thinking of adding a fourth monitor and leaving the laptop closed (three external monitors) and running the last one vertical. 

 

[E Street Brat]

Dual monitors are so 2017. I'm running three. Only way to go.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sJtBWurUpVKrV7WNA

I have 4 on my gaming rig.