Connect 2 Monitors to Your PC, Mac with Matrox DualHead2Go Adaptors

I reviewed the Matrox TripleHead2Go DP Edition adaptor a couple of months ago. That product lets you connect as many as three external monitors to a laptop or desktop computer using a single DisplayPort port. My feedback on the TripleHead2Go was mostly positive, but its hefty $329 price tag was a bit of a turnoff.

The DualHead2Go Digital SE lets you connect two external DVI monitors to your PC using a single DisplayPort input, and its much more afforable at $179. The GXM (Graphics eXpansion Module) DualHead2Go Digital SE supports High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) so users can view copy-protected content on HDCP-enabled displays.

I used the Matrox DualHead2Go Digital SE along with a Lenovo X1 Carbon. First, I installed the required Matrox software driver. The software walked me through the configuration procedure after a system restart, and it automatically detected the two LCD monitors I had connected. The Matrox PowerDesk software that was automatically installed with the driver can also be used to make additional configuration tweaks.

The adaptor comes with a DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable and a USB cable that is used to supply power and configuration data to the DualHead2Go Digital SE. You need to get your own adaptor if want to use the Matrox DualHead2Go Digital SE with laptops that have Mini-DisplayPort ports. The company also makes a Mac compatible DualHead2Go Digital ME that comes with a Mini DisplayPort adaptor.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the Matrox DualHead2Go Digital SE, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to set up a multi-monitor rig with their DisplayPort-enabled laptops. However, it’s a good idea to download the Matrox System Compatibility Tool before buying to ensure that your computer’s CPU can support the DualHead2Go.