Matrox DualHead2Go or Wide-screen LCD Monitor?
Filed in: Gadgets — May 29th, 2006
Previously, I talked about connnecting multiple monitors to laptop using Matrox DualHead2Go. There is no official distributor in Malaysia, I found a Singapore distributor and the price is USD$200, excluding shipping fee.
I have two options to expand my working space.
- Two 17″ LCD monitors (connected) + Matrox DualHead2Go
- 17″ LCD monitor + 20″ wide-screen LCD monitor (not connected)
How much?
I already have a Dell 17″ LCD monitor. Here are the additional cost for each option.
Option #1:
Dell 17″ UltraSharp LCD monitor is selling at RM888(USD244). Plus, the Matrox DualHead2Go is USD200 and USD25 shipping fee, total is around RM820. So, the total is about RM1700 (~USD467).
Option #2:
Just get a Dell 20″ wide-screen LCD monitor, RM1499 (~USD411).
What are the differences?
If I get 2 monitors and Matrox DualHead2Go, my Apple iBook laptop can expands its display to three monitors (12″ + 17″ + 17″). However, I may not be able to run two different operating system at the same time on two monitors.
If I get a 20″ wide-screen LCD monitor, my laptop will connect to one of the monitor, either 17″ or 20″, and my PC can use another monitor. The benefit is that I get two monitors with two different operating systems.
What do you think?
After reading CNET’s review on Dell 20″ wide-screen LCD monitor, I am tempted to get one too. 
If you were me, which option will you choose?
