Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The MatroxDualHead2Go Digital MEis an outside multidisplay adapter that allows you to add up to two DVI monitors to a Mac .
The $ 179 DualHead2Go Digital ME measure just 3.8 by 2.5 by 1.1 inch and comes in a silver aluminum living accommodations with two DVI connectors on the back for video recording output . The front of the machine has a DisplayPort connection for video input and a USB porthole for top executive . Matrox include a USB cable television , a Mini - DisplayPort - to - DisplayPort cable , desktop software , and a two - class warranty . DVI cables and video adapter are not included .
The DualHead2Go Digital ME is a straightforward gimmick to use ; you’re able to finish installation in a few steps . Using the USB cable television , you connect the DualHead2Go Digital ME to a USB port on your Mac to power the gadget . As for the 2d included cable , you unite the Mini DisplayPort finish to the Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connection on your Mac , and the other end to the DisplayPort on the DualHead2Go Digital ME . international admonisher plug in to the DualHead2Go Digital ME ’s DVI embrasure . After everything is sneak up , you simply add the MatroxPowerDesksoftware , and the DualHead2Go is quick to use .
Through PowerDesk you’re able to optimize your new display landscape painting via the Mode Management tools and Desktop Divider feature . Mode Management let you tailor-make display context such as closure and refresh rates . The Desktop Divider reserve you to pick out between using the extra monitoring equipment as one big display for widescreen watch ( also ready to hand for digital signage ) , or using them in a traditional setup as item-by-item screens . If you choose to apply each screen one by one , the software package configure the displays in a “ 4×2 ” fashion , allowing for up to eight different applications across both monitor . PowerDesk also lets you move the Dock to one of the outside video display .
One government issue is deserving observe for laptop user , especially 2011 Mac users . Because the equipment draw baron via USB , you ’ll have few port for other peripherals , such as external hard drives or opthalmic parkway . That may not be a Brobdingnagian problem for some people , but for others it could be a deal - breaker . TheDualHead2Go Digital MEcan , however , work in a Thunderbolt daisy chain , so if you ’re a video editor and you back up your projects to a Thunderbolt external private road , you will be capable to connect your ride and the DualHead2Go Digital ME at the same time . TheDualHead2Go must be the last machine in the chain .
Another element to keep in mind is that different Thunderbolt - fit Macs have different capableness when it comes to adding outside monitors . For example , 15- and 17 - inch MacBook Pros from early 2011 and after , iMacs and the 2.5GHz Mac miniskirt from mid-2011 , and MacBook Airs from mid-2012 are all capable to run two outside Thunderbolt display . On the other handwriting , 13 - in MacBook Pros from early and late 2011 , the 2.3GHz Mac miniskirt and the Mac mini Server from mid-2011 , and the MacBook Air from mid-2012 can support only one external Thunderbolt monitor . If you have a system that does n’t support two presentation , or if you simply do not want to pay off the Thunderbolt premium and want to use DVI display , the DualHead2Go Digital ME can solve for you .
Bottom line
The Matrox DualHead2Go ME is a gimmick that does exactly what it ’s meant to do : add desktop space by add DVI displays . It ’s simple to connect , and the PowerDesk software makes optimise your display setup really well-to-do .
Updated 11/1/12 at 8:15 a.m. PT to make up information about bombshell connectivity and to clarify DVI show support . Also update the black eye rating to a 4 out of 5 .
