Home 2 screen laptop setup

[Ryandoc]

I’m an engineer but in the interests of being a lazy **** and just going straight to the pro’s.

If I want an extended 2 screen setup for my laptop(s) at home and want to do this without a brand specific docking station, what are my options please folks?

Im guessing first question is operating system? (I can check)

Reading online suggests without a docking station I’d need to use two different outputs, one for each screen. Can I still use the extended option like this then? Will the operating system / machine realise I’ve done that and extend the screen for me?

Thanks in advance

 

[todd.the.submariner]

Also an engineer and using multiple screens, sometimes extended, sometimes repeated.

For extended, it depends on what your available connections are on your laptop or docking station. I’m assuming you want two external monitors, one repeating the desktop, one extending?

Monitor 1: connect to HDMI/DP from docking station
Monitor 2: connect to a USB to HDMI adapter and plug this in to your docking station. USB 3.0 if you have it.

I also use an HDMI splitter so that I have a second desk (treadmill) also always running. Yes, I said running.

Then mess with Display Settings to figure out which is which in Windows, the rest is easy-peasy.


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[Wanderer]

I just plug two screens into my MacBook one HDMI one DP and it just works. However nothing compares to the 27" iMac Retina which obvs is one monitor but it's the best display I've ever used.

Trouble is on current contract we are inflicted with Linux laptops, ie cr@p, so as we are allowed BYOD I'm foregoing the two Samsung 27" curved screens as externals in favour of using my trusty iMac.

We use socks proxies which is a bugger, getting Proxifier to work is a challenge.....

 

[todd.the.submariner]

I just plug two screens into my MacBook one HDMI one DP and it just works. However nothing compares to the 27" iMac Retina which obvs is one monitor but it's the best display I've ever used.

Trouble is on current contract we are inflicted with Linux laptops, ie cr@p, so as we are allowed BYOD I'm foregoing the two Samsung 27" curved screens as externals in favour of using my trusty iMac.

We use socks proxies which is a bugger, getting Proxifier to work is a challenge.....

If the machine has two video outputs, your job is done before it began!


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[Hawk13]

The easiest way of having 2 screens is to use you laptop screen and an HDMI output to a second. Configure set up in control panel.

I actually have 3 screens doing this wtih my email account on my laptop screen so that I can track and work on other things at the same time (on the big boy monitors).

 

[Ryandoc]

So po I have are ......





Ideally I’d like to ignore the laptop screen and work off two identical ones in extended mode so I can put different ‘stuff’ on both screens.

so looks like I need to use 2 different port types and then the operating system should figure it out once I select extend option?

 

[Wanderer]

I've got three Samsungs, none of them are patch on the std. Apple IPS screen, so I prefer that one-screen setup over multi.

Plus I hate it when the multis don't line up on the stands perfectly! OCD!!! Or when they shake when you bang the desk in frustration when the TSM guys haven't setup you schedules yet despite asking a bazillion times....

 

[todd.the.submariner]

I've got three Samsungs, none of them are patch on the std. Apple IPS screen, so I prefer that one-screen setup over multi.

Plus I hate it when the multis don't line up on the stands perfectly! OCD!!! Or when they shake when you bang the desk in frustration when the TSM guys haven't setup you schedules yet despite asking a bazillion times....

I told you a trillion times to stop exaggerating!


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[todd.the.submariner]

So po I have are ......

View attachment 73944

View attachment 73945

Ideally I’d like to ignore the laptop screen and work off two identical ones in extended mode so I can put different ‘stuff’ on both screens.

so looks like I need to use 2 different port types and then the operating system should figure it out once I select extend option?

Put one monitor in repeat and one in extended. That way you have access to your primary desktop for app launching, alerts, and such.
If you have any two video outputs, that will work. I suggested the usb to hdmi adapter as my mini dock only has one video out (hdmi)


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[Ryandoc]

Went to currys today for two cheap monitors, about 10 on display and about 4 available to take away FFS.

So have ordered a couple of 22” LG ones from ao. The chap in curry’s said use a USB c to HDMI converter so have ordered on of them off amazon.

 

[todd.the.submariner]

Went to currys today for two cheap monitors, about 10 on display and about 4 available to take away FFS.

So have ordered a couple of 22” LG ones from ao. The chap in curry’s said use a USB c to HDMI converter so have ordered on of them off amazon.

Sounds like you’re on your way to a great desktop setup. Should be a snap to get it all working the way you like.


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[Ryandoc]

Sounds like you’re on your way to a great desktop setup. Should be a snap to get it all working the way you like.


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Should have done it ages ago to be fair, kicking myself I didn’t.

Least I’ll be sorted now will be good to get back to two screens. Just need the A3 printer I want to come back into stock now, been searching last month for it, current model and sold out absolutely everywhere.

 

[todd.the.submariner]

Should have done it ages ago to be fair, kicking myself I didn’t.

Least I’ll be sorted now will be good to get back to two screens. Just need the A3 printer I want to come back into stock now, been searching last month for it, current model and sold out absolutely everywhere.

Seems you’re not alone in updating your home office these days


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[GeoffCapes]

Is there any way of getting 2 iMac screens to work together?

 

[rs48635]

sounds like you found a decent solution. after 20+ years of desk based work I am so grateful I fell under the spell of my Jobs and have Mac at home.
The 27" iMac seemed like a big spend 5years ago. Now I am full time WFH the screen real estate is unmatched. The twin monitor setup in the office was never level - naturally. Some days it didn't bother me, but most often it rather did (especially when things were going less than well).
The quality of the display knocks other monitors into a cocked hat.

 

[Wanderer]

Is there any way of getting 2 iMac screens to work together?

No, afraid not, the iMac doesn't accept input.

Look for a seccy-hand 27" Thunderbolt display, still decent screens, still not cheap though even used.

You can use an iPad in that way though, via Sidecar.