3 displays with Dell Laptop (2 monitors + laptop display)
I have a Dell Latitude 8420. It is connected to a dock.
Is there any way to have two monitors connected to this setup and also use the laptop screen too? I want the desktop extended on the 3 displays. I am using Windows 7 Professional.
How would things change if I wanted to have 3 external monitors and not use the laptop display?
If I'm correct, you will not be able to use all three monitors at the same time. If you hook up two monitors to your docking-station, you will not be able to use the laptop screen at the same time. If you only use one external monitor, you can still use the laptop screen. This is due to limitations of the GPU. I have a Latitude E6510 with a docking station and experienced the same thing.
If you absolutely need to use three monitors, you can maybe look into "exotic" solutions like using an external USB graphic card.
From what I have read about the linked dock, you're limited to two displays. This can be made up in one of two configurations:
- Laptop LCD and one external monitor
- Two external monitors but no Laptop LCD
All you need is a Display Link USB connection for every monitor more than two. If you use your laptop and one monitor, you can add a Display Link for each monitor. I know of some people with up to 5 monitors who keep their laptops closed on the docking station.
https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-BVU195-Adapter-DisplayLink-Chipset/dp/B002GHBW4S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1405997631&sr=8-4&keywords=display+link