Matrox, pioneer of dual displays, has just announced a device capable of bringing dual display capability to a wide range of users. Dubbed DualHead2Go, the technology essentially splits VGA output from one connection to two displays. Check it:

Montreal, Canada, November 8, 2005 - Matrox Graphics, Inc., the leading manufacturer of graphics solutions for professionals, today unveiled the revolutionary new Matrox DualHead2Go, the world's first external upgrade capable of adding multiple monitor support to compatible laptop and integrated graphics-based desktop PCs that were previously limited to single screen output. DualHead2Go is a palm-sized box that connects to the existing single monitor output (i.e. external VGA output) of a computer and appears to the system as a single ultra-widescreen monitor with native support for resolutions up to 2560 x 1024*, which are twice as wide as standard resolutions. Using Matrox patent-pending technology, DualHead2Go splits the 2560 x 1024 Microsoft® Windows® desktop into a right and left half, each of which is then sent to two separate analog monitors allowing users to easily upgrade their workspace setups to experience the productivity benefits of a DualHead® desktop.

"An increasing number of professionals are using laptops as their main computer, but they still want the advantages of a multi-display workstation while at the office," says Dan Wood, VP Technical Marketing, Matrox Graphics Inc. "DualHead2Go is a breakthrough product that solves this need by creating a cost-effective, space-saving, multi-display docking station for a laptop. Since DualHead2Go is an external upgrade, it's also ideal for adding an extra display to a closed, already validated, mission-critical system or to computers with no available expansion slots."

DualHead2Go harnesses the capabilities of the system's existing GPU or integrated graphics for acceleration of all 2D, 3D and video rendering. There is no image distortion and no scaling to the original raw pixels generated from the existing graphics accelerator. By using DualHead2Go in conjunction with the built-in display of a laptop, users can benefit with up to three displays of independent information at a time. The wide range of desktop computers with only one video output can now be upgraded to dual-display without requiring users to open up the shell of the computer or install new graphics drivers.

There has never been a better time to upgrade a PC to multiple displays. The dramatic price decreases for flat panels make it affordable for users to invest in multiple monitors. A single display workspace physically limits the amount of information that users can see. Constantly having to open and close application windows can be cumbersome and time consuming, thereby making it more difficult to multi-task and ultimately reduces productivity. With the adoption of a dual-display workspace, the work process is streamlined and management of multiple documents is simplified because users have expanded their workspace across two displays.

Capitalizing on Matrox's long-standing multi-display leadership, the DualHead2Go is bundled with Matrox PowerDesk SE; a suite of powerful window management software offering users a wide range of unique-to-Matrox operational modes, utilities and display configurations for optimal management of windows positioning and message pop-ups.

System Compatibility
DualHead2Go is compatible with a wide range of laptop models. Desktop PC support for DualHead2Go is limited to certain PCs based on integrated graphics. A complete list of compatible systems is posted on the Matrox website and will be regularly updated to reflect new system support. Additionally, a free DualHead2Go online compatibility utility is available allowing users to pre-validate that their system is compatible with DualHead2Go prior to purchase. Visit www.matrox.com/graphics/dualhead2go for complete details.

Price and Availability
Available in mid-November 2005, DualHead2Go – Dual Analog Edition, has a suggested retail price of $169USD. This product will be available from authorized resellers worldwide or, in North America and Europe, directly from Matrox at http://shopmatrox.com. For more information, call Matrox Sales at 1-800-361-1408 (North America) or e-mail insales@matrox.com