How can I support 2 monitors outside of my laptop? I have a HDMI to USB 3.0 adapter and it works but then my mouse doesn'twork

preston1

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Apr 13, 2017
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I work in software sales and want to have the "three screen dream". Unfortunately I think my laptop's hardware is not up to par to do this. My laptop is a Inspiron 13 7000 series. I have an HDMI cord in the HDMI slot and have a HDMI to USB 3.0 that works but then my mouse doesn't work or my headset craps out. No dongle seems to work (purchased a couple different ones) and I have a HP wireless keyboard and mouse.

The monitors are standard Dell monitors (no VGA or DVI) only HDMI and I would like to find a sustainable way to support my wireless headset Jabra Evolve 65, HP mouse and keyboard two in one (both headset and mouse/keyboard combo are wireless USB) and two monitors. I have enough ports to do it but can't seem to get it to work all together.

Any insight is appreciated.
 
Solution


move the files using flash stick for the meetings or external harddisk (we have upto 4TB 2.5 inch small hdd usb3 now) ... or just use cloud...

James Mason

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As long as you don't need "high speed" (like watching a movie smoothly) maybe a Wireless Display Adapter would work? https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/adapters/wireless-display-adapter-2/p3q-00001

It requires the display to also have a free USB port near the HDMI port though. And Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

Or you need a wired 3.5mm jack headset.
Like this earpiece: https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Wave-Corded-3-5mm-Headset/dp/B004UYPN18
Or this headset: https://www.amazon.com/Arama-Canceling-Adjustable-Blackberry-Smartphones/dp/B01KFLGL5Q/ref=pd_lpo_107_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WD1H2YDTEDVDPGF6JV09

 

preston1

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Apr 13, 2017
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Thank you for answering James.

I don't need "high speed" but only need to be giving a screen share on my main monitor (laptop). I will try the wireless display adapter and hopefully that works. The headset isn't an issue but more of a side note that doesn't work when using the USB to HDMI display adapter I am current;y using. Seems like I was right in this being a hardware issue though.
 

Tech_TTT

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Apr 4, 2017
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Plugging unplugging 3 screens on a notebook ? REALLY ?

buy a Desktop ... Really , this is business ,

get a DELL Optiplex with 3 screens output ($300-$500) ..

OR make your own ,

Or just get a NUC machine with 3 displays output ...
 

preston1

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Yeah. Not a notebook. I do appreciate how candid you are. The issue is we have meetings that we need our computer so typically we need to have a laptop. I wish I could get a desktop but not reasonable especially if I want to work from home from time to time.

That said, if you have any laptops that can support multiple monitors, I am all ears.

Thanks.
 

Tech_TTT

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move the files using flash stick for the meetings or external harddisk (we have upto 4TB 2.5 inch small hdd usb3 now) ... or just use cloud service ... if you want a cheap solution.

having said that , three screens notebooks do exist , either on the laptop itself (but will be bigger) or by using a docking station , or thunderbolt output....
 
Solution

preston1

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Apr 13, 2017
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That definitely makes sense. We use cloud storage so that wouldn't be an issue. I like the docking station and may explore that. I am fine with a larger laptop if you have any input there that would be awesome.

Really appreciate the help.

Thanks,
 

James Mason

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Jan 2, 2014
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Laptops with 2 display outputs aren't that uncommon or necessarily expensive. I don't know if your company has an IT department or if you have to provide your own laptop, but it may be wise to bring it up with them first. (It's a pretty horrible business idea to make you provide your own laptop that stores company data)
 

Tech_TTT

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If you get any notebook with thunderbolt 3 port , you can use a thunderbolt 3 docking station...
most modern Notebooks have Thunderbolt 3 .

Apple/Dell/HP/Lenovo Thinkpad , all have business grade laptops with thunderbolt 3 ..

some older laptops come with docking station port and a docking station ... some Thinkpad models have this as well.



I still think a desktop is better option though , will be much faster for you when you work on your desk .

Now for docking stations , the best who does it is Lenovo Thinkpad

Thinkpad docking stations examples , you can see the notebooks models and the docks :

https://support.lenovo.com/uu/en/solutions/pd029622

check Lenovo site for each notebook in the list to see which one you like.

here are a fast links about Thunderbolt 3.0 docks

DELL

http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-thunderbolt-dock-tb16-240w/apd/452-bcnu/pc-accessories

Lenovo thunderbolt dock

https://www.notebooksandmore.de/lenovo-thinkpad-thunderbold-3-dock-135w-40ac0135eu.html?fee=2&fep=10943

http://www.anandtech.com/show/10939/lenovo-launches-new-thinkpad-accessories-docking-and-displays

Generic :

https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Laptop-docking-stations/thunderbolt-3-laptop-dock~TB3DK2DPW

you can look further , I will to look later for you for the best ones , this was fast search . I will look for multi monitors ready notebook as well later (no docks needed) .

note : I still prefer desktop + Notebook + cloud solution , as you can see , the docking station alone is half the price of a full desktop i5/i7 Dell Optiplex. PC