Can I use a second laptop as a second monitor? at DVinfo.net

James Binder · February 22nd, 2005, 08:43 AM

I am currently editing on one laptop, but...

I have another laptop that I would like to use as a second monitor to 'stretch' my primary screen over too. Is this possible?

Both laptops have ATI cards/drivers that support dual monitors. I'm pretty sure that I can use another standard monitor, but I've never heard of using another laptop as a second monitor...

If this is possible, what outputs/inputs am I looking for on the back of each machine and what type of cable do I need to connect (go between) both?

Thanks in advance!

Laptops: (first is brand new, the other a year or so old)

Toshiba satellite A65 S-1068
Compaq Presario 2100

Patrick Jenkins · February 22nd, 2005, 10:35 AM

Short answer, no.

Long answer, maybe, if you've got an svideo in port - but even then it would look awful, not like using a dual monitor display, and you'd have to run software to essentially capture/preview the video coming in, etc. Wouldn't work as you want, wouldn't be useful.

The best bet is to find out of your laptop can drive two monitors (the built in LCD and an external). If so, get a second monitor.

Christopher Lefchik · February 22nd, 2005, 03:48 PM

What a coincidence! I just read an answer to a similiar question within the last hour in PC Magazine. You can also read the answer on their web site.

James Binder · February 23rd, 2005, 03:18 AM

Thanks for the info guys --

anyone try the above software with two laptops? Sounds cool, but how well does it work while editing video?

Rob Lohman · February 23rd, 2005, 03:34 AM

Funny this program comes up. I've tested it about a year ago and
it worked great. I haven't tried it with actual editing or full motion
work though. But, the good news is you can try out a demo for
free:

http://www.maxivista.com/

They do this trick through a network, like UTP, firewire or even
wireless!

This way I can hook up three or more screens to my laptop (my
laptop also has VGA/DVI out where I can attach a second screen
directly to).

Why not simply try it out the demo version James?

(I can imagine it would be best to move certain windows etc. to
the second screen, not the full motion preview window, but give
it a try)

February 22nd, 2005, 08:43 AM	#1
James Binder Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NY, NYC Posts: 367	Can I use a second laptop as a second monitor? I am currently editing on one laptop, but... I have another laptop that I would like to use as a second monitor to 'stretch' my primary screen over too. Is this possible? Both laptops have ATI cards/drivers that support dual monitors. I'm pretty sure that I can use another standard monitor, but I've never heard of using another laptop as a second monitor... If this is possible, what outputs/inputs am I looking for on the back of each machine and what type of cable do I need to connect (go between) both? Thanks in advance! Laptops: (first is brand new, the other a year or so old) Toshiba satellite A65 S-1068 Compaq Presario 2100

February 23rd, 2005, 03:34 AM	#5
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Funny this program comes up. I've tested it about a year ago and it worked great. I haven't tried it with actual editing or full motion work though. But, the good news is you can try out a demo for free: http://www.maxivista.com/ They do this trick through a network, like UTP, firewire or even wireless! This way I can hook up three or more screens to my laptop (my laptop also has VGA/DVI out where I can attach a second screen directly to). Why not simply try it out the demo version James? (I can imagine it would be best to move certain windows etc. to the second screen, not the full motion preview window, but give it a try) __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 22nd, 2005, 10:35 AM	#2
Patrick Jenkins Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 382	Short answer, no. Long answer, maybe, if you've got an svideo in port - but even then it would look awful, not like using a dual monitor display, and you'd have to run software to essentially capture/preview the video coming in, etc. Wouldn't work as you want, wouldn't be useful. The best bet is to find out of your laptop can drive two monitors (the built in LCD and an external). If so, get a second monitor.

February 22nd, 2005, 03:48 PM	#3
Christopher Lefchik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: US Posts: 1,152	What a coincidence! I just read an answer to a similiar question within the last hour in PC Magazine. You can also read the answer on their web site.

February 23rd, 2005, 03:18 AM	#4
James Binder Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NY, NYC Posts: 367	Thanks for the info guys -- anyone try the above software with two laptops? Sounds cool, but how well does it work while editing video?