Can Surface pro run dual external monitors?

Anonymous
2013-02-05T22:36:00+00:00

With the ports configuration and specs of the announced Surface Pro, can one run  dual external monitors? By that I mean connecting two external monitors, one for primary display and one for extended display. Irrelevant what shows on the actual Surface screen.

This is the current configuration I have for my heavy laptop (with docking station) and want to recreate it if I swap to the cool Surface Pro.

I don't mind buying some port replicators, as long as the set-up works seamlessly once connected. I saw some other threads and no docking station is planned by Microsoft at this stage

Thanks for input

Surface | Surface Pro | USB-C

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Anonymous
2013-02-06T01:53:48+00:00

Greetings ManlioV,

That's a great question. Because the Surface Pro is running Windows 8, you could get a USB port hub and USB video cards and the Surface Pro would be able to install the drivers so you could hook up multiple monitors that way.

Hope that helps.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-18T23:20:31+00:00

    I'm considering a Surface Pro as a laptop replacement. As a writer/manager/programmer, I work in two modes. Mobile with my laptop when traveling and writing or answering e-mail, or at the office with two external 27" LED monitors connected and a Bluetooth keyboard. I understand the Surface Pro has only one mini-monitor jack. My question is, would I be able to take that signal to a splitter or extender to run my twin 27" monitors when in the office?

    Then when traveling, simply unplug and use the pad.

    Thanks,

    RJ

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-04-18T17:45:12+00:00

    I think you missed the point of the thread, it wasn't if you could hook a Surface up to one monitor along with the surface itself.  It is can you run dual external monitors (2 monitors or more) from the Surface, which can only be done (so far with limited success) by using an USB3 docking station, most of them use a software called DisplayLink which has some real issues with the Surface Pro so far.

    Yes hooking up a surface to one external monitor is easy and requires just the correct output cable.

    I use the HP 3005 Port Replicator via USB3, with DisplayLink Chip, and the latest driver released this month.

    I run a 24" Lacie in 1900x1200 via hdmi-dvi-i cable, extended mode. (Both font zooms at 125%)

    I do not experience any issues with dual monitors - Pro & Single Ext.

    Try running the Replicator with one and the Pro with a second on the Display port..

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-04-18T17:25:34+00:00

    I think you missed the point of the thread, it wasn't if you could hook a Surface up to one monitor along with the surface itself.  It is can you run dual external monitors (2 monitors or more) from the Surface, which can only be done (so far with limited success) by using an USB3 docking station, most of them use a software called DisplayLink which has some real issues with the Surface Pro so far.

    Yes hooking up a surface to one external monitor is easy and requires just the correct output cable.

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