Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I was hoping someone might have tried this before and can tell me if it will work, before I go out and buy all the adapters.

I want to connect two external monitors to my macbook pro by connecting the following to the mini displayport only;

Mini DisplayPort 1.1a input and DVI output (mini displayport to DVI adapter 24+5 pin),

24+5 pin DVI-I Male input to Dual VGA Female Output Adapter Splitter Cable (This DVI-I VGA Cable splits 1 DVI signal to 2 VGA signals) and finally http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-DVI-I-24-5-Pins-Male-to-2-Dual-VGA-Female-Monitor-Adapter-Splitter-Cable-/120836187368?pt=AU_Components&hash=item1c2265e4e8&_uhb=1#ht_3695wt_1124

then connecting both monitors to the VGA.

I want to extend the desktop (not mirror) which I was told required the DVI adapter (rather than going straight from the mini DP to a VGA splitter). I know I can use the mini DP for one monitor and the USB (via adapter) for the second, as demonstrated in the following video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIVZI1cFiAw

But I would rather keep my usb ports free. I'm just not sure if the video card can support this method...I have a feeling at best I will get a mirror. (I also run windows7 on my macbook which I prefer to use, in case this makes a difference)

Any feedback would be appreciated :)

share|improve this question
Did you find an answer to your problem? To keep my ports free I got a DVI splitter cable but the monitors only mirror each other and there's no option for me to change it in my display settings. – Chris Mar 9 at 22:22

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.