Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE External Multi-Display Adapter Review

Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE External Multi-Display Adapter Introduction:

Founded in 1976, Matrox is a pioneer in the field of graphics and multi-display solutions. The Montreal-based company offers an impressive line-up of products including Graphics Cards, Display Wall Products, Display Controller Boards, Multi-Display Software and Graphics eXpansion Modules.

The Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter falls into the Graphics eXpansion Modules category. This little device will allow you to “See more. Do more. Be more productive.” by connecting up to three extra monitors or projectors to a laptop or a desktop even if the system can only support one display by default. The connection is done through DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port. The resolution supported is up to 5760x1080 @50HZ (3x 1920x1080), and the unit comes with some interesting features like HDCP compliance to play protected content, the Matrox Bezel Management and the Clone Mode.

The potential screen real estate increase is a dream come true for professionals looking for productivity and multitasking optimization or gamers looking for sharp image quality and immersive experience; and all of you out there wanting to transform your man-cave into the Bat-cave!

Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE External Multi-Display Adapter Closer Look:

The Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter comes in a small but very sturdy and well-designed box. The front displays the product alongside three monitors to emphasize the TripleHead2Go code name. The top is dedicated to the product name with a little tab on the top right that displays the “Digital SE” version. On the bottom left corner are listed some of the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter features and the Matrox Logo. The back of the box displays the product name across the top with the version tab on the top left this time. Underneath the name is a picture of the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter connected to a laptop and three monitors along with a four-step quick setup instructions list. The rest of the space is taken up by the registration link available in five languages.

When I opened the box I was a bit surprised by the absence of any kind of padding. That being said the unit comes sealed inside an antistatic bag and the cables included prevent it from moving around inside the box. In terms of accessories, three cables are provided with the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter: one USB cable to power the unit through a USB connection on a laptop or a desktop, one DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable and one Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. The cables are of good quality and the display port connectors are protected by plastic caps. Also included are a "getting started" CD and two guides, one for Windows-based systems and one for Mac users. The side by side picture of the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter and a 2.5” SATA HDD is to give you an idea about the actual size of the unit.

The Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter is built to last, which explains the missing padding. The casing is fairly thick metal and the unit is light but feels very solid. In the front of the unit there is a DisplayPort to connect to the output from a laptop or a desktop, a USB port, and a power indicator light. On the back there are three DVI connectors. The top of the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter is perforated for ventilation. The product name is displayed across the top, along with the identification numbers for the DVI connectors, which will come in handy during the installation or when a modification of the setup is needed. On the bottom side of the unit, four rubber feet are present to prevent any sliding. You may also notice the two threaded holes on each side that I presume could be used to mount the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter in a more discreet and cable management-friendly way.

After setting up the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter, its footprint is still minimal so as not to take up too much space on a desk. With all the cables connected, it’s just as big as a CD case. At the time of this review, I connected the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter to three monitors with different sizes; since the unit is oriented towards productivity, some users may want to have a large main monitor with up to three side monitors for multi-tasking purposes. Obviously three matching monitors are mandatory for an optimal gaming experience and to take advantage of what the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter has to offer.

Next I will give you a tour of the Matrox PowerDesk software that comes bundled with the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital SE Multi-Display Adapter.