Sapphire Vid 2X Display Expander Review (with Macbook Air)

1. Introduction2. Vid-2X Display Expander DVI Version (PSE-DV2185)3. Vid-2X Display Expander DVI Version (Super High Res Gallery)4. Vid-2X Display Expander Displayport Version (PSE-DP4196)5. Vid-2X Display Expander Displayport Version (Super High Res Gallery)6. Testing the Vid 2X with Macbook Air7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

The Sapphire Vid 2X is undoubtedly an extremely clever gadget which will prove very useful to a wide audience of people. Unlike many adapters we have tested, the quality of the signal is very strong and it doesn't lower the image quality of the external screens.

Sapphire have ensured the Vid 2X installation stage is hassle free, being a driver less design with full support across multi platform environments. If you own a Windows, Linux or Macintosh operating system then this device will work, without complex user intervention. Sapphire have created two different versions of the Vid 2X for DVI and Displayport based systems.

We tested today with an 11 inch MacBook Air with Mini DisplayPort out connector. All the cables required were supplied in the box, which was a pleasant surprise. The Vid 2X worked flawlessly with two 1920×1080 screens, and we didn't need to change any of the switches on the device to extend our main screen across the external 3840×1080 real estate. I was particularly impressed to note that OSX cooperated completely with the Vid 2X, storing the (X/Y) positions of application windows upon restart, maintaining a complex work environment perfectly.

The Vid 2X takes all the power it needs from the USB cable. While Sapphire supply a dual header USB cable to compensate for low power ports, we only ever had to use a single port for operation.

For the audience reading this who have several monitors in the house and a small laptop such as a Macbook Air, then this device is a ‘Must Have' purchase. It transforms the confined working environment from a modest internal resolution screen into a huge 3840px+ wide working environment. It would also be ideal for someone who requires only a single portable computer, moving quickly from three screens at home, to the single screen when on the move.

You can buy the Vid 2X now from Ebuyer. Remember there are two versions of the device, so make sure you buy the right one. DisplayPort version available here for £129.99. The DVI version is more expensive and is available here for £147.14.

Pros:

• Flawless setup.
• Compact.
• Multi Platform.
• Great image quality.
• Cables supplied in the box.

Cons:

• If you power from the computer, it takes at least one USB port.

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