HIS Multi View II Adapter

May 23rd, 2010 | By Jared

Manufacturer:

We all know Hightech Information Systems Limited (HIS) as a producer of some outstanding graphics cards. Desktop graphics cards from ATI boast Eyefinity which supports multiple monitors, the latest offering up to 6 displays. Multiple monitors aren’t a new thing but have been catching extra steam as of late.

While most modern desktop cards support multiple monitor setups, laptops are often stuck with a maximum of two. Enter HIS’s Multi View II Adapter that can easily add support for an additional monitor through simple USB plug and play.

Package

The packaging for the Multi View II USB Display Adapter is clean with a black and blue theme. An expansive list of features and specifications adorn the back and sides of the box.

Opening up the package reveals each component in its own little compartment.

The accessories included are a quick install guide, installation CD, pouch, retractable USB cord and DVI to VGA adapter. The pouch is a nice addition as it makes the portability of the device even easier which is important when it is aimed at notebook users.

The Multi View II adapter itself is primarily white in color and is about the size of a credit card in length and width. There is a DVI connection on one end with a mini USB on the other.

The bottom contains four small feet along with the product name and serial number.

Features and Specifications

Next I grabbed the specifications and features straight from HIS’s product page. For complete details and information you can go .

Specifications:

Features:
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compliant input
Dual DisplayLink DL2+ Decompression Engines
High definition resolution up to 2048×1152 including Full HD (1080p)
High performance (DDR) memory interface
Comprehensive operating system support including full support for Windows Vista (including Aero 3D) and Windows 7*
Windows driver Auto-Install via SPI flash interface
Support for standard and widescreen aspect ratio displays
32-bit True Color depth for high quality graphics
Integrated DVI (TMDS) and analog (VGA) DAC
Support for direct LCD panel connections via LVDS
Video output via DisplayPort and HMDI supported via external chips (12/24-bit RGB-TTL)
Ultra low power consumption compatible with USB bus-powered designs
Automatic display detection using VESA compliant protocols
Support for a wide range of static, interactive, and video content
Fast and simple installation using Microsoft WHQL signed drivers
Configuration flexibility allowing extend and clone desktop display. Configurations are remembered with the unique benefit that when unplugging the device, all applications are brought back to the computer’s main display, to enhance mobility.
Fully software upgradable allowing performance and feature enhancements over the life of the product
*Optional Auto-Update to provide users with the latest software enhancements

Installation

Installation of the Multi View II is exceptionally simple. From physically plugging the device into an available USB slot and installing the driver took no more than five minutes. It seems a little ungainly when plugged in, but it does the job.

On the included installation CD are the drivers, a link to download the latest driver, the BumpTop productivity application, manual, wallpapers and other various support links.

Once the driver is installed and the Multi View II is plugged in a small icon appears in the system tray. From here you can control all of the display settings.

Testing

With a device like the Multi View II, there really aren’t any benchmarks to run and get hard numbers so this will be more of a user experience. For testing I installed the Multi View II on a Dell Latitude D630 and then used it to connect to a BenQ V2400W 24″ monitor via DVI and a Sharp 32″ LCD TV (LC-32SB27U) using the VGA adapter.

The D630 is no gaming laptop so I wasn’t able to try out any gaming using the Multi View II, but that is not the focus of the device. What I was able to do is play MKV files using VLC Media Player at 720p and 1080p resolutions on both my 32″ Sharp LCD TV and BenQ 24″ LCD monitor with no hiccups.

What the Multi View II does best is give you extended space for productivity. At work where I can typically connect an additional 15″ LCD (yes, we are stuck using 15″ LCDs) which is a help, but attaching a third monitor is a godsend. When you typically work in multiple applications in a given day it is a big help to be able to have three different applications opened and viewable at once.

Overall the Multi View II just plain worked as I never had any issues or hiccups with its use. The Multi View II Adapter may not be for everyone but it certainly has its uses, particularly if you have laptop or netbook and want more screen real estate.

Conclusion

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received the Multi View II Adapter, but I have quickly grown to appreciate it. The Multi View II is quick to setup and is an easy way to add more screen real estate to a laptop or netbook. The included retractable USB cord and pouch makes it easy to transport and ideal for portable computing.

There really aren’t any downsides to the Multi View II unless you consider that you won’t be running any games through it but that isn’t the focus of the Multi View II. There are a multitude of gadgets in existence and most of them serve no meaningful purpose, but the Multi View II is not one of them. Thanks to this device laptop users now easily have the same luxury of multiple monitor setups that desktop users have had for quite some time.