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05-15-2021, 12:19 PM | Topic Starter |
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Laptops Thunderbolt Question
So I have 2 questions that I am hopeful that someone can assist me on what I hope to accomplish. I probably know the answer to my own question based on my own research, but want to double check, since I am not quite familiar with this.
Background: A buddy of mine has a laptop (Lenovo T480 Model) for work. Currently he is using a laptop screen and the HDMI port for one external monitor. This buddy wants to see if he can use another monitor. He has researched that the laptop graphics is Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620. On the laptop, it does have 1 HDMI (which is currently in use for 1 monitor as mentioned above) on the right side (see #8 on the image below). On the left side of the laptop, it has a "thunderbolt" symbol (#4 on the image below) - which is not currently in use for anything. Further research shows that it has 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C and 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C/Intel Thunderbolt 3. The 1st question is: Can he use the thunderbolt port to utilize for an 2nd monitor? Research shows Lenovo's website for this model can support up to 3 monitors (2 external monitors and the laptop - which is the accomplished goal). The 2nd question applies if the 1st question is "YES": Is it better to get a cord with a male connection to the thunderbolt and a male connection HDMI to the monitor, or to get a male connection to the thunderbolt and a female connection HDMI (adapter), and connect the HDMI cords together? |
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05-15-2021, 04:06 PM | #2 |
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Yes, thunderbolt works fine for video to a 2nd monitor. That would be the only way to accomplish 3 displays with that laptop. Just get a male thunderbolt cable to whatever connection the monitor accepts (DVI/HDMI/Displayport/etc.). Shouldn't need any adapter.
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05-15-2021, 05:05 PM | #3 |
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So the other question I have then, does he need an actual docking station for this to work?
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05-15-2021, 07:30 PM | #4 |
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Nope. Not necessary.
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05-15-2021, 04:46 PM | #5 |
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A Thunderbolt is a piece of shit docking station. It is a "brick" for lack of better words. Yes you can use dual monitors if you use a Lenovo docking station - an actual docking station. I work for a hospital that uses Lenovo exclusively. Yes you would be able to connect 2 monitors and use the laptop screen as the 3rd.
P.S. I work in IT and deploy Lenovo products.
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05-15-2021, 05:06 PM | #6 | |
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05-15-2021, 07:31 PM | #7 |
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Yes but he can purchase one. Even if it is later. Get the laptop now and work towards the docking station. They are not pricey at all.
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05-15-2021, 07:34 PM | #8 |
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You can hook up only one monitor with the HDMI port and use the screen as a second monitor. A 3rd without a docking station is out of the question.
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05-15-2021, 07:36 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPa...page=1#4646500
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05-15-2021, 07:42 PM | #10 | |
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05-15-2021, 07:33 PM | #11 | |
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05-15-2021, 07:39 PM | #12 | |
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https://www.123securityproducts.com/...AaAitPEALw_wcB What I am saying from experience, they are a piece of shit! It is not worth $320!
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05-15-2021, 07:42 PM | #13 | |
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05-15-2021, 07:55 PM | #14 |
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He said dual monitors and a 3rd as his screen. This model has an HDMI port only so that is only one screen and the laptop screen itself, so for a 3rd screen, he needs a docking station.
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05-15-2021, 10:16 PM | #15 | |
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