USB DVI adapter recommendations

Question

As I've mentioned on Server Fault (before Super User existed): I'd like to add a second monitor to my MacBook setup, and worry that VNC just won't cut it. ScreenRecycler (VNC based) is impressive but a bit more speed would be nice.

A cursory search of Amazon shows a number of possible candidates, but I'm looking for good, hands-on data:

Does anyone have any experience with external DVI video adapters that are compatible with Leopard? Is the performance noticeably better than, say, VNC over a local connection?

Answer 1

You want something based on DisplayLink chips. It looks like they have Mac support.

Personally I use an EVGA UV Plus 16, and I'm very happy with it. (This is with Windows x64, mind.)

Answer 2

If you want 2 physical monitors hooked up to your laptop:

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/solutions/mac/

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/

This is the one option you have when you want more than one external monitor on a laptop.

You also might have some luck with those newer small LCD's that send video through USB, not sure if they are compatible with leopard though.

From the usb to dvi amazon search, this one claims mac support:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-To-Dvi-Graphics-Adapter/dp/B0011VJRLU/ref=sr_1_4/178-0390441-1115363?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249027577&sr=8-4

Make sure if you look at the usb to dvi options to look for mac compatibility and try to confirm 10.5 works either through reviews or user experience.