StarTech USB 3.0 to VGA External Video Card Adapter - 2048x1152 Resolution Multi Monitor Display Converter for Laptop & PC - Ideal for Home Office, Gaming & Business Presentations (Black)

My wife always envied me because I worked with my laptop and two external monitors (my laptop has two video ports) so she asked me one day to put two monitors on her computer. Not having much option I tried the USB 2.0 unit, and she started working very happily with it. But it wasn't perfect. She wanted MORE! So she asked me to add a THIRD external monitor to her computer, which I did via the USB 3.0 unit subject of this review. It worked well, and she is very happy since she can arrange different apps in different monitors (Skype and other comm applications in one, documents in another one, email on the next one and desktop and random stuff on the laptop's screen).Is it perfect? No, I found a few defects:1) It doesn't work with Windows 8. I'm sure they will fix that eventually.2) It is a bit slow on a USB 2.0 port, decent on a 3.0 port. Not a problem with the hardware but it makes it less practical if this will be your only external monitor. If using this in addition to an external VGA or DVI monitor, it's not a problem since you can put the "slow" apps (documents, email and the like) on the USB monitor, while more dynamic apps (video player, Skype and the like, which don't work well over USB) can go to the regular monitor.3) she loses video every once in a while. Unplugging the unit from the USB hub and plugging it again normally solves the problem. It doesn't happen often so it is not a big issue.So in all she's very happy. If you have a USB 3.0 port and you need more screen real estate, get a bunch of these and be happy. Be careful, it can get addictive.I have a thinkpad w510 laptop that I use for my every day development machine. By itself, I can hook up to 2 external hd monitors (1920x1080). I wanted to hook up a third hd monitor. This USB external video card was exactly what I needed. Plugged the StarTech USB 3.0 to VGA External Video Card into a usb 3.0 port on my laptop, loaded up the drivers, plugged my 3rd HD monitor into the external video card and that was it. Everything works as advertised. There is zero lag. You can't tell which monitor is being driven by the external graphics card. Video plays flawlessly. I haven't tried any gaming with with this so I don't know how it will perform if you use it for gaming. However, for what I do, it is absolutely perfect. Installation was simple as well. If you need to plug in an extra monitor and need an external graphics card to do it, this usb graphics card is great.I had to call tech support a few times, Best Buy first sold me the wrong startech product, I called tech support and they were able to find the right product for me. I had to call a second time because the USB adapter did not work. Tech support was so knowledgeable, friendly and I was able to talk to a live person in the United States right away. I was so happy with their customer service, I didn't mind the aggravation of returning the broken USB adapter and ordering a replacement. The new adapter works great. In the future, I will purchase startech products, even if they are a little more expensive, just for the peace of mind knowing that if there is a problem, they're are going to take care of me.I just received the product, downloaded the drivers from the site and it works like a charm. Took less than 5 minutes to get everything setup. My laptop is a Lenovo X1 Carbon and the two displays I am using are AOC 21.5" displays, sadly the Carbon only has one mini-display port so I had to go with an adapter for a second display unless you are willing to spend $200+ for a real video splitter.I am running my displays using VGA and the image is crisp, just make sure the VGA cables you are using are good. If I begin to run into any issues I will revise my review, however, as of now I have not experienced any lag or display issues.I bought this to extend the desktop for my WFH computer.Wasn't sure how easy it would be to set up, but was pleasantly surprised how simple.No plug and play, but close enough.Comes with a CD to load program, easy instructions and extended the desktop without any input from me.Just got it, so we'll see how much I'll like it in a few month, but very pleased with the initial impression.Currently my laptop had been attached to a second monitor and I used this item to attach a third monitor to my laptop. It does work but creates a bit of problems. For instance whenever i want to stream videos the video will pause and i cannot view it on the monitor connected to this adapter. I could not even use a word document on that monitor without creating problem. Could be due to a weaker graphics card in my laptop though. But the product does work like it is supposed to as it helps add an additional monitor.This adapter has NOT let me down. I have had this for a couple of months. Being a student, I am used to having multi-monitor systems. At home, my desktop has a 6-screen setup. Hence, having just one screen on campus was a major deterrent. Using this with my laptops built-in HDMI out, I am able to have a 3 screen output.Recently, I saw that I am constantly using it to hook up my laptop with the project in my lab. However, this costs me a screen. So am now buying a SECOND one. This is worth its price.I bought this adapter instead of others b/c it's a video card. This card delivers what anyone who frequently gives presentations wants: presenter mode! That means the slides go the projector, but the speaker notes, along with the slides, come to the laptop. You can't do that on other laptops, whether they have a VGA port or not. This card enables you to do more with your laptop, whether it's extending your existing screen resolution or projecting to TWO different monitors. The driver is smooth and the install clean. This is a clear winner.