Are you tired of struggling with the VGA or HDMI output port on your laptop? Or do you just wish your desktop supported an additional monitor but don't have another slot or aren't interested in ripping the machine apart to add another display?

OWC may have an answer for you. Their USB2.0 display adapter lets you add a display up to 1600x1200. It's not going to give you the same performance as a dedicated PCI-E card or blow away gamers who need performance, but it should be a good solution for those who value ease of use and want an extra monitor to help avoid clutter by stashing their palettes or email windows out of the way while they work on images. The full announcement is:
 
OWC INTRODUCES USB 2.0 DISPLAY ADAPTER --
EASILY ADD ADDITIONAL DISPLAYS TO MACS & PCs
 
Increases Productivity up to 50%
For Spreadsheets, Multi-Tasking, Photoshop, Presentations, Research, TV/Video Viewing, & Emails
Bus Powered -- Connects to any USB 2.0 Desktop or Laptop Computer 
 
April 28, 2009, Woodstock, IL -- Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading Mac and PC technology company, announced today the new OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter, the easiest way to add an additional display to Macs and PCs via any standard USB 2.0 port. Functioning like a bus powered “external video card,” the OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter adds an additional monitor to desktop and laptop computers that offer only one built-in display/video-out port. In addition, the adapter also eliminates the cost and hassle of installing a video card into a computer.
 
Single monitors often do not provide enough viewing area to display desired content; and since the OWC Display Adapter is lightweight and bus powered with no AC adapter needed, it’s easy to bring on the road. The OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter makesadding an additional monitor to any computer an easy three-step process:
 

1. Plug the OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter into any of the computer’s available USB 2.0 ports.
2. Plug the second monitor into the Display Adapter.
3. Load the included driver software.

 
Clone Your Screen, Extend It, or View a Different Display – Supports up to 6 Simultaneous Displays
 
The OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter connects to HDMI, DVI, and VGA equipped displays (including the latest HD flat panel LCDs, standard CRT monitors, and projectors) in full 32-bit color at resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200. Up to 6 adapters can be configured to either clone a user’s primary screen or extend the desktop, allowing visibility of more applications at the same time on up to 6 individual displays.
 
Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity 10%-50%
 
Previously used primarily by financial traders, graphic designers, and video gamers, multiple displays are now a common requirement for modern, everyday computer users that require viewing a volume of personal content and websites simultaneously. Studies have shown productivity gains of 10% to 50% with multiple monitor use, because users are able to perform more work in less time and with fewer errors.
 
OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter Multiple Display Uses:
·        Spreadsheets: view large spreadsheetsacross 2 screens with display continuity.
·        Multitasking: multitask more effectively without overlapping windows.
·        E-mails: open attachments on one screen while reading the e-mailon the other.
·        Reference: type documents on one screen while viewing reference material on the other.
·        Photoshop: design on one screen and use 2nd display for Photoshoppallets/tools.
·        Presentations: use a laptop to run multiple screens during a large audience presentation.
·        Charts/Data: view investment charts and live market data at the same time.
·        TV/movies: view Internet TV or DVD movies on one screen and your desktop on the other screen.
 
The OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter is ready to use straight from the box, so there’s no need to purchase anything extra. It comes complete with:
·        USB to DVI adapter
·        DVI to VGA adapter
·        DVI to HDMI swivel adapter
·        Four foot USB 2.0 cable
·        CD-ROM with user guide and software
·        One year warranty
 
Available immediately, the OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapteris priced at $99 MSRP from Other World Computing at www.macsales.com. Up to 4 adapters can be used with Intel based Macintosh computers running OS X 10.4 and later as well as up to 6 adapters on PCs running MS Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 SP4, or Windows Vista with Aero support. For more information on the OWC USB 2.0 Display Adapter, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/VIDU2DVIA/
 
About Other World Computing (OWC)
 
Other World Computing (OWC) has been providing quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988. The Illinois based company operates the popular e-commerce portal www.macsales.com, which features one of the largest online catalogs of computer, iPod, and iPhone enhancement products, including Mercury, Neptune, and NewerTech® acceleration, storage, and FireWire® product lines.
 
As a Premiere Level Apple Developer Connection member, OWC provides extensive US based technical support for Macintosh users around the world. OWC is also a strategic partner with Axiotron and exclusive US distributor of the award winning Axiotron Modbook™.
 
OWC is the winner of numerous awards, including Computerworld Magazine’s Top Green-IT Companies for 2008, BizRate’s Gold Circle of Excellence for 2008, and the 2008 “Business Champion Award” from McHenry County Economic Development Corporation. The company’s management umbrella includes leading Internet Service Providers www.fastermac.net and www.owc.net and is the leading technology employer as ranked by the McHenry County Business Journal. For more information, visit www.macsales.com.