Yes graphics adapter hardware. You know, the things with a GPU and video memory. By all means, get out a soldering iron and hack together some splitter cables if you think it will do the job.
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/products/th2go/home.php http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/finent/products/extio/extiof1420.php
The splitter found here http://www.cablesforless.com/browseproducts/VGA-Splitter-Cable.html can be used for dual monitors (no special video card needed). After you plug in the two monitors, right click on desktop > properties > settings and click on monitor 2 and click on box "extend my windows desktop onto this monitor" This should work for you.
I'd like to hear from someone who experiences this... it should NOT work as you suggest, but rather both monitors should display the same.
The Dualhead2Go adapter takes the place of additional video card port... it also costs about $200. Some users would like to attach 2nd monitor to a $1.95 splitter and get "extended desktop".... I want to say, "ain't gonna happen", but I'd like to be surprised....
Precisely. Unless there is a video controller to render different content for a 2nd screen, you won't get any extra screen real-estate ... only a duplicated image as gnome has already said. Just FYI, I am a systems administrator, and computer hardware/software is my specialty ... this stuff doesn't just magically work, you need a separate video device.
Yeah, that's the ticket. Please see the Amazon product page link in my original post above... this is the same Y-splitter VGA cable that would not help Hombre at all. It's amazing how many people above have offered well-intentioned advice, addressing a question other than the simple one posted by the OP, who was clearly looking for a simple, inexpensive solution.
Well, one solution is clearly inexpensive.... you can buy a Matrox G450 dualhead card for <$10... sometimes only $.99 + shipping on eBay. However, it's not the "splitter" solution. FWIW... I've used both Matrox dualheads and Nvidia Quadro NVS 280 dualheads. The Nvidia Quadro is a measure better.
wow... hold it there brother. Who said a simple, inexpensive solution? you might interpret it that way, OP might have intended it that way, but surely you are the only one who put the words here.
First of all, I don't think he was too clear, and secondly, I am pretty sure that he isn't looking for a mirroring solution. When people refer to dual monitors, their goal most often is to add screen space, not get a mirror of what they already have. As gnome once again has pointed out, the solution (he is most likely looking for) is not very expensive. That y-cable won't get you very far unless it has a video controller (albeit cheap) I don't know about.