What Do You Need for a Twin PC?

Jetway also sells the Twin PC as motherboards, at least in some markets. Whether a motherboard or SFF, the same items are required for Twin PC operation:
  • Jetway MiniQ SFF or Twin Motherboard - the Magic Twin technology is copyrighted by Jetway and the motherboard has additional components to enable the Twin PC operation. You cannot just simply install the software on other motherboards for 2 PC Operation.
  • Dual Head VGA - the 860Twin comes with just a single VGA connector, so you must add a Dual Head VGA card for Twin PC operation. One of the nVidia nForce2 versions, the MiniQ 765Twin, comes with Dual Head VGA built in, but all other MiniQ systems require a Dual Head VGA card for Twin PC operation.
  • PS2 or Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Splitters - the common Keyboard and Mouse splitters are supplied with the MiniQ systems. For audio on both systems, you need to use Mini Jacks for System 1 Audio and USB Speakers for System 2 OR you can purchase a USB external adapter that connects to a USB port and adapts to standard audio mini jacks .
  • Windows XP with Service Pack 1 - The Magic Twin software is designed to work with dual-user hardware on Windows XP - either the Home or Professional edition. It will not work on Windows 98, ME, or 2000.
  • Magic Twin Software - The Magic Twin software layer is supplied with both the SFF barebone and Magic Twin motherboards.


Technical requirements for a 2-user Magic Twin system include:
  • minimum 1.2Ghz CPU
  • 256MB or more memory
  • Maximum distance for 2nd Station of 25 feet

Index Jetway MiniQ 860Twin
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  • Wesleyrpg - Friday, April 16, 2004 - link

    hmm, i wonder what the legal implications are for two users using the same piece of software at the same time (ie MS WORD). I bet if Micro$oft got wind of this they would demand two product licences be used. (which means two office installs and twice as much money)

    Anyone else agree?

    WES
  • Zepper - Friday, April 16, 2004 - link

    Clever, but nothing really new. I haven't seen it for a while, but there was a video card that had outputs for four screens, kbds and mice. And you could put up to four of those in one computer. Worked with some tweaked version of Win.
    .bh.
  • TallCoolOne - Friday, April 16, 2004 - link

    The first page of this article mentions that this system can be used for 2 player gaming. I know this is only a "First Look" article, but did AnandTech test this? It would be nice to know just how far this system can be pushed. ;) Also interesting would be to see if it can connect to a LAN game and be 'seen' as two separate computers in that environment.

    TC1
  • JKing76 - Friday, April 16, 2004 - link

    Two words: Gimme key.
  • reever - Friday, April 16, 2004 - link

    I don't think this would have many implications for the home user, but for public place like libraries or schools I think this this would help a lot of people out

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