Regarding external monitors and a 2011 Macbook Pro

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2011 15" Macbook Pro (16GB RAM, 2Ghz Intel i7) that I'd like to hook up to a few external monitors. I'd like to have the ability to work efficiently and comfortably on 3 displays (currently, I'm shopping for 3 22" monitors) and then unplug from all that and have a portable mac. I love macs, but really can't afford to grab a Mac Pro and ideally would keep this within one computer.

So here's my question: Is it possible to hook up 3 monitors to a macbook pro with my above specifications using an adapter or something?

I've found a couple of Mini Display Port/Thunderbolt (not sure which it is) "splitters" that take my signal and put it out to 2 or three DVI outputs, but I'm worried that that would just mirror my desktop onto 3 monitors and not get me the nice split screen effect that I want. As a hobby game designer/3D modeler/general digital artist I find it awesome working on split screens, as I can have music, tutorials, or just a web browser and not have to tab out of my work.

I've heard of people hooking up Apple's gigantic displays to macbooks and chaining them without too much trouble, but I also know that Apple would probably design a monitor/notebook system like that and it may rely on specifics in the monitor. I really don't need a singular 27" display, as I'd rather have quantity over size, and really, really, can't afford 2 or 3 of them at $1000 each.

Alternatively, I've heard and am skeptical of USB>DVI adapters that would allow me to split screen monitors. I'd probably need a powered usb hub to allow me to still utilize my existing USB ports, but that's not a dealbreaker.

Thanks all!

--Calvin