Dual screen heaven

[DionM]

For those of you who don't have dual screens on your PC for editing, you don't know what you are missing out on!

I recently upgraded to a dual 19" LCD setup (twin Benq FP992s, they're an older 'professional' series LCD) and wow ... editing is so much greater ... and having a wall paper stretched across two monitors is nothing short of stunning. I have them running off a 6600GT video card.

I have PS in a full window, and all the toolbars on the second monitor. Soo much better for editing. Plus I can still have a web browser open in the free space around the toolbars.

Monitors are so cheap these days, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't have one!

[stubbsy]

Dion

I've been running dual monitors for maybe 18 months. I have an LCD for my tools and a CRT for the image only. For me the colour rendition of the CRT is still so much better than all but the most expensive LCDs. Of course you need the desk real estate.

If you have M$ Window$, have you looked at Ultramon? It makes working with dual monitors that little bit nicer.

[apsilon]

If you have M$ Window$, have you looked at Ultramon? It makes working with dual monitors that little bit nicer.

Second the Ultramon recommendation. I've also been running dual screens (24" widescreen and a 20" widescreen in portrait) for a bit over a year and it's great. Colour reproduction isn't as good as a quality CRT but it's good enough for me where most of my work is web based and 99.9% of people don't have their monitors adjusted correctly anyway.

[Oneputt]

Dion I always knew that you would eventually catch up. Welcome to the dual monitor club

[MATT]

Second the Ultramon recommendation. I've also been running dual screens (24" widescreen and a 20" widescreen in portrait) for a bit over a year and it's great. Colour reproduction isn't as good as a quality CRT but it's good enough for me where most of my work is web based and 99.9% of people don't have their monitors adjusted correctly anyway.

this looks like a sweet setup, apsilon can you post a pick of your setup???

Cheers

MATT

[oli]

For those of you who have dual screens on your PC for editing, you don't know what you are missing out on!

Once you get three screens, you won't want to use any less!

Besides, with two you have the problem of not having a real "centre". I have a 20" in the middle and two 17"s, one on each side! Three is better than two, obviously.

[NikonUser]

3?? Holy crap!

And here I am... considering a Dell 24" widescreen... my first bigger than 17" CRT

I think I"ll have to get more than one

Paul

[beetleboy]

"20 inch in Portrait" orientation? Sounds very interesting..I'm assuming you do a lot of vertical shots? Great idea!

[oli]

"20 inch in Portrait" orientation? Sounds very interesting..I'm assuming you do a lot of vertical shots? Great idea!

Are you asking me?

If you are, the answer is no.

If you look at the specifications on 20" wide screen monitors you will see the vertical screen area is very close to the vertical screen area of the 17" panels - and the amount of pixels is also very close.

I work in webdevelopment and network related IT stuff from home so having a lot of desktop space is very useful for me. For example if developing websites I can have Dreamweaver open in the middle screen, a web browser and server console (for viewing logs) on the left screen, and my MySQL management thing open in another web browser window on the right side...

I'll take a photo of my setup shortly and post it here.

[beetleboy]

Wow!! I was kinda asking but you've answered anyway!

Can't wait to see the pics!

[apsilon]

this looks like a sweet setup, apsilon can you post a pick of your setup???

Well it's a bad photo (on a photography forum, oh the shame of it ) and it's out of date since once I saw the photo I knew the curtains had to go and so did the carpet and a fresh coat of paint but...

[gstark]

I'm sorry, but that is a fake!

It simply cannot be the desk of a serious developer.

You can see the desk.

The coffee cup is empty. There are no coffee stains on the desk or keyboard!

There's no copy of HHGTTG in sight.

Who are you trying to fool?

[beetleboy]

Oh, think I was a bit confused there..I was asking apsilon about his portrait oriented 20" (pictured above) - still curious as to the reason behind the orientation?

[oli]

I'm sorry, but that is a fake!

It simply cannot be the desk of a serious developer.

You can see the desk.

I agree with gstark... I'm sure he tidied that up just for the photo...

Anyway here's mine: (linked because I've left it large)
http://users.on.net/~ransom/temp/olisdesk.jpg

In case you're wondering the handle thing hanging down on the right is to open the skylight (I have an internal room).

Ps. best use for an MCSE book, ever!

[apsilon]

It was tidied up because I'd just setup the second screen. It's now a mess again, in fact there's basically a line leading from the door to the table and even then you have to step over my pack etc

I have the secondary screen in portrait because I've found it easier for working with documents and webpages. Less scrolling and more visibility (plus it's on an arm and I can rotate it around within seconds if I wanted to but never have).

[oli]

apsilon what's the silver controller thing just to the left of your horizontal Dell monitor for?

[apsilon]

It's the controller for the Logitech speakers (Z-5500 IIRC)

[mitedo]

Hi Paul go the Dell 24 great screen, i did have two screens setup 24 dell with a 17 crt but have gone back to 24in, or you could try two Viewsonic VA1912WB 19 nice screens for around $880 for both i have just bought one

[MATT]

Very impressive.. love the dual screen setup.

I had dual 17's for a while and also 17 and 21 crt but didnt find it to good.The CRT need calibrating ans was frustrating.No to mention the realestate it took up

Dell had the 24 for $1089 delivered last week I think now its $1300 , acouple of those would be cool.


MATT

[NikonUser]

Hi Paul go the Dell 24 great screen, i did have two screens setup 24 dell with a 17 crt but have gone back to 24in, or you could try two Viewsonic VA1912WB 19 nice screens for around $880 for both i have just bought one

Oooh that photo looks nice. (Love Homer in the background....very appropriate!)

Can anyone tell me how often Dell have their special deals? The current one (the 24" for $1200) sounds ok (but not as good as ($1089!!) but only lasts the next few days and I"m still trying to decide.

Also. Is there anyone who has used this screen with a HDTV tuner or DVD player? I'd be interested in how it performs in that regard too.

Paul

[MATT]

I think the $1089 was a mistake by dell, and after a day or so changes to the current deal.

I think even a couple of widscreen 21" for around $1100 may be better value .
MATT

[gstark]

Can anyone tell me how often Dell have their special deals?

There's no such thing as a special deal when it comes to Dell hardware, Paul. You have to deal with Dell, and that's hell.

[NikonUser]

Can anyone tell me how often Dell have their special deals?

There's no such thing as a special deal when it comes to Dell hardware, Paul. You have to deal with Dell, and that's hell.

I see.

This monitor shopping (browsing) is harder than I thought it would be!

Unlimited funds would make life easier!

Paul

[apsilon]

Dells specials change weekly but if you're not in a hurry keep an eye on http://bulkbuyer.com.au/community/forums as they generally arrange a bulk deal on these monitors every few months.

[DionM]

Can anyone tell me how often Dell have their special deals? The current one (the 24" for $1200) sounds ok (but not as good as ($1089!!) but only lasts the next few days and I"m still trying to decide.

Also. Is there anyone who has used this screen with a HDTV tuner or DVD player? I'd be interested in how it performs in that regard too.

Paul

I think you will find that $1089 was for the 2405, the non HDMI version. The 2407 has HDMI, and $1200 is a VERY good price early on for the new version.

I have been thinking about getting one to use as a TV in the bedroom (as well as PC inputs, it has component inputs). Still deciding ...

[apsilon]

I think you mean HDCP but yes $1200 is a good price for the new model.

[obzelite]

viewsonic are advertising a 20" widescreen for 569 i think.

two of them is less then a dell 24", and way more screen real estate.

[obzelite]

Anyway here's mine: (linked because I've left it large)
http://users.on.net/~ransom/temp/olisdesk.jpg

In case you're wondering the handle thing hanging down on the right is to open the skylight (I have an internal room).

Ps. best use for an MCSE book, ever!

how do find the stool/chair/torture device, i was going to get one as an old back injury is playing up and i really need to watch my posture.

[birddog114]

viewsonic are advertising a 20" widescreen for 569 i think.

two of them is less then a dell 24", and way more screen real estate.

Anyone want a bite?

Viewsonic VX2025WM @$520.00 GST Inc.
Viewsonic VX2021M @$470.00 GST Inc.

[Nnnnsic]

The 2025WM is the only one you'd really want out of those two. The 2021M just doesn't look as good or perform as well, and for the mimimal price difference, it can probably compete with the Dell.

[birddog114]

The 2025WM is the only one you'd really want out of those two. The 2021M just doesn't look as good or perform as well, and for the mimimal price difference, it can probably compete with the Dell.

You're exactly right! but wanted to show people the difference in pricing.
I go for the 2025WM if it's the case.