dual monitor question

In your case, you could use your existing card in parallel with a new card (provided that either it or the old one are PCI), and you would definately be able to achieve 1280x1024 for the flat panel. Alternately, you could look for a more modern version of my card which has two video ports on it, (as I say, I'm not really current with the hardware market so I can't make specific recommendations) you'd just need to make sure that such a card would support the video modes you require for both displays. (and I don't think you'll have much trouble there)

in the end i took away the 15" monitor and just started using the 19" monitor at 1152x864. at work i use a 17" monitor (at 1152x864) and for the past couple of months i've found a 19" monitor at home to be disorienting and poor-looking. 17" monitor is the perfect size in my opinion, you just have to know how not to clutter your screen up.

i suspect the novelty of dual monitor will wear off unless you're doing hardcore web design work, in which case it's almost de rigeur these days.

nathalie! no, i don't very often go on the aim. if i knew you were going to be there, i would probably more often! you seem so busy being in love and such :-) alex has still been the same name when i've been on, and jess doesn't show up for mine either, but his name is the same as it was, i'm pretty sure. i think he has me blocked and wont fess up to it! ;-)

so many smileys!

my current card is in a agp4x slot

with the matrox software, your two displays are indeed "one big field of resolution" but they can be set to function somewhat independently. for example it can be set so that you have a "primary" monitor wherein all your applications appear when launched, your icons and taskbar reside, etc. the second monitor is like a "working" or "palette" monitor. the two monitors can have independent resolutions (which can be unbelievably handy).

I do what you're describing often with audio apps. It's really useful to have all your controls and knobs and things on one monitor, and your piano roll / sequencer on the other.

ATI Radeon series: the first few did dual-monitor okay, but the overall performance was a bit lacking. The 7500 is tolerable unless you want to play games. I'd suggest going for at least an 8500 or if you have the cash, spring for the 9700 Pro. It easily allows you multiple desktops with Hydravision, but I don't like Hydravision as much as others seem to. It does the job, though.

NVIDIA GeForce: the GeForce4 Ti 4200 or Ti 4600 are both kickin' cards and allow you to easily multi-monitor at different resolutions. The best thing about these cards is that the driver comes with key features like application position memory (both app and dialogue boxes), multiple desktops, Explorer integration and window transparency when dragged, in case you ever need to compare two windows.

MATROX: The Matrox cards are good if you don't need really high 3D performance (games, etc); anything before the new Parhelia really goes into the dumper as soon as you try to play Quake or something like that. Earlier cards, if I recall correctly, may not allow independent resolutions on each of the monitors. I know that the new Parhelia will allow you up to THREE monitors, but then it becomes one single display stretched out across three different monitors, which can be problematic.

Partially it comes down to how much money you want to spend and how much graphic power you want out of it. If you have a secret stash o cash, go for the GeForce4 Ti4600 (the GeForce4 MX models I've seen have one monitor, one TV out, so they should probably be avoided). If raw graphics performance isn't an issue at all, the Matrox G550 might be a good alternative...cheap and easy to use. If you want a good balance, Radeon 8500 or 9000 would probably be your best option.

i will continue researching, and all the input is much appreciated :-)

"everyone at this workplace will have two monitors"
"but I only want one"
"too bad - how can you only want one - you are getting two"

what is so horrible about having one monitor

you can turn one off?

Or work with one eye shut.

we were at the tesco near butlins minehead getting ready for ATP one time - saw loads of people perplexed and puzzled as they were selling 1 crate of 24 beers for 16.99, but there's also a discount for 2 crates, for 14.99 total.

so it's actually more economical to buy 2 crates even if you just dump one after check out?!!?!?

I dont have enough desk real estate for two monitors - I would rather have a place to stow my granola bars and thermos - yes, I use a thermos

I never thought I would need two monitors, but now that I have two at work I wonder how I ever lived with just one. The thought of going back to alt-tabbing between AutoCAD and SketchUp or AutoCAD and PDF drawing instead of just glancing over at the other screen sort of scares me.

Ditto

Programming is a lot easier when you can have, say, documentation on one monitor, code on another. Or website code on one monitor, browser on another.

so is testing - test script one side, application another.

well I'm not programming - I only have a 15 incher too but I like it - makes me feel mendicant - my monitor is my hairshirt. I will be rewarded in heaven.

what is so horrible about having one monitor

it is so much worse than two.

(also, work on one monitor, ilx in another?)

more like tiny half-size ILE on one monitor that is clicked away when someone comes in and return to awful work program made by imbeciles

Whatever your job, there's always going to be times where you'll want to quickly switch between two windows, and the quickest way to switch is to have them on separate monitors.

you all have a point - I guess I am just an old fashione dpeanut man

Also it looks like your keyboard's spacebar could use some upgrading.

I used to be a two monitor guy, but now you have widescreen monitors, and 27"+ sizes I don't see the need any more. Just, y'know - position some windows side-by-side.

no that is just my problem - that is why I am called Hanle y

For me, when making newspaper pages, there's no other way. It's perfect to have all the toolboxes on one monitor so they don't clutter up the page, ie:

http://images.macworld.com/images/legacy/2007/03/images/content/indesigncs3.jpg

^^ this is a nightmare on one monitor, having to constantly move around the toolboxes because they're in the way.

My left hand monitor can be pivoted and the L-shaped workspace can be really useful

the people I support use 4 monitors - what a nightmare on the neck

I can just about understand three, but where do they find the space for four? Or are they stacked 2 x 2?

they have king kong sized desks

nsfw http://yogan.meinungsverstaerker.de/fun_off/2009/2ch-otaku-rooms-048_8x3_Anime_Monitors.jpg