Who uses 2 screens

**MrTom-UK** · 05-11-2006, 08:49 AM

I have recently bought 2 TFT monitors and use them via a Windows XP and a ATI card with 2 outputs. It's AMAZING having such a large work space - one screen for website editing, the other gives a preview of the site etc.

Many other work like this? Got any hints on ways to use 2 screens effectively?

**Minaki** · 05-11-2006, 09:28 AM

I use 2 screens at work. At home I just use one big one. Ideally, I'd like 2 big ones

lol.

**SEOclown** · 05-11-2006, 11:42 AM

I was wondering about that too. Do you use 2 monitors on 1 cpu? How exactly does that work?

And where did you get a connector thing from?

Thanks

**Servo888** · 05-11-2006, 01:34 PM

I run two monitors as well. Dual screen, with 5 open virtual desktops =-). I do all my work in a Linux environment, and am currently running KDE. Anyways, each virtual desktop runs it's own thing - for example one is running GIMP at full screen, another Inkscape, another Kate (text editor), and another one has all my browsers open for testing. And then on my second monitor I have IRC, GAIM, and what not running.

The only issue is my laptop only has 1GB of ram, so I tend to run out of ram every now and then. (currently using 762MB's)

**MrTom-UK** · 05-11-2006, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEOclown

I was wondering about that too. Do you use 2 monitors on 1 cpu? How exactly does that work?

And where did you get a connector thing from?

Thanks

You only need 1 computer but a special graphics card with 2 outputs. They are very common. Windows XP will support more than 1 monitor as standard - it just extended the desktop. Mine is 2560x1024 running on 2 19" TFT's. Lovely.

For anyone with 2 screens try Google Earth - it's amazing double the size.

**0beron** · 05-11-2006, 06:03 PM

I use two flat screens at home, and two 19" glass monster CRTs at work (3200 *1200 px

). WinXP will support them as standard, but if you install an up to date driver for your nVidia or Ati card, then you will have access toa variety of extra settings, for example I can attach my task bar to the centre division of the screens instead of the bottom, align windows to gridlines, flip a window onto the other monitor quickly, maximise to the whole available desktop etc etc.

Servo 888, which linux distro do you use? I tried a few but could never get my dual monitor set up to cooperate with me - different resolutions and refresh rates screwed it up.

**carterdea** · 05-11-2006, 06:58 PM

I use 2 screens. I'll never go back to 1. Its awesome.

**opticbyte** · 05-12-2006, 02:23 AM

dual 17" lcds... its like a whole new world working with 2 screens. id like to go bigger someday.

**Minaki** · 05-12-2006, 04:33 AM

Next time I upgrade my computer, I'm gonna have more than 1 screen... but I'm not sure weather to get 2 large screens, or 3 small ones... what do people think?

**TimSchroeder** · 05-12-2006, 10:14 AM

I use triple 17" LCD Monitors. I have the one found here:

http://www.massedi.com/products/c17/c3p17d.htm

**0beron** · 05-12-2006, 06:37 PM

What configuration of video cards do you have to use with three monitors? Or does the setup you have include som eextra hardware to do it? I know Matrox are planning to market a triple head hardware device, that connects to three monitors and then presents them to your graphics card as a single graphics surface.

**chrishirst** · 05-14-2006, 06:05 AM

what you really need is something like this

http://www.pibmug.com/files/wideview.jpg

**Eurofreelancer** · 05-14-2006, 12:36 PM

Hi,

I've got two screens - makes my life much easier, I'm thinking of grabbing an old laptop and networking it to get a third screen using something like MaxiVista. That would be nice (and cheaper than a 3 monitor card)!

**modtfc** · 05-15-2006, 06:35 PM

I wish that I had dual monitors. They look so nice and futuristic. I think they will become more mainstream in the near future.

**riscphree** · 05-16-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

I think they will become more mainstream in the near future.

Nah, they are mainstream now. Just about everyone I know does dual monitors.

I've also got multiple monitors set up. 2 19" LCDs.

**mgraphic** · 05-16-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

what you really need is something like this

http://www.pibmug.com/files/wideview.jpg

oh Man! - with a setup like that, I think one would require the seatbelt shown in the picture!

**hamesy** · 05-17-2006, 05:54 AM

Although I have two screen on my desk, I only use the one. My other screen is for my server. However, when I'm multi tasking, I do use my server monitor to allow me to use two screens.

**ibbo** · 05-19-2006, 07:13 AM

Quote:

what you really need is something like this

Whats he doing practicing been an aircraft controller. That must be some electric bill, never mind the money dished out on all that kit.

If I have ever seen overkill I just have

Ibbo

**rhysgregory** · 05-24-2006, 08:37 AM

I only ever use 2 TFT's when i have many tasks to do, especially when it comes to designer webpages as i usually have the entire macromedia suit open all at once..

i usually do just prefer my bigger 19"TFT but find it sometimes easier to use two rather than just one.... 2 computers would be nicer