Thinking of getting a second montior. Practicalities? - by SubJeff
SubJeff on 28/3/2010 at 22:50
I'm finding that I need multiple windows open for work I'm doing at home and it would be easier and more productive if I got a second monitor.
I currently have a widescreen Samsung Syncmaster 204BW - 20.1" monitor.
Specs
Core2Duo E6600 2.4Ghz
4Mb RAM
GeForce 8800GTS 1830Mb
I run at 1680x1050, which is the recommended and is great for games.
So I'm thinking of getting a slightly bigger monitor as the primary and using the current as the secondary. 22" would be fine, and I don't want to spend much more than £100-£150. The new primary must be game worthy, and widescreen. I'd like the same aspect ratio as the current one which I believe is 16:10.
My current card has Dual Link DVI capabilities. Is it going to be easy for me to run both screens and do I need to get a switch of any kind to switch from normal/game mode to dual screen/work mode?
Atm I'm looking at these:
(
http://www.ebuyer.com/search?sq=samsung&store=5&cat=12&subcat=2362&sort=pricelow&limit=10&page=1&subsearch=Go)
(
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=17&catid=949&sortby=priceAsc&catid=949&mfrid=14)
because the Samsung I have now has been fine. And iirc they have a "no dead pixel" guarantee.
All advice appreciated.
bikerdude on 28/3/2010 at 23:03
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
So I'm thinking of getting a slightly bigger monitor as the primary and using the current as the secondary. 22" would be fine, and I don't want to spend much more than £100-£150. The new primary must be game worthy, and widescreen.
My current card has Dual Link DVI capabilities. Is it going to be easy for me to run both screens and do I need to get a switch of any kind to switch from normal/game mode to dual screen/work mode?
Ive tried this so have some info you might find useful...
* If you picky like me, you want two matching monitors, so the the colour's and white balance are the same or as close as. Samsung monitors are extremely colour rich, so I suggest getting the 22" version of the one you currently have.
* Dual-link isnt applicable here, the only time that is used is on 30" or above monitors. you will be simply using one dvi socket per monitor.
SubJeff on 28/3/2010 at 23:52
Well I'm leaning towards this one: (
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-098-SA&groupid=17&catid=949&subcat=)
Top end of my price range, gets good reviews and seems to be the step-up from mine.
Question: When I want to go into "game" mode, do I just turn off the second screen? And vice versa, or will I have to mess about in Windows (Win7) every time?
And I suppose I'd like a dual monitor desk stand thing, instead of just using their own stands because I'd like to save some desk real-estate. My desk is small. The (big) mouse mat is longer than the desk is wide, and almost as wide as the desk.
bikerdude on 29/3/2010 at 19:50
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
Well I'm leaning towards this one:
Question: When I want to go into "game" mode, do I just turn off the second screen? And vice versa, or will I have to mess about in Windows (Win7) every time?
its upto you to have a 22 and a 20, but personly I like both monitors to be the same type/model and size.
And regarding games, no it will be fine, if like me you set the left hand as you primary windaws will only play the game on that and the other monitor will display the r/h side of the windows desktop..
SubJeff on 29/3/2010 at 20:17
Yeah, the idea of identical models appeals to me too but I'm greedy like that. A slightly bigger primary would be nice because I'll be upgrading the rest of the machine later in the year and although this size is really nice just a liiiittle bit bigger would be just bang on. :cheeky:
casalor on 13/4/2010 at 12:55
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
Question: When I want to go into "game" mode, do I just turn off the second screen? And vice versa, or will I have to mess about in Windows (Win7) every time?
As Bikerdude says it'll display the windows desktop as it normally would. Actually pretty handy if you wanted to watch a video, have a browser window open etc whilst you're playing (although you wont be able to interact with it if the game is fullscreen).
