In late September, I finally got a new computer at work (I was using my personal laptop before that). Despite what some people would say, it’s a pretty nice Dell with a 19” ultra sharp flat panel. I’ve always been a sucker for space on the screen (I keep my laptop resolution at ~ 1900×1200). Well, it was decided that I could get another 19” flat panel, you know, to spread things out a bit. So here’s what I see now:
I didn’t know having dual monitors would be so nice. There’s something about never having to minimize my code that makes me more productive.
01
Chris on Wed Mar 14 at 05:24AM
Hey now, there’s nothing wrong with Dell ultra sharps… I’d just prefer this :-) The dual monitor setup is one thing I miss from switching to the laptop, despite how large this screen is.
02
Ryan on Wed Mar 14 at 05:34AM
Wow, that’s huge. Do you guys have any crazy Mac screens at work? I remember you mentioned, back when you got your MBP, there was a large shipment of Mac stuff that came to your office—that screen would be sweet to try out.
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Nick on Wed Mar 14 at 05:42AM
The 30” display is insanely huge. I’ve worked on them and I’ve really found that they’re just too big. :-p For coding, I’d rather have dual Apple 20” or 23” cinemas. The 30” is geared more toward digital compositing and audio editing (where you really need the screen real estate).
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Chris on Wed Mar 14 at 05:42AM
We had a 30” for a little while to try it out, and there are 3 of them in this building that we are trying to snag. The MacBook Pro can power the 30”, and we’re trying to get them here. I know I’d be more productive with that much real estate ;-)
In our office we have three MacBook Pros, and a PowerMac G5 with a 20” cinema display.
05
Lee on Wed Mar 14 at 05:46AM
Something about it doesn’t seem right… say the fact that guy in the cubical across the room has a 17” no-name generic monitor! Just kidding… I think you actually need one more, for balance.
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Luke on Wed Mar 14 at 09:24AM
I’d love to have two monitors, especially when I get back into serious coding. Was it difficult to set up?
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Ryan on Wed Mar 14 at 09:58AM
@Lee—from what I can remember, wasn’t it your idea??? You should move the Mac to your desk.
@Luke—no, not at all. I did have to get a new video card and put it in, but that’s no different from building something out of Lego’s. Once the card is installed, you just have to go into your display settings, and check ‘Extend my desktop to use this monitor’ or whatever the option is.