Advice needed: 2*19'' tft or 1*22'' (or 2*22'')

[TechMouse]

Well, for the most part I think 2 screens is more of a status thing, than a necesity, unless you are a pro tools head.

I use two screens at work (as a software developer) and it's pretty much essential to my workflow these days.

I'd love a second monitor at home, but my GFX card doesn't have the support.

It`s consuming more power, and also more oomph for your machine.

I'm not completely convinced of this. The monitors use their own power and the processing should be handled by your graphics card. There might be a subtle increase in chatter on the PCI bus, but negligible. Ultimately it's all about screen real estate - the configuration (big rectangle or two smaller rectangles) is neither here nor there.

[FILTERZ]

using two screens knocked my cpu for six but then i am using a laptop so it was one extra screen

[TechMouse]

using two screens knocked my cpu for six but then i am using a laptop so it was one extra screen

Laptop graphics cards are integrated though.

[xfive]

Anyone with a graphics card made in the last few years should be able to easily handle two screens at optimum resolution with no slowdown. GPUs have been more than capable of doing this for some time now. Just make sure you set your refresh rates on both to be high (>60hz), as this can be the source of most people's eyestrain and headaches.
Where you will see slowdown is if you try to run 3D things across both screens at once.. but I reckon if you are doing that in the first place you will probably have a high end card anyway.

In terms of 2x 19" or 1x 22" .. that's really up to you.
I've owned a 22" Iiyama crt (big ass mofo) for 7-8 years now and it is still in mint shape. It is plenty of space to me.. and even though it hits crazy resolutions I only run it in 1600x1200.
At work I use two 19" lcds and it is essential for my workflow.
I have since added a 19" widescreen lcd to my home setup. Can I live without it ? Sure... but its really nice to now be able to have Ableton open on the big screen, and dedicate the lcd for showing the plugins for the selected track.
Really really nice... those of you who have used Ableton will know that it sometimes is a pain to try to have plugins open and see what's going on underneath.

So the choice is up to you.. but ultimately the more pixels the better. I'd say if you have the money, get two of either model.

[loopdon]

wow. thanks guys!

[MARK ANXIOUS]

omg, i can't believe i've only just seen this post!

i have had the same question the last two weeks!!!

basically i bought a 32 inch widescreen tv, tried to hook up the pc and it was shite. really bad...

so took it back and really looked into this.

i found the most amazing cheapest ever 19" monitors on amazon - they go perfectly together - no silly side speakers (they almost look like a single screen if you close your eyes). now i have two of them and i am sooooo happy. 100 quid each. unbelievable price!!!!!!

they are called hanzz-g or something. you can buy widescreen versions but the normal ones are best. it's like i have a 37 inch tv in front of me. incredible.


i would put my life on it you will be the happiest person alive if you get these... and for 200 quid. resolution is amazing, best i have ever had. wow.

[MARK ANXIOUS]

f me loopy, they're the ones!!!!

jesus, you have to get them!!!! the best bargain on the net right now i think. buy them quick b4 they go... annd anyone else who has the cash - get these.....

[TechMouse]

basically i bought a 32 inch widescreen tv, tried to hook up the pc and it was shite. really bad...

That's because regular (non-HD) TVs use interlacing to create "better" pictures.

(Old skool Amiga users might remember "interlace" mode in DeluxePaint).

Shite for detailed graphics, or anything with a detailed user interface.

If you've got a TV-out on your computer, give it a go - it's staggeringly hard to read text on the Start Menu or whatever. Even with relatively large fonts.

they are called hanzz-g or something.

I've got two of these badboys on my desk at the moment.

You pay a premium, but **** me they're beautiful.