Are two screen better than one?

**johnny02004976** · 05-02-2006, 07:07 PM

In march my work is due to shell out its yearly bonus for me

So with that in mind im starting to look out for what i can buy with it (well part of it). At the moment i only have a 21" Sony CRT monitor and id like to invest in a TFT. I was thinking of maybe purchasing a 20" widescreen one:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=278555

or maybe investing in two 17 inch TFT's.

Would anyone recommend 2x 17" or just the big 20"?? With in mind i have about £350 to spend on it.

Cheers

**Konan555** · 05-02-2006, 07:18 PM

I use a 17" and a 15" CRT in a dual setup. But it's pretty much down to what you're using it for.

I have a main edit screen on the 17" and throw my mixer window in the 15" which doesn't need soo much room. Run the 17" at 1280x960 and the 15" at 800x600.

Like I say, think why you want it and then get the apropriate combination.

**Tried&Tested** · 05-02-2006, 07:37 PM

Just get the big one.

**arthurleung** · 05-02-2006, 07:39 PM

Dual 20"

Beware of neck problems because its going to be so wide.

Ex-demo in AUT cost 240 each (non-widescreen), might be a bit too much for you though.
If you can't really get two yet even a single 20" is really nice.

If you're moving from a 21" CRT you may find the 17" LCD too small for your liking.

**mofo's** · 06-02-2006, 12:03 AM

Only worth it if you will use two screens, quite handy when surfing, can watch tv, movies on other screen.

Or

If you do alot of cad/dtp work, can transfer all tool bars to other screen and have one main screen for editing without the clutter of the toolbars

**Nick F** · 06-02-2006, 12:08 AM

I did have two dell 20" WS monitors but sold one after about 4 months. Unless you are doing coding or large scale photoshop stuff don't bother.

Why not get the new 30" monitor from dell

Mike Fishcake · 06-02-2006, 10:36 AM

Depends what you use it for.

Two screens are better if you're doing more than one thing at once, like mofos says, you can do internet stuff on one window and watch things on the other. I also do video editing on two screens, which is better than using one. Depends what's more important to you really. You'd get 2,560x1024 with two regular 17" TFTs but only 1680x1050 on that 20" you linked, which is only 400 pixels wider (just over a third) and a mere 26 pixels higher than the resolution of a normal 17" screen, so you don't get that much more for your money. If screen "real estate" is more important to you, get two monitors. If you're watching a lot of movies or playing a lot of games though, get the 20" widescreen.

**dangel** · 06-02-2006, 11:03 AM

I have two at work (for development work) where it's pretty essential, but only one at home.

**kempez** · 06-02-2006, 11:16 AM

I use 1 x Dell 2405FPW and I've found its awesome for multi-tasking - loads of desktop space

Plus I don't have enough room for two monitors on me little desk

**Kaine (AoD)** · 06-02-2006, 12:30 PM

I had duel screen for quite some time and found it really handy to have

1x 19" 1x 17"

just use 26" LCD screen now

which can make itself duel screen if needs be ^ ^

**Stringent** · 06-02-2006, 01:24 PM

At work I have dual 19" TFT. I REALLY miss it when at home, the 2nd monitor is useful for dumping stuff on, and comparing products. Have one lowely 17" at home. Dual 17"s would do nicely.

**Ramedge** · 06-02-2006, 05:32 PM

20" dell all the way....

**Howard** · 06-02-2006, 05:34 PM

I have dual 19" TFTs at home, and a 19" and 15" TFT dual setup at work. I love dual screens, wouldn't go back to single now

**5lab** · 06-02-2006, 06:06 PM

why not run your current 21" crt - a good screen by all likelyhood - with a 19 or 20" normal tft? that way you get the benefits of a big screen, and the benefits of 2 screens

i'm a HUGE fan of multiple screens - i used to have 2 19" monitors at 1600x1200 res, and 1 15" tft, portrated up the side.. i love maximizing windows, so i'd always go with multimonitors rather than a single big screen.

**Trippledence** · 06-02-2006, 11:41 PM

I used to use a 17 and 19" but when i got my 20" Dell widescreen, just dont need it any more. I only miss it when trying to watch vidios while working and a few other instances.

I was thinking of getting another TFT for sticking things on, as I cant stand CRT's but the 20" Dell is a screen must.

P.S. Shop around you can get it cheaper than scan, I fould the place I got mine via froogle for £60 less - Sorry scan guys.

Some pics of mine.
http://vault.emobash.com/dan/Images/...%20Closeup.JPG
http://vault.emobash.com/dan/Images/...%20Monitor.JPG