Dual Monitors

[zburns]

Looks really good. Specs are identical to very close to what you have. A good choice.

[RickyTick]

*Update*

I'm really digging my dual monitor setup. It makes such a huge difference with so many windows open at the same time.

One downside is that with dual monitors, my GTX275 does not downclock when in 2D mode. This is the case with all GTX2xx Nvidia video cards. I was not aware of that until I noticed my card temps were running much higher than normal. I just had to turn up the fan speed to keep the card at a reasonable temp. It's not a big deal though.

[zburns]

Hi Ricky, Glad to hear "success". Is it too early to ask what kind of "windows" layout are you comfortable with, assuming no annoyances. Like 4 windows on #1 monitor (have to scroll), and on #2 monitor, two windows stacked (have to scroll) and on one half of # 2 monitor, a full page for typing or just concentrated work, all with no scrolling.

[RickyTick]

It actually changes depending on the task at hand. I'm running Notepad ++ and WinSCP in very small windows while a 2 or 3 websites are running too. I also have Word open some of the time.

With a 22" widescreen, I've found having two windows side by side functions very well.

[runningman10000]

RickyTick, how do you like that Asus moniter? It's still got a good price at Newegg and it gets good reviews. I'm doing my first build (another thread)and I want a new moniter. It will be mostly for general computing, maybe watch a movie or two, web browsing, etc. Would you recommend it? How do you guys rate Dell moniters?
Thanks

[RickyTick]

I like this Asus just fine. I bought it on sale for like $149 after rebate. The quality of the monitor is excellent. The picture is a little on the bright side. I haven't been able to adjust the brightness and/or contrast to a level that looks as good as my Samsung. Overall, this is a perfect monitor for the price.

As for Dell monitors, they are great. People can poo-poo Dell all they want, but their monitors are outstanding. Take a good look at the UltraSharp U2410.

[runningman10000]

The Asus seems to be discontinued at Newegg, I'll have to look around. I have a 7 year old 17" Dell Ultrasharp that still works pretty good. It's going to my daughter when the new build is done. The 24" Dell is nice but the price....OUCH! To rich for me. I like the 22" Dell HD. It's a good price and a nice size. I don't like the back of it being white but I won't see it most of the time. The moniter is a tough purchase because how it looks is pretty subjective. You can't find all the ones to look at physically and have to rely on reviews and such.

[zburns]

I just lost a longer post on your monitor situation. I will try to repost it later today. You can see a good, honest review on the Dell U2410 on TFT Central, a UK site that specializes in monitors. This Dell gets away from the TN panel which is good if you need too. There review conclusion is problematical, maybe.

You might look at Samsung or Asus. I have a Samsung 24" and am quite happy with it. It has a TN screen which is good as long as you look perpendicular to the screen. Go up or down with your viewing angle and the color contrast goes light (eyes down) or very dark (eyes up). All TN screens behave this way. Most if not all very low cost monitors use TN screens or panels.

For a long time, several years, Dell has only offered TN panels; now they have switched off them for a better viewing panel, namely a IPS screen which will have a better viewing angle.

In lieu of the Dell, look at Samsung or Asus. Ricky has both. He seemed to imply the Samsung a little easier to use than the Asus.

Do not try to buy the cheapest. Your monitor is "what you look at"; you want to be able to turn on your computer, monitor lights up and you use it. I adjust my brightness high (100%) if I want to see good color or color richness; otherwise I run the brightness down to 25%.

For how I use my computer, I am happy with my Samsung; never a problem. Would not use it for accurate professional color work.