One 17" or two 15"?

[ucsdguy]

Hey guys, I'm a digital design/computer science major and I thought that a dual display setup would be really helpful. Since I've been dying to buy an LCD to replace an aging CRT, I wanted to ask your opinion -

should I get two 15" displays or one 17" and save up for a second one down the road? i can only afford one of the options right now

also, any of you use dual displays to code or edit images - and what setup do u like to use?

Any info would be appreciated.

*EDIT: poll up *

 

[MacBaine]

17

 

[notfred]

What resolutions are they? 1024x768 15"s and 1280x1024 17"?

 

[minendo]

Personally, I'd go with 2 fifteens if I had to choose between two 15's or one 17.

 

[Anubis]

2 > 1

 

[TuxDave]

Poll poll poll!!!

2x15" Is the best choice as a student. If you're making lots of dough, then save up for the extra 17".

 

[ucsdguy]

Originally posted by: notfred
What resolutions are they? 1024x768 15"s and 1280x1024 17"?

Yeah, those are the native specs for both sizes.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: minendo
Personally, I'd go with 2 fifteens if I had to choose between two 15's or one 17.

I concur :beer:

 

[Aharami]

2 15's. granted you will be getting those LCDs with thin "frames" (dunno the real term for it)

 

[Tremulant]

I'd get one 17" now and save up for another later on.

I don't personally use dual monitors, but a lot of the engineers here at work do. Usually they have the full image and all the toolbars/etc on one screen and the part they're working on on the other. It seems to work out nicely. I'm thinking of getting two new 17" or 19" CRTs to replace the 17" (that I saved from the dumpster.. fuse blew, replaced it and viola, works perfect.. it's just gotten scratched up a bit) I have at home.

Also, some of the developers here have dual screens. They usually use them in the same manner as the engineers. One screen for the portion you're currently working on, one screen for the toolbars and the final image/webpage/program.

 

[TuxDave]

n/m... all fixed

 

[3chordcharlie]

Get a 17 and save for a 15 as a second screen.

I have an older samsung that can flip to portrait orientation - perfect for a second screen to look at a document or code (or anything else that is more 'vertical' than 'horizontal') while taking up very little desk space.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: ucsdguy

Originally posted by: notfred
What resolutions are they? 1024x768 15"s and 1280x1024 17"?

Yeah, those are the native specs for both sizes.

then get the 17". 1024x768 is too small for much real design work, and breaking up your workspace with a big line down the middle of it sucks. try running a peice of electrical tape down the middle of your screen and working in photoshop.

 

[Kelvrick]

15's are small. I'd probably get a 17 and save for another one down the road.

Now if it was a 19 and 2 17's, I'd choose 2 17's without batting an eye.

 

[Xionide]

Originally posted by: Anubis
2 > 1

 

[cronos]

17"

if you spend your money now for 2 15", soon you will feel the need to upgrade to 2 17" or a 19" (which my choice will be 2 17" for sure). at that time though, you don't know what to do with your 2 15" cause nobody wants them

 

[jjones]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
15's are small. I'd probably get a 17 and save for another one down the road.

Now if it was a 19 and 2 17's, I'd choose 2 17's without batting an eye.

Yeah, that would be my choice also.

 

[cerebusPu]

I have two 15"s and two 17"s at work. plus a 18incher at home.

i can tell you that 15inch is too small, even when you have two of them. i just cant see all of my work at once with 1024x768. You can get one 17incher for about $350 nowadays anyways.

 

[JoPh]

you want the Apple 30"!!!

 

[Bassyhead]

mmm one 17", you can always get another 17" later. if you get two 15" you might be tempted to go 17" in the future.

 

[ucsdguy]

One 17" it is...for now - until I can grab another. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[mrCide]

get 1 17" with intentions to get 2 more later , or 2 15's later.. nothing beats a triple monitor setup.

 

[SSP]

17.

1024x768 is not good for graphic/art design. I'm using one 17inch lcd for my stuff, but im hoping to add another 17 eventually.