Dual Monitors Vs. Single

[Ryan Marston]

Hey all,

My company has finally agreed to help me out (a little) with my monitor problem. I am currently running PPCB, PLogic, and CAM350 on a single 17" monitor. They have given me the choice to either upgrade to a larger monitor or get a dual monitor card to operate two 17" monitors (I can't get a dual card and two larger monitors). Here are my questions.

Which method would you all prefer if you were given this same choice?

If you went with just a larger monitor, what size?

If you went with a dual card, which card?

[Tom]

I'd take one large 21" Viewsonic monitor over two 17" monitors.

But I would perfer two 21" monitors.

[Mark Larson]

you do not need a dual monitor card, just add an extra video card to your computer and hook up the 2nd monitor to it, Windoze 98, 2000, and XP will recognize it at bootup, I have found the 2 video cards work better than any dual monitor card I have used.

if they take your 17" when you get your new monitor there has to be a monitor laying around somewhere you can use as your 2nd. Eventually you will get better 2nd monitor as people get new computers, employees leave, etc.

[Scicards]

Mark;

Can you mix AGP and PCI video cards? Have you done this?
or you talking about 2 old PCI video cards?

Lou

[Scicards]

Mark;

I've never seen a mother board with to AGP slots.
Please gives us the details.

Lou

[randychase]

This is a tough question. I love a 21" monitor. 17" is too small for me for CAD work. But I also love dual monitors.

Silly of the company to make you pick. You should tell them you want dual 21" monitors. I can't imagine how a company can't afford it when you look at the productivity increase because you have more screen real estate. This is not the place to cheap out.

I guess if I had to choose, I would go with a single 21" and then work to add one later. If you go with a dual 17", you will have a harder time replacing both of them I bet.

[Mark Larson]

Originally posted by Scicards
Mark;

Can you mix AGP and PCI video cards? Have you done this?
or you talking about 2 old PCI video cards?

Lou

to my knowledge ONLY AGP & PCI cards can be used, I haved used 2 PCI cards and an AGP & a PCI

the best thing to do is look inside your box and see what it can take, then add the extra card and monitor