Dual Desktop Monitors?

Early B.

I don't know much about computers, but here's what I'd like to do and someone can please tell me if it's possible --

I'd like to use two monitors on my system and have the ability to cut and paste between two files. I do a lot of word processing and quite often need to cut and paste stuff. My current 17" monitor is still too small to adequately display two different files at the same time. Should I consider a much larger monitor or is it possible to buy another 17" monitor? If so, what else would I need?

Thanks?

POLKOHOLIC

you will need a video card capable of dual-monitor output. most, if not all newer ati/nvidia cards support multiple monitors. Before going out and purchasing a new monitor i suggest you try upping the resolution a bit. perhaps that might work out for you. if you still think you need more space to open multiple documents then by all means go out and get a new monitor. jsut try to get the same brand/model - it looks better side by side and ofcourse LCD would be better. two CRT's on one desk is just asking for trouble.

bobman1235

Just really need a video card capable of handling dual screens - should be something you can get for ~$150-200. Which of course means you need a computer capable of handling such a video card....

It seems an excessive expense for copying and pasting text in Word documents though.

noimposse

Well if you have a newer video card (usually not the onboard stuff), they will most likely have a DVI and a VGA port for monitors. If you only have VGA monitors you can buy a DVI to VGA adapter, I think they sell them at Staples.

If your video card only has one monitor port (and hopefully it's agp), you can just pick up a cheap pci video card on ebay or in a pawn shop And use the other monitor that way.

I haven't do it in a while, as I really only had it for the 'cool' factor and not useability, but if you go to the video properties and to the settings tab there should be a picture of two monitors (one is grayed out). Click on they grayed out monitor, and now a checkbox in the bottom of the window lights up that says something along the lines of "extend desktop", just click that
You should now have the desktop extended into the other monitor now. If you just highlight that second monitor you can also adjust the resolution.

Kind of a quick and dirty explanation, hope it helped a litttle though.

tryrrthg

Hold down 'alt' and press 'tab' to quickly switch between documents. That is a free dual monitor system...

If you know the copy and paste keyboard shortcuts you never have to move the mouse to do any copy and paste between documents.

bobman1235

Or try virtual desktops. THere's a bunch of programs out there that basically let you have several "desktops" on one screen, and you switch between them through a set of keystrokes or by clicking with the mouse. For example, here at work I click CTL-WIN-(number) and it goes to one of three desktops that I use for different things.

Early B.

bobman1235 wrote:

It seems an excessive expense for copying and pasting text in Word documents though.

I work from home and my job requires extensive word processing where lots of cutting and pasting is very useful and saves plenty of time. Right now I toggle between documents. I'd love to have the ability to view two documents simultaneously without straining my eyes to do so. If I have to spend $200 - $300 to make it happen, it's definitely worth it to me.

Thanks to everyone for the comments, thus far. Based on what y'all have told me, I need to do some research on my options. Seems like I have at least three options --

1. acquiring a video card and another monitor
2. buy a larger monitor (currently have a 17 incher)
3. look at "virtual desktop" software programs or similar programs that allow me to view two documents.

I'll start with #3. Please let me know if there are any specific software programs I should consider.

Thanks.

PhantomOG

I've got dual 21" monitors at work and suffer at home with only dual 19" monitors.

The work I do requires it and if that's what you want, I say go for it.

bobman1235

Early B. wrote:

3. look at "virtual desktop" software programs or similar programs that allow me to view two documents.

I'll start with #3. Please let me know if there are any specific software programs I should consider.

Thanks.

Meh, from what you said I don't think #3 will help you - you want to physically SEE both at once. Virtual desktops just allow you to have more than one desktop set up, but only VIEW one at once.

Good luck, at the very least you'll have some new toys

Early B.

bobman1235 wrote:

Meh, from what you said I don't think #3 will help you - you want to physically SEE both at once. Virtual desktops just allow you to have more than one desktop set up, but only VIEW one at once.

You're right. I just downloaded a free software program that allowed me to view both documents at the same time, but the writing was too small. As a result, I don't think a larger monitor is the way to go, either.

I'll see if I can find an inexpensive video card on-line with the capability I'm looking for. I can always find a nice used monitor somewhere for $50 or less.

unc2701

Early- where are you? I'm not going to ship a monitor, but if you're in NC, I've got a 19" you can have. Or if you're going to the SC polkfest and can talk someone into picking up on their way through NC...

Early B.

Thanks, unc. I'm in Atlanta, GA. I'm sure I can find a monitor around here somewhere. I've given away a few of them myself.

Early B.

Will this video card meet my modest needs?:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YY9RO/ref=pd_cp_title/104-3934213-7680744?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282

P.S. -- FWIW, I have a budget Compaq computer that I purchased about 4 years ago. I think it's 1.2 gigahertz with 256 Mb RAM.

McLoki

For word processing this will work fine. (if you have an AGP slot) all you need is another monitor.

Michael

BTW - here is a PCI card that will work. I know that having dual outputs will probably work (VGA and DVI) but I would rather just deal with Dual VGA and know the driver is going to work for me......

sucks2beme

You could just get one of those wide LCD screens for watching movies on your pc. 20" runs in the $400-500 range.

TheReaper

Oh heck, just get the Westinghouse 42" 1080p LCD.

https://www.westinghousedigital.com/pc-44-7-42-1080p-monitor.aspx

Early B.

Decided to get a 19" flat panel monitor and video card with dual monito capability.

POLKOHOLIC

glad to see you went with an LCD. it certainly makes your desktop look much bigger. and i mean your actual desktop.