PLEASE help me rearrange my computers! Something doesn't feel right.

[iMpathetic]

Yeah, not much to say here. I need you guys to help me rearrange my stuff. Basically, something is not right. The setup doesn't fell right, and I don't know why.

First of all, I don't need three monitors.

Secondly, all that stuff on the desk (iBook, iPod, VAIO, etc) doesn't HAVE to be there.

Without further ado, here is a picture of the corner of the room where I do my computing.

Please offer me any opinion that pops into your head. (roughly on topic, please. :D)

http://img.skitch.com/20080309-rx1n9wgumbaq4uh111fp3qa6d6.jpg

[BowZinger]

move the Powerbook? To the right more past the tower that is behind it and then have it place in the same direction as the laptop next to it!

[iMpathetic]

move the Powerbook? To the right more past the tower that is behind it and then have it place in the same direction as the laptop next to it!

Intriguing..... but that's an iBook G4. :D

I may or may not do that; the iBook gets used maybe once every two months in this setup.

[tringo]

First thing: get rid of that desk on the right. That thing is about to crack if it gets anymore weight on it.

[mkrishnan]

First thing: get rid of that desk on the right. That thing is about to crack if it gets anymore weight on it.

I think that's an optical illusion -- the front of the desk is curved. Besides, it's the one with a laptop or two on it, not the one with three CRTs.

Why do you have three CRTs anyway? And ... five notebook computers? Wow. Just wow.

I personally would put the Powerbooks on display somewhere else, and get rid of the CRTs.

[iMpathetic]

I think that's an optical illusion -- the front of the desk is curved. Besides, it's the one with a laptop or two on it, not the one with three CRTs.

Why do you have three CRTs anyway? And ... five notebook computers? Wow. Just wow.

I personally would put the Powerbooks on display somewhere else, and get rid of the CRTs.


First of all, the desk with the MacBook on it is curved, yes. The other one has solid steel holding it up, so I'm sure it'll be fine. :)

Secondly, I have two CRTs and one ancient LCD that's on its last legs. I actually have eight notebook computers, there's just not room for all of them on my desk.

The reason why I'm using 3 old, clunky displays on a Power Mac G3 is because I'm too cheap and poor to buy LCDs. I only use 3 because I can, to tell you the truth. If I had a longer desk, I could probably run six or so. Off the same computer.

I guess the Powerbooks do look kinda stupid there, but I'm working toward the state where you can use every computer you use regularly if you turn your swivelly chair. I've had them displayed elsewhere but I move htem from time to time.

If I were to get rid of the CRTs, I wouldn't have any room in my closet to put them. Already have a G4 and G3 and two IIcxs and an LC II and seven keyboards in there.

Yeah...... :rolleyes:

[mkrishnan]

So you run a PMG3 with two CRTs and an LCD at the same time? Wow... that should run you ... probably 1.2 kW or more? Your computer system must take up more power than everything in my living room combined! :eek:

[iMpathetic]

So you run a PMG3 with two CRTs and an LCD at the same time? Wow... that should run you ... probably 1.2 kW or more? Your computer system must take up more power than everything in my living room combined! :eek:

It does? Oh snap.....

Ah well, what Dad can't calculate won't hurt him. :cool:

On the other hand, I almost never use it. The monitors are in standby with the system idling most of the time.

[bc008]

get rid of the right and left CRT's, and keep the one in the middle that matches your tower. center the tower/monitor on the work table

put the black laptop (the one thats on (i presume thats your main/secondary machine)) and the iBook on the curved wooden desk.

store the two CRT's/ the two powerbooks in a closet.

profit!!


i just rearranged my setup today as well. i dont have a before/after, but imagine just a plain imac/macbook/printer/lamp all on that one desk. without speakers, display etc

i ended up having to bring in a black shelf i stole from my sisters room ;) (dont worry, i replaced it with something else)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l107/benchmieleski/IMG_0007.jpg
printer is now on a small table thing from crate and barrel on the right side

[MacUser2525]

Secondly, I have two CRTs and one ancient LCD that's on its last legs. I actually have eight notebook computers, there's just not room for all of them on my desk.

... because I'm too cheap and poor to buy LCDs


The sale of a couple of them notebooks could easily fund a couple of LCD purchases ...

[iMpathetic]

The sale of a couple of them notebooks could easily fund a couple of LCD purchases ...

Well, if people are interested in Powerbook 1400s and Dell Latitude C600s, I suppose so....:o

get rid of the right and left CRT's, and keep the one in the middle that matches your tower. center the tower/monitor on the work table

put the black laptop (the one thats on (i presume thats your main/secondary machine)) and the iBook on the curved wooden desk.

store the two CRT's/ the two powerbooks in a closet.

profit!!

Good idea.

I have wanted to use the MB with the KB on the PM, but the little raised platform on the desk makes it a tad awkward to sit the MB on.

[Hello.there]

I did a major decluttering job on my workspace recently and it's made a fantastic difference, my head feels clearer!

You know yourself, the first thing to do is get rid of the monitors you don't need, you can't possibly work comfortably at that desk.

Just try to keep only what you need on the desks, shift everything else.

Get rid of that big lamp, it takes up too much room, get a smaller desk lamp.

Could you afford to replace the desks? I just went for two perfectly plain sturdy wooden desks - like this:

http://s7ondemand4.scene7.com/is/servlet/izoom/BandQ/0000003345337_001c_v001_zp

and placed them like you have yours positioned. I have my iMac on the one to the right, with a printer and TV, and my laptop on the one to the left, with plenty of desktop space left for whatever I need to do it it. It's a really comfortable set-up and works great for me.

But first of all: get rid of the spare monitors!

[iMpathetic]

I did a major decluttering job on my workspace recently and it's made a fantastic difference, my head feels clearer!

You know yourself, the first thing to do is get rid of the monitors you don't need, you can't possibly work comfortably at that desk.

Just try to keep only what you need on the desks, shift everything else.

Get rid of that big lamp, it takes up too much room, get a smaller desk lamp.

Could you afford to replace the desks? I just went for two perfectly plain sturdy wooden desks - like this:

and placed them like you have yours positioned. I have my iMac on the one to the right, with a printer and TV, and my laptop on the one to the left, with plenty of desktop space left for whatever I need to do it it. It's a really comfortable set-up and works great for me.

But first of all: get rid of the spare monitors!

I will do that. I can't afford much of anything cause I'm in middle school though.....

The lamp I've had since I was, like, 3. I don't mind it there; the desk is also my bedside table.

[plumpan]

i LOVE CRTs as much as anyone else, but admittedly, the single biggest improvement to my workspace in the past few years has been getting an LCD. the increase in usable desk space is really great.

i would suggest getting rid of two of the CRTs (and consider replacing the third with an LCD), and also remove one of the desks. perhaps you can get a floor lamp instead of taking up desk space with the desk lamp as well. also, if your closet is full, you should really prepare to say goodbye to some old friends :( ... its always sad to get rid of our old technology, but it seems like it would really help with the organization. you could probably get a pretty penny selling them, and use it to buy an LCD even...

[ribbonthecat]

Get rid of all that junk. Why do you need it, when you have the Macbook?

[iMpathetic]

i LOVE CRTs as much as anyone else, but admittedly, the single biggest improvement to my workspace in the past few years has been getting an LCD. the increase in usable desk space is really great.

i would suggest getting rid of two of the CRTs (and consider replacing the third with an LCD), and also remove one of the desks. perhaps you can get a floor lamp instead of taking up desk space with the desk lamp as well. also, if your closet is full, you should really prepare to say goodbye to some old friends :( ... its always sad to get rid of our old technology, but it seems like it would really help with the organization. you could probably get a pretty penny selling them, and use it to buy an LCD even...

I think I'll stick with one CRT, as the LCD is a piece of ****.

As for the closet issue, that's what basements are for. My stepmother has a bunch of her clothes in my closet, so I could evict them.....

Also, that lap is a lamp. Not a desk lamp. Just a lamp. I don't see why you guys think it's so bad, it's not really hogging space, is it?

Get rid of all that junk. Why do you need it, when you have the Macbook?

I cannot believe you just said that.

[sushi]

Yeah, not much to say here. I need you guys to help me rearrange my stuff. Basically, something is not right. The setup doesn't fell right, and I don't know why.
Keep the center CRT monitor. Get rid of the left CRT and right LCD.

When you can afford it, get a nice LCD to replace the CRT monitor.

If you are not using the laptops, put them in storage (drawer, closet, etc.).

Having said that, I am probably not the best one to comment as in my living room I currently have:

Laptops (2 Mac, 1 PC)

Desktops (3 Mac, 2 PC)

That's a total of 8 computers in my living room. And I have a few more in another room as well.

Excuse me while I go to my CA (Computer Anonymous) meeting. :)

[iMpathetic]

Keep the center CRT monitor. Get rid of the left CRT and right LCD.

When you can afford it, get a nice LCD to replace the CRT monitor.

If you are not using the laptops, put them in storage (drawer, closet, etc.).

Having said that, I am probably not the best one to comment as in my living room I currently have:

Laptops (2 Mac, 1 PC)

Desktops (3 Mac, 2 PC)

That's a total of 8 computers in my living room. And I have a few more in another room as well.

Excuse me while I go to my CA (Computer Anonymous) meeting. :)

I win! I've got sixteen in my room! :)

Perhaps I should join you....

[biturbomunkie]

how much is your electricity bill?¿

[BowZinger]

Intriguing..... but that's an iBook G4. :D

I may or may not do that; the iBook gets used maybe once every two months in this setup.

see I have no idea! All I know is Macbook and MacbookPro lol

I think I need to catch up on my :apple: history!

[iMpathetic]

how much is your electricity bill?¿

I don't know. I'm not the one paying it, and Dad has never complained, so it can't be that bad.

I'm also only over here 5 nights every two weeks.

[JunBug119]

get a new desk, L-shape preferably
get rid of the green turf
get rid of the wallpaper
get a new lamp
get rid of the crt monitors and get an lcd one

[iMpathetic]

get a new desk, L-shape preferably
get rid of the green turf
get rid of the wallpaper
get a new lamp
get rid of the crt monitors and get an lcd one

1. Can't afford
2. Can't afford
3. Can't afford
4. Can't afford, short of a miracle

[Cassie]

I win! I've got sixteen in my room! :)

Perhaps I should join you....

16? Haha, I've got 16 in my closet, b***h!:D (No, seriously... I really do have 16 in my closet, and if I can do that, surely you can too.)

[bluedoggiant]

thinkpads, powerbooks, and every laptop except for the ibook and macbook go on sale. get rid of one of the CRT's, sell everything in your closet computer related. then now you will have a PMG3 with two CRT's, an ibook, and macbook, i think you should get rid of the ibook, but since you seem broke, that could stay.

Oh, and kinda off topic, you wanted to hang your macbook via the magnets on your table, well, good news!!! I did it on the SAME EXACT table your CRT's are on, so your safe.

[sushi]

I win! I've got sixteen in my room! :)
I didn't realize this was a contest. :)

Actually this is one contest I would prefer to loose.

I use the computers that I have in my living room almost every day. The ones in my back room are there for storage. I bring them out to the living room to use. My current project is to reduced the number of computers that I have to free up some space. Japan apartments are small.

Perhaps I should join you....
Sure. We meet on Monday evenings. ;)

[IC3D]

I'd definately get rid of the CRT's and get a couple nice LCD's or at least one nice one. That should fix a lot of your probs, and I'm not sure as to why you'd need so many laptops in one spot...

[bluedoggiant]

I'd definately get rid of the CRT's and get a couple nice LCD's or at least one nice one. That should fix a lot of your probs, and I'm not sure as to why you'd need so many laptops in one spot...

LCD is not an option.

[iMpathetic]

16? Haha, I've got 16 in my closet, b***h!:D (No, seriously... I really do have 16 in my closet, and if I can do that, surely you can too.)

What sort of 16?

thinkpads, powerbooks, and every laptop except for the ibook and macbook go on sale. get rid of one of the CRT's, sell everything in your closet computer related. then now you will have a PMG3 with two CRT's, an ibook, and macbook, i think you should get rid of the ibook, but since you seem broke, that could stay.

Oh, and kinda off topic, you wanted to hang your macbook via the magnets on your table, well, good news!!! I did it on the SAME EXACT table your CRT's are on, so your safe.

Yeah, I tried that yesterday. (with the macbook)
One of the CRTs is going soon. I'm rearranging my room right now! :eek:

I didn't realize this was a contest. :)

Actually this is one contest I would prefer to loose.

I use the computers that I have in my living room almost every day. The ones in my back room are there for storage. I bring them out to the living room to use. My current project is to reduced the number of computers that I have to free up some space. Japan apartments are small.


Sure. We meet on Monday evenings. ;)

Aw, my MUG meets on Mondays.
LCD is not an option.

Mmmkay, guys. You want to hear exactly HOW poor I am?

I am in the eighth grade, and get an allowance of $20 per month. $5 of that goes toward my phone bill. So, $15 per month.

Yeah.

[UMHurricanes34]

Here's my vision for the space...


First thing to do is remove EVERYTHING off of the desk that's not needed. Get everything out of the room thats not going to be there, clutter will be the death of your soul. Remove the PowerBooks, the boxes, and maybe vacuum or something to get a clean feeling so you can get to work.

So here goes...

Get rid of the 2 monitors, leave the Apple monitor.

If possible, I'd place the G3 tower horizontally where your speakers are now (That little shelf on the right desk) and move the Apple display either to the center of the left table or more towards the center between the two desks closer to the tower.

I'd place the MacBook on the left desk in the center, move the speakers over to the left desk as well, but leave the sub where it is (The Creatures have plenty of speaker wire to do this)

Move the iBook to where the MacBook is.

You can leave the lamp where it is, as no matter where you put it it's going to take up a lot of space so leave it in the corner.

If the G3 is too big for that shelf, do this:

Get rid of the monitors, leaving only the Apple again.

Move the tower adjacent to the monitor so that both the monitor and tower fit and are centered on the left steel desk.

Move the iBook to the corner near where the G3 is currently located, and leave the MacBook where it is.

If the G3 doesnt fit on the shelf, I'd suggest trying to remove it to regain desktop depth so your MacBook isnt struggling for life on the edge.


That's all I got. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Declutter and organize and you'll feel 400x better.

Be sure to post an after picture!

Mike

[iMpathetic]

Commencing after picture:

So far. I know the keyboard is way, way to intrusive, I just moved it over.

Whadday'all think?

http://img.skitch.com/20080309-1pwy31qtr64swr14wpqresydmk.jpg

[UMHurricanes34]

Looks a lot better, but you should have kept the Apple monitor...much cooler looking with the G3.

Gotta get rid of those boxes too!

[sushi]

Aw, my MUG meets on Mondays.
We were thinking of shifting to Wednesday or Friday evenings.

Are you free these days? ;) :p :D

Mmmkay, guys. You want to hear exactly HOW poor I am?

I am in the eighth grade, and get an allowance of $20 per month. $5 of that goes toward my phone bill. So, $15 per month.
Since funds are tight, you might want to get rid of some computers and only focus on a few, and keep them running well.

Whadday'all think?
Looking much better. :)

[iMpathetic]

We were thinking of shifting to Wednesday or Friday evenings.

Are you free these days? ;) :p :D


Since funds are tight, you might want to get rid of some computers and only focus on a few, and keep them running well.


Looking much better. :)

I like having tons of crappy computers for this reason.

Doing just trades, I went form something I bought for $25 to my MacBook.

[Cassie]

What sort of 16?

Uh... Macs, what else?:p

Nah, I have my Macintosh Classic stored in there, but the rest are old PC's.

[sushi]

Doing just trades, I went form something I bought for $25 to my MacBook.
Sweet! :)

[iMpathetic]

Sweet! :)

Thanks.

867MHz pMG4, no HD-> broken Tibook, kinda busted screen -> dual 800mhz quicksilver -. back to PB -> another dual 800 -. Thinkpad t41 -> 1.83GHz Core Duo mini -. 867MHz TiBook -> Thinkpad t60 -> 2.2GHz black MB

[ribbonthecat]

I'm sorry if I offended by describing it as junk. But I think my point stands. Why do you need it? The only thing that I can think of, which all of it does, but the Macbook doesn't, is take up space.

Of course, I'm not one to talk. I have an old typewriter lying around on the floor next to my desk.

[a104375]

man that looks alot nicer than before... only thing that could be better is the laptop be a bit less off to the side

[iMpathetic]

I'm sorry if I offended by describing it as junk. But I think my point stands. Why do you need it? The only thing that I can think of, which all of it does, but the Macbook doesn't, is take up space.

Of course, I'm not one to talk. I have an old typewriter lying around on the floor next to my desk.


Well, the G3 is a computer. I use it. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp. I mean, it's not against the law to have both a desktop and a laptop.
man that looks alot nicer than before... only thing that could be better is the laptop be a bit less off to the side

Thanks!

That's kinda what I was thinking. I'll scoot it over soon. :)

[mkrishnan]

It looks more reasonable this way. Out of curiosity, could you offset the LCD to match where the KB is on the other table, and then add the MB to the LCD's shelf and put its kb next to the PMG3's kb? You could probably get rid of the big table altogether -- the small table is much nicer anyway.

P.S. I know spending's not much of an option, but since you're into using both a desktop and a laptop at the same desk (I have both too, but they're pretty much always in different places), a KVM would probably be really nice for you....

[ntrigue]

I would suggest selling everything CHEAP! 8 notebooks should fetch you a nice new MacBook and an LCD.

And the astroturf carpet :puke:

[ill0gical0ne]

I hate when people ask for help, and aren't willing to change.

[ribbonthecat]

Well, the G3 is a computer. I use it. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp. I mean, it's not against the law to have both a desktop and a laptop.

I also have a laptop and desktop, because my laptop is small and portable and not very powerful. When I need portability, I use my Powerbook. When I need power, I use my iMac. I'd much rather not have to deal with two computers, but iMacs are cheaper than MBPs.

You on the other hand have a powerful laptop, and a weak desktop. When you need portability, you use the laptop. And when you need power, you use the laptop.

What can the G3 do that the laptop can't? If you use Classic software, great. If there is another use that I can't think of, great. But if you just use it to post on Macrumors asking for advice, I would advise you to get rid of it. And unless I am much mistaken, advice is what you were looking for.

[plumpan]

I would suggest selling everything CHEAP! 8 notebooks should fetch you a nice new MacBook and an LCD.

And the astroturf carpet :puke:


exactly what i said...

and yes - astroturf has no place in the stadium or the home.

[iMpathetic]

It looks more reasonable this way. Out of curiosity, could you offset the LCD to match where the KB is on the other table, and then add the MB to the LCD's shelf and put its kb next to the PMG3's kb? You could probably get rid of the big table altogether -- the small table is much nicer anyway.

P.S. I know spending's not much of an option, but since you're into using both a desktop and a laptop at the same desk (I have both too, but they're pretty much always in different places), a KVM would probably be really nice for you....

I need to do some squirming to afford a mini-DVI adapter so I can hook my MB up to a CRT. How my username is that? :o

Otherwise, yes, a KVM would be nice. What the heck shall I do with my extra desk space? :confused:
I hate when people ask for help, and aren't willing to change.
I hate it when you post in threads.

If you actually bothered to READ it, you would get the following message:

I HAVE NO MONEY. Things like buying a new lamp or desk, I CAN'T DO.

(Oh, and at least try to provide feedback in a form like the person below you.)
Buh-bye.
I also have a laptop and desktop, because my laptop is small and portable and not very powerful. When I need portability, I use my Powerbook. When I need power, I use my iMac. I'd much rather not have to deal with two computers, but iMacs are cheaper than MBPs.

You on the other hand have a powerful laptop, and a weak desktop. When you need portability, you use the laptop. And when you need power, you use the laptop.

What can the G3 do that the laptop can't? If you use Classic software, great. If there is another use that I can't think of, great. But if you just use it to post on Macrumors asking for advice, I would advise you to get rid of it. And unless I am much mistaken, advice is what you were looking for.

I see your point there, for sure. I guess I don't really have any reason why to have a G3.

I do, however, make most of my money selling the occasional thing on Craigslist. This G3 I acquired in a Craigslist deal, and am currently trying to sell or do a partial trade for a Thinkpad with.

The reason why I normally run more than one computer even when it doesn't really make sense to do so is because I hate having a computer just sit there and get used without at least a little bit of a challenge. It is a challenge to set up a desktop computer with the parts you want it to have.

So, I hope that post made sense. Basically, I am getting rid of it. :)

Whatever will I do with all that desk space? :eek:

[mkrishnan]

Whatever will I do with all that desk space? :eek:

Give the big metal table to a church bake sale, where it belongs. :D

[iMpathetic]

Give the big metal table to a church bake sale, where it belongs. :D

Aw..... I'm fond of it.

:(

Seriously, I like it. It just won't be my room with fifteen or twenty computers. They're like the friends I don't have!:p

[ReanimationLP]

16? Haha, I've got 16 in my closet, b***h!:D (No, seriously... I really do have 16 in my closet, and if I can do that, surely you can too.)


Pssh, 16?

That all noob? :P I have over 24.

And then a ton of parts.

8 are Macs, the rest PCs.

[bluedoggiant]

Pssh, 16?

That all noob? :P I have over 24.

And then a ton of parts.

8 are Macs, the rest PCs.

1/2 the good, almost 2x the bad of 16x the good.

[iMpathetic]

Pssh, 16?

That all noob? :P I have over 24.

And then a ton of parts.

8 are Macs, the rest PCs.

I would so beat you, my peak was 27. :D

Anyway, back on topic, I'm going back over there today. We'll see what ends up happening.

[bluedoggiant]

I would so beat you, my peak was 27. :D

Anyway, back on topic, I'm going back over there today. We'll see what ends up happening.

your going back home?

[Cassie]

Pssh, 16?

That all noob? :P I have over 24.

And then a ton of parts.

8 are Macs, the rest PCs.

It's a small closet...:o:p

I'm gonna take most of them to a computer recycling center over the next year or so, because only a few work, and they're just taking up valuable space.

[Silver-Fox]

Commencing after picture:

So far. I know the keyboard is way, way to intrusive, I just moved it over.

Whadday'all think?

http://img.skitch.com/20080309-1pwy31qtr64swr14wpqresydmk.jpg

Lol nice wall paper

[bluedoggiant]

It's a small closet...:o:p

I'm gonna take most of them to a computer recycling center over the next year or so, because only a few work, and they're just taking up valuable space.

why not sell them?

[doubleohseven]

Looks great- a big difference from the previous picture.

To organise your cables, why not consider this? (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50035115)

[bluedoggiant]

Looks great- a big difference from the previous picture.

To organise your cables, why not consider this? (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50035115)

He's broke. Maybe after one month, he will get $15, and be able to pay for it

[iMpathetic]

Lol nice wall paper
Jungle Creatures FTW:D
Looks great- a big difference from the previous picture.

To organise your cables, why not consider this? (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50035115)
Not a bad plan. I may be getting a few hundred dollars soon, so I may just buy one of those. It's on my shopping list.
He's broke. Maybe after one month, he will get $15, and be able to pay for it

See above post:D

Now all I have to do is deal with the friggin' Craiglsist rednecks.... :rolleyes: