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Three smaller vs two large monitor displays?

J

Just1nCase

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 14, 2006
75
0
Hi all,

I am in the process of getting a matrox Triplehead2go for my MacBook Pro (2,2) in order for to run multiple external displays (similar to this guy's setup: http://www.gizmag.com/go/7985/ ). However, I am having trouble deciding whether I should go with x3 19" displays with 1280x1024 resolution or x2 22" widescreen displays with 1680x1050 resolution. The good thing regarding the 19" display is the immersive qualities, but all the screens are 4:3 ratio. Also, the 22" displays have a much better resolution and is widescreen, but I would only be able to run 2 displays via matrox Triplehead2go.

Currently, I am using my monitor intensively with Graphic Design applications (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator) and I do occasion gaming.

Let me know what you think. Any feedback is appreciated.

Here is also a list of available resolutions for the matrox box:

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/resolution/digital/resolutions.html
 
For graphics work, I'd want to buy the largest monitor I could afford, unless you're ok with editing portions of the pic on various monitors.

I'd get Dell 3008wfp 30" 2560x1600 or if you can stand the glossy 2 refurb acd (or the new Dell) 24" 1920x1200
 
Like the above poster said, definitely get the largest monitor you can get. I love my 30" ACD, with my 15" mbp screen on the side, and would choose that over two 24" screens. So if I were you I'd rather get two 22", with three screens you'll probably strain your neck from turning your head. Plus, controlling your cursor and dragging windows over three screens is just no fun.
 
If it's for graphic design working mainly with one application, I would say 2.

But if you use many apps -like developers do- definitely 3.
 
Thanks for your feedback. Based on how I'm using it, I think I'll get the two large dual displays. The reason I'm getting two large dual displays than just one huge display is the ability to sort my window panels across the displays instead of layering my windows panels on just one monitor.

Any suggestions in terms of monitor brands? Apple monitors tend to be really expensive so I'm currently have my eyes on these Acer monitors from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009157

What do you think?
 
not an expert but feel like two are better since there would be less "frame" between pictures....in fact, i don't really understand why people need more than one monitor:confused:
 
3 smaller ones? why? I say nay nay! no point and would just take more power! get your self 2 good sized displays.
 
Go with 2 much easyer to set up, that 3
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Just1nCase said:
Thanks for your feedback. Based on how I'm using it, I think I'll get the two large dual displays. The reason I'm getting two large dual displays than just one huge display is the ability to sort my window panels across the displays instead of layering my windows panels on just one monitor.

Any suggestions in terms of monitor brands? Apple monitors tend to be really expensive so I'm currently have my eyes on these Acer monitors from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009157

What do you think?
Click to expand...

Well, there are a lot of reasonable monitors out there these days. As for myself, I stick with EIZO since I need the colour accuracy. NEC is the other alternative I would consider if being pressed to. Also, stay away from dynamic background lighting on monitors which is often used to achieve "incredibly" high contrast ratios (I am not looking at you Samsung).

In the end it boils down what you value in a monitor. Btw, even if you go 22" look for full HD ones. You won't regret it.
 
for graphic work, i would say 2, but i love having 3... one has safari on all day, one has itunes and the other has whatever im doing at the moment... good times
signature_SmileyFace.jpg
 
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