Hi,
In the past, I've configured each *pair* of workstations in my work area to support a pair of 4:3 monitors, side by side -- using the A/B switches in the monitors themselves to select between which of the workstations' displays is presented on that monitor (e.g., Workstation A displays
1 and 2 on the two monitors; Workstation B displays 1 and 2 on the two monitors; WS A 1 on monitor 1 with WS B 2 on monitor 2; etc.). This has made it easy for me to consult one machine while working on another -- as well as having bigger "desktops" on either.I've been shedding equipment lately and figure I can get rid of some of the workstations I've had to hold onto in order to support past clients. Every pair of workstations I can discard frees up a pair of monitors! And, *space* for them!
So, I am looking into adding another pair of monitors to my primary pair of workstations (again, using A/B switches to decide how the monitors are used, dynamically).
But, a 2x2 arrangement puts the top displays far too high -- it seems like my head is tipped far back to read "up there". (Keep in mind, distance between eyes and ALL monitors must be constant and relatively short).
If, instead, I opt for a 4x1 arrangement, it seems like I am watching a tennis match! :-/ And, the "far" monitors start to tax my near vision...
I'm thinking that a compromise might be to rotate the displays (portrait orientation) and possibly downsize to 21" monitors. This puts the top of the visible display area at about the limit of a comfortable "look up" and narrows the cumulative display (less "tennis court-ish") width. Say 4800x1600? But, with lots of bezels chopping up the field of view (this isn't as big a problem in landscape mode as you have a fair bit of "width" on each monitor to work with!)
Alternatively, buy a pair of wide 30" monitors -- I suspect that gives me roughly the same "desktop" (?). And, eliminates some of the "bezel" issues...
Anyone been down this road with firsthand comments? Note I don't use these machines for "entertainment" (I don't watch movies, etc.). And, ideally, I'd like to leverage existing kit instead of making new investments (at a time when I am trying to get *rid* of kit!)
Thx,
--don