2 Monitors - Should I go for it?

Inuyasha the 3rd · Post by **Inuyasha the 3rd** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:04 pm

I've been thinking about getting a 2nd monitor for my computer for quite sometime. Should I go for it? Would it be alot more benificial?

The reason why I am considering this; is because I hear they can add flexibility and alot other things, too.

And if I do, then I got a couple questions:

How can I make premiere pro preview on a 2nd monitor?
Does the 2nd monitor have to be at a same size and resolution as my current monitor? (Spec: 17" inch, Res: 1280x1024)

So, should I go for it, or not?

Kariudo · Post by **Kariudo** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:00 pm

before you go any further, make sure that your graphics card can support mulitple monitors.

If you have a lot of programs that you're trying to run at the same time then you might want to consider getting another monitor. (it has come in handy when I'm doing my computer programming homework and IMing at the same time) As far as my experience, a second monitor doesn't really add much versatility.

they (the monitors) can be different resolutions, but it's nice if they're the same.

can't help you on the premiere bit of it though...
To me, it sounds like you don't need another monitor

Inuyasha the 3rd · Post by **Inuyasha the 3rd** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:40 pm

Kariudo wrote:before you go any further, make sure that your graphics card can support mulitple monitors.

Yes, my 'card can do that. Hell, it even has a TV out.

Yeah, you're probably right, I dont really need one. But it would be nice for me to run premiere and Photoshop all at the same time, meaning I can multitask. Like for example: I can edit my AMV in premiere, and be working on stuff in photoshop, and other things too.

But thanks for the input.

Anyone else?

ngsilver · Post by **ngsilver** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:48 am

I can't help you with the premier problem, well, I can't give you a direct answer I should say.

I just reciently got a new LCD monitor and now run a dual monitor setup. It really is a good way to add versitility and customization options to your computer and desktop. Multi-tasking is a little easier because you can have 2 programs running on different screens. And overall I think it's a good idea.

One of my favorite things about having dual screens is that when I run programs like premier or photoshop the 2nd monitor increases my work area. I usually use my new LCD as the actuall work space (where the main program window is) and then move all the small windows in the program that usually take up space on the screen over to my origional monitor. This allows me to work with a large size timeline and preview window, and in photoshop I have more space to see what I am working with.

The one thing I can't stress enough is that if you do dual monitor, make sure you have enough main RAM to support it. The 2nd monitor will add increased strain to your computer and require more system ram to run. Running on 512 megs of DDR400 ram didn't cut it anymore when I edited because of the amount of programs I run all at once. So if you set it up and your computer seems more sluggish then it used to be with 1 monitor, that's most likely the reason why.

Pwolf · Post by **Pwolf** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:18 am

dual monitors is awsm.... been using them for a few years. for normal use, it's great... when doing homework or generally doing multiple things it's great to have on app one monitor and the other in the other... as for editing and have both premiere and photoshop up at the same time... i guess it would look easier to use, but over all you are just switching between the two anyway and there is no real reason to have them both on seperate monitors... BUT! the best part of dual monitors is spanning premiere/photoshop across both of em...

www.pwolfamv.com/premiere.jpg

as for photoshop, i have it stretched across both for me room when i have multiple images i'm working on.

Pwolf

Inuyasha the 3rd · Post by **Inuyasha the 3rd** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 6:50 am

Pwolf, thats what I've had in mind. MORE workspace in premiere. Rather besides it'd be real cool, I dont have to be cluttered to one monitor anymore.

So when I get a job, this is something I am going to be getting.

Metro · Post by **Metro** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:33 am

If you are on a budget you might want to look into getting a used crt. The local used computer and burn shops around me sell 21" monitors for $50-60.

not bad.