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Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

fotojennik
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p.1 #1 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I just ordered parts to build myself a new editing PC (going to be a very nice upgrade from my previous desktop). However, the only thing I haven't decided on is what to do for a monitor.

I don't have the budget to go top of the line (NEC, Eizo) so I'm looking at the Dell's.

Currently, I can get 2x U2410s for the price of a single U2711.

Which would you guys prefer? Dual would be nice for Lightroom, but a single screen saves spaces (and I like the idea of the extra vertical resolution on the 2711).

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:38 PM

MBMK
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p.1 #2 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

1 30" but that'll cost ya some.

But if it's between 24 and 27" I'd get 1 27" over 2 24" but that's me

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:49 PM

gabemc
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p.1 #3 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

i use dual 20" and don't think i could ever go back to a single screen set up. so awesome for having a folder open with thumbnails on the right and PS open on left.

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:51 PM

Mark_L
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p.1 #4 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I run a 30" as a main screen and this is definitely the best option given how closely it fits the 3:2 aspect ratio. My secondary is a 19" 4:3, which saves space and still has good usable vertical height.

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:52 PM

Daboyle
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p.1 #5 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I tried the dual thing, didn't work for me. I now run with a single 30". Some people I know though absolutely love the dual setup. My suggestion is to try and see if you can test a dual monitor setup somewhere before committing. People either love or hate it.

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:52 PM

thebeginning
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p.1 #6 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I'm obviously far behind the times with my single 20"...

I would probably prefer the single 27", just for the cleanliness of it.

Jan 22, 2013 at 09:53 PM

That Photog
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p.1 #7 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Single 22" wide with a 17" in vertical orientation as my second. Love dual screens wouldn't go without so I vote for the dual 24" even over a single of larger size. I always have the main program (LR, PS) on the main and either filmstrip view on the other or youtube for help videos, folders or other reference info. Windows 7 window snap can come close on a single screen but I still like having two.

Jan 22, 2013 at 10:00 PM

Mark_L
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p.1 #8 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Daboyle wrote:
I tried the dual thing, didn't work for me. I now run with a single 30". Some people I know though absolutely love the dual setup. My suggestion is to try and see if you can test a dual monitor setup somewhere before committing. People either love or hate it.

When I got my 30" I debated ditching the second screen but using ultramon means sending stuff to the second screen is just one click and you are not constantly re-arranging clutter on your main working screen, this makes two screens much faster and easier to work on. Working in PS you can have the picture filling the screen and layers, history etc on the second screen too which is really great. I can't ever imagine having two wide aspect screens though.

Jan 22, 2013 at 10:09 PM

camerausername
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p.1 #9 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I'd take two 20" inch monitors over one 30" because it's that much more efficient to have 2 monitors.

Jan 23, 2013 at 12:04 AM

Inku Yo
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p.1 #10 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I have 2 24-inchers. I'm going to upgrade to 2 27-inchers.

Jan 23, 2013 at 12:37 AM

ZachOly
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p.1 #11 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I have a 24" and 22" dual monitor set up.

My next upgrade (in a few years once they bump the resolution) will be a good 27" and a cheap 24".

If you're going with dual monitors, you might as well go with a cheap TN panel for the secondary screen.

Jan 23, 2013 at 12:53 AM

fotojennik
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p.1 #12 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Thanks for the input. I guess there is no reason to get 2x U2410 when I could save some money on the 2nd monitor and get a cheaper panel (the one that won't be doing the main editing).

Is everyone running their dual monitor setups from aftermarket video cards? I am starting to think the Intel HD 4000 that's built into the i7-3770 isn't going to cut it and I'm going to end up wanting to add a video card to the system.

Jan 23, 2013 at 01:05 AM

Mitch W
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p.1 #13 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Currently have a Dell Ultrasharp 27 connected to a macbook. Editing gets done on the 27 while folders or web browsing gets done on the macbook's monitor. I really like having two screens.

Jan 23, 2013 at 01:05 AM

sboerup
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p.1 #14 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Dual screens first, then size. Productivity increases with multiple screens before bigger size increases productivity.

Or go with both

Here's my desk -- (2) 20" dells rotated, (1) 30" in middle
This image is copyrighted by the owner

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Jan 23, 2013 at 02:28 AM

paparazzinick
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p.1 #15 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I could never go back to single displays. Even with my laptop, when editing at home I use a second display with it. You could always get the larger monitor now and then in a few months get a second. Or go with a different brand. Check B&H. We got a couple 27" 2 years ago for cheap from there.

Jan 23, 2013 at 02:32 AM

sboerup
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p.1 #16 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

fotojennik wrote:
Is everyone running their dual monitor setups from aftermarket video cards? I am starting to think the Intel HD 4000 that's built into the i7-3770 isn't going to cut it and I'm going to end up wanting to add a video card to the system.

Ya, you need ANY video card, it will speed things up quite a bit.

Jan 23, 2013 at 02:32 AM

bthatton
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p.1 #17 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

Wow Spencer--- looks like you're printing bill boards in there!

Jan 23, 2013 at 06:00 AM

stevez32
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p.1 #18 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

There isn't much reason (asides from desk space) not to go with 2 monitors, it is just sooo much more efficient. Even if the 2nd monitor is a cheap $99 20" non-calibrated monitor it helps to have that extra window for organizing thumbnails and selecting tools. If space is an issue you can use the VESA mount to move the screens off the desk and keep an area clear or mount them right to the wall above the desk. LCDs can be so thin and flexible for where you mount them, just go for multiples.

Jan 23, 2013 at 08:02 AM

fotojennik
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p.1 #19 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

@Spencer, that is sexy! You may have swayed me to the tri-monitor setup!

Any suggestions on a cheap video card that can handle three displays setup in a similar fashion as yours? How do you connect them? 1x Displayport and 2x DVI?

Unfortunately the 1x30" + 2x20" setup will cost about double what I was looking to spend on a monitor...but man is that tempting! After doing a bit of searching I could not find a three monitor setup that works as seamlessly as the 30/2x20 combo (in terms of the 2 vertical monitors being the same size as the horizontal monitor)

EDIT: Not to mention I would need a new desk to fit all of them! Hah.

Jan 23, 2013 at 12:19 PM

Jamesbjenkins
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p.1 #20 · Dual 24" or Single 27" Monitor?

I use my 27" iMac and a second 24" for the workflow. My LR workflow pretty well demands two monitors now...

Jan 23, 2013 at 02:02 PM

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