[dholyer]

I also have two computers and one is not Internet connected. It is a HP Quad core, the one that is net connected only has a 19 inch LCD screen. The other one has a 22 inch LCD screen with a built in Web Cam and I use it for heavy computing and video processing. Since I have been using Norton 360 the Net connected computer has had not infections. So I'm thinking of Net connecting that one since the reason only one is connected is virus infections and I've been save for 3.5 years now. The one I'm typing on now is set up so all can use it, but I'll set up the HP to have pass words to protect the private data. The 22" I bought 2.5 years ago was rated at the time as #1 and work fine. I may even set it up to use the webcam and for a video phone via the DSL line Internet connection it will have. The next question is upgrade the Win 7.0 to 8.0 and how much of a change will that be?

[dholyer]

Quote

For my Win7 machine I'll be installing two monitors: one, my Toshiba TV, through the HDMI port; the other will be a Dell UltraSharp 19" monitor at max reso of 1280x1024. I could instead use my 20" Dell 2010H, which will be 1900x1024 (if memory serves, I just got it at Dell Auction and it's not arrived yet). That one is Widescreen 16:9, and will be vital to my onscreen videos. Nota Bene: most video editing software now (i.e., Cyberlink) will only let you choose 4:3 or 16:9. So if you do instructional videos with your monitor, you end up jumping through a lot of hoops to get the dang HD video properly rendered. (I can only do it using an old version of AVS4YOU Video Editor, which they still will allow downloading: version 3.5.) Theoretically, I should be able to get two 8.5" windows side by side if need be. Frankly, the 19" does everything I want, except for the stupid Windows tendency to enlarge the dialog box when you enlarge fonts. I don't want a monitor larger than I can lift, so I can quickly move the monitor to my standing station, or to my desk when I feel like sitting. So will report on the efficacy, when I get the HDMI cable.

[dholyer]

I have two PC's one that is not Net connected is 1680x1050 in a 16:10 format. The one that I writing this on is a Dell with a 1440x900 on a 19" screen and uses a AMD duel core 64bit chip but runs 32bit Windows. My other one I do video on is a Quad core at 1680x1050 in a 16:10 format or 1920x1080 when it uses the 40 inch HDTV screen and is connected to the bigger screen via a HDMI 1.4 cable. The audio is either Analog to a sound bar or in stero to to the 22" screen.

[JimH443]

For the past 6 months or so, I've been using my Sony 33" TV as my monitor. Ever since I hooked it up, I haven't even considered using anything smaller.

[gnwiii]

What sort of monitor works best depends on the type of work you do. Some people work with multiple documents in one OS, others may be working in multiple VM's, using remote desktop for access to other systems. I've been using an Apple Cinema 27-in display for a couple years, and find I spend a lot of time moving the pointer from one side to the other. With a smaller display I use workspace switcher (linux) or spaces (MacOSX). I tried a few workspace switcher apps in Windows XP and found them buggy -- maybe that has changed for Wndows 7.

I often do 1-on-1 "training" where I show someone how to perform a
task on my system. Pivoting is essential to allow 2 people to see the screen, and a workspace switcher makes it easy to set up the
windows needed for the task without extra clutter.

The simple solution to a monitor that doesn't pivot is a cheap Rubbermaid turntable intended for use in kitchen cabinets<http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091528>.