Submitted by LeftEccoForIQ on 2019/06/03 16:09
Hey.
 
I've practically always been a single-window user since the first Windows. From time to time I was tempted by things like virtual desktops and intrigued by new Windows functionality like window docking etc. (which I've used maybe 100 times overall, so just in rare circumstances like the kids watching Youtube while I needed access to IQ or some such).
 
I have had a largish screen (27 inch) for 8 years now but since I like easy-on-the-eyes large font sizes I've scaled Windows to the point where tiling multiple windows on my screen didn't really seem attractive, especially since I've had my taskbar vertically on the left screen edge for years now. Plus I'd never really anticipated a great benefit from more side-by-side information. My workflow was mostly just copy from the one app and paste into the other, e.g. from Ecco to browser and back again.
 
A few months ago I briefly experimented with placing my monitor in the vertical position. While this worked great with some apps (like InfoQube with focus on a single grid), the limited horizontal space didn't suit my browsing habits very well and I gave it up rather quickly, making a mental note that I wanted a bigger display to have the best of both worlds, i.e. more vertical space for greater editing productivity coupled with enough horizontal space for browsing with a vertical taskbar, a bookmarks sidebar as well as web content.As a further catalyst in the process, InfoQube is a game changer in that allows very flexible grid layouts (compared to Ecco for example).
 
As a result of this process, I'm finally taking the big plunge, having ordered a 43 inch screen and a GTX 1070 to operate it at 60Hz. Plans have been forming in my mind as to what I'm going to do with the vast additional screen real estate. Apart from having at least three grids open simultaneously in InfoQube, I plan on having a mini calendar, a clipboard tracker and a timer / reminder window open at all times.
 
Anyway, I'm looking forward greatly to this quantum leap in my computer user history.
 
Feel free to comment / share your own experience.
 
Phil

Comments

I have a 34" monitor for my main work space and a 27" on the side.
 
Getting dual monitors and increasingly larger sizes has been money very well-spent.  Really makes a difference in working efficiently.
 
I tend to do almost all work on the 34" and for that it's barely big enough.  Two open programs (eg PDF Revu and InfoQube) leave me wanting more space. I use lots of columns in InfoQube and like having two sets of grids open side-by-side.  For PDFs I often run out of space by the time I zoom in enough to make the text easy to read.
 
I've never been able to integrate the 2nd monitor that well.  When I put active work there, it feels like I'm having to swivel my head back and forth too much for comfort.  As a result, I use it mostly for tv and video watching, or for calling up other programs without disturbing my main work space.  Also have various reference stickies there for easy access.
 
Also wish the main monitor was a little taller.
 
Could gain more space by setting my monitor to a higher resolution but the text gets too small.
 
I also keep my task bar on the side, and have my InfoQube tabs set vertically.  For me, it's easier to scan down a vertical list than across a horizontal one.
 
I'll check out the larger monitor to see if it would work for me.
 
Wayne
 
Update: I just took a look at the dimensions of the Dell 43".  It is HUGE.
 

WayneK

2019/06/03 17:11

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Pierre,
 
I use GridMove, which lets you partion the screen into halves, thirds, quarters etc
 
It has the nice advantage of snapping your windows into a predefined space without having to fiddle with the size each time.
 
Is there something more to "dashboard grids" than this?   Always looking for ways to gain screen space.
 
I've also used a Windows Tabs utility that creates a tabbed window for applications.  Made it a little easier to switch views but not really hugely better than just using the taskbar to switch.   
 
Wayne
 

WayneK

2019/06/03 18:09

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Thanks.  I remember that but never delved into it.  Will do that.
 
Wayne
 

LeftEccoForIQ

2019/06/04 07:59

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As will I once the monstrous screen is up and running...

LeftEccoForIQ

2019/06/04 03:16

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[quote=WayneK]
Also have various reference stickies there for easy access.
[/quote]
Have you tried Stickies? Highly recommended!
 
[quote=WayneK]
Could gain more space by setting my monitor to a higher resolution but the text gets too small.
[/quote]
So you don't use your monitor at its native resolution and use Windows scaling to increase text size? For any particular reason?
 
[quote=WayneK]
I have my InfoQube tabs set vertically. For me, it's easier to scan down a vertical list than across a horizontal one.
[/quote]
Same here. Hence I'm pretty miffed that Firefox Quantum no longer allows vertical bookmarks and vertical tabs at the same time.
 
[quote=WayneK]
It is HUGE.
[/quote]
Haha, I sure hope it is!

Large or double screens are great for apps like IQ. Do check out dashboard grids if you have't yet, they have changed how I use IQ
 
Pierre_Admin
IQ Designer
 

LeftEccoForIQ

2019/06/04 03:26

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Thanks! I've been using Cadman as my main IQ font for a while now and am very happy with it. Not really sure whether one of your posts here pointed me to it or whether I came across it by chance.

Paul_J_Miller

2019/06/04 06:07

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I think it was probably one of my self promotion efforts which pointed you to it. 

On my desktop computer,  I have dual monitors, but one above the other, not side by side.
The 27 inch is on top, mounted to the wall with a monitor stand, and the 24 inch underneath is on its stand on the desk.
Generally IQ will be on one monitor full screen, and the browser fullscreen on the other.
I find it extremely comfortable; the upper screen is at eye level, and it's an easy glance down to the other.
The kid's computer hooked up to the 49" 4k tv works great for their games, but I never was comfortable with it with my laptop hooked up to it with office applications, it's just too big, and tricky to makes things large enough to see.
Is your 43" going to be placed on a desk, or will you wall mount it?