Two screens - how does this work?

[Shaun]

Apologies for not reading the entire thread, but if her PC hasn't got one (which is the most likely scenario) you will need a dual-head graphics card that can drive two monitors independently. These can be had for around £40 or so from eBuyer etc.

Windows effectively stretches the desktop to span across both screens so you can plonk application windows anywhere. Sitting the monitors close together can make it easy to manage both screens, but it simply isn't practical to leave documents open halfway between the two screens - it just doesn't work as your eye breaks contact when it skips across the gap.

Just my 2p worth ..

 

[Rob S]

I looked in to having multiple monitors some time ago, so that I could use one monitor to watch the Media Centre's TV whilst having other applications open next to it....ultimately I didn't bother as athe TV card would BSOD about 25% of each recording so I just bought a PVR for hte telly.

One thing I seem to recall is that whilst Windows does support multiple monitors the functionality is limited....unless it has been upgraded since Vista and 7. Additional software can run things like different desktop wallpaper on each monitor...which in turn means you can stretch a panorama across the screens, different taskbars on each monitor, the ability to click a button to push an app window from one monitor to the other instead of dragging it yourself.

 

[marzjennings]

May I ask how big is your desk? and how far away from them are you sitting? this would give me an idea of how much space is needed. She has a wide desk, but it is not particularly deep.

Please excuse me now, while I go to Tesco on-line and order my choc biskits, and porridge etc etc. You are all being very helpful.

Screens are about an arms length (2 feet) away and my desk is almost 6 feet wide.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Apologies for not reading the entire thread, but if her PC hasn't got one (which is the most likely scenario) you will need a dual-head graphics card that can drive two monitors independently. These can be had for around £40 or so from eBuyer etc.

Similar apologies for not reading all the posts in their entirety; but if the PC is older; you should check that the graphics card you get (with the dual-head) is the right one. Newer boxes run PCI Express, IIRC, older ones run AGP. Run it past the Local Computer Shop (LCS?)

With the email across two screens thing; have I misunderstood or is she wanting the email as she received it showing on screen 1, and the one she's typing in reply on screen 2? That should be possible if the emails are opened in different windows, I think.

 

[Speicher]

The PC was bought in summer 2007. Yes, you are corrent SHK about what she wants to do with the emails.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

If it's that new, you shouldn't need much to 'upgrade' - just possibly a new graphics card if the old one doesn't have two outputs; and of course a new screen... good luck

Total cost should come in WAAAY under £1200. Ask your LCS if they're prepared to do a 'how to use the computer' session with her to demonstrate?

 

[twowheelsgood]

err in case someone hasn't suggested it already, just use a 22-24" widescreen monitor. Open the mail in one window and the reply in the other (minimise everything else) and right click the task bar and "tile windows vertically".

Why faff with 2 monitors?

 

[SavageHoutkop]

The way I read it was that Spiecher's mom has poor eyesight; so perhaps a larger screen even than what you're suggesting is needed. But yes, valid point...

 

[Speicher]

The original suggestion was two screens, each 22". As you say TwoWheels, the screen could be tiled vertically. I think part of the problem is that her poor eyesight means it is difficult for her to explore all the options on the screen that you or I might experiment with. Also because of her age, she may have been shown how to tile the screen, but forgotten how to do it.

To sum up, the current plan is to purchase either a second screen like the one she has, or two screens in a larger size. It is very clear from people's very helpful contributions to this thread, that no way does she need a new computer to cope with a second screen.

Thanks all again everyone, for all your advice so far.

 

[rh100]

May I also suggest - in case not done so already - the Accesibility tools built in to Windows.

Start > All Programs > Accesories > Acessibility > Accessibility Wizard. This helps set up the screen to be easier to read in general. There is also a screen magnifier.

 

[Speicher]

The Accessibility Tools have been set up to include a slow mouse, larger icons, and large font size. I was not aware of the screen magnifier. Does that just maginify part of the screen?

 

[ColinJ]

The Accessibility Tools have been set up to include a slow mouse, larger icons, and large font size. I was not aware of the screen magnifier. Does that just maginify part of the screen?

If it magnified the whole screen then you'd need a bigger screen to see it!

 

[Speicher]

You have overlooked the fact that I was writing about maginifying the screen, which is very not the same as magnifying.

 

[ColinJ]

You have overlooked the fact that I was writing about maginifying the screen, which is very not the same as magnifying.

I thought that it would be rude to point it out!

I used to correct spelling mistakes in posts that I was quoting but I came to the conclusion that I was just being obsessive.

Sometimes typos can be quite amusing... I was on an American business website earlier today and somebody wrote that "Fragrant advertising will not be tolerated!" I wrote a quick reply - "What, we aren't even allowed to promote perfumes now?" I'm just waiting to see if they think I'm being serious...

 

[rh100]

the magnifier will place a window at the top - and wherever the mouse hovers - that portion is displayed in the magnifier. There are settings to modify it, so it just magnifies where you click or folowsthe mouse- can change the level of magnification - invert the colours and can either dock the magnifier at the top or drag to somewhere else on the screen.