Issue 46.14
As tablets become more popular and powerful, the landscape is changing. For those who simply want to check their email, stay in touch through social media and do a little research on-line, tablets and limited laptops such as the chromebook fit the bill quite nicely and are reasonably inexpensive unless you go to the top of the line with large screens.
For those that actually need a computer with real capability such as word processing, creating documents with graphics, doing business (especially when you need to have multiple information sources open to create reports, etc.) and using programs that are designed for use on real computers (such as Office, Adobe, many of the high-end games, CAD/CAM, Web Design and many other business specific programs) you need real computers. For these types of needs, more and more people are opting for two or even multiple screens.
With the extra screen space you can have your research material visible while you create your documents. I use that all the time to create the articles I write, for record keeping and genealogy, business reports and especially graphic creation as I draw from multiple pictures to create the graphics I need and insert them into documents and projects.
The “how to do it” is a little tricky and may need some expert advice. However, I will share with you the basics you need to know. If you have a desktop computer, you will need one that has multiple monitor outlets that can display discrete (separate) information – not just duplicate what you already see on the first screen. On existing computers, this may require adding a better video card to the system. If you need multiple screens you will likely need two or more cards to fill the need. All of this requires a fast processor and generally more memory.
Many of the newer laptops have a video output or two on them which makes it easy to hook them up to a second monitor or duplicate the onboard screen on a larger monitor. Make sure they offer discrete content before you buy.
Monitors are available in a number of sizes and some can even be rotated for a tall, thin display. I see them up to 37 inches now, but they are pricey. Alternatively, your second monitor can be a television. The flat panel variety are best and you will want to get the highest resolution available if you go above 32 inches. The display will not be quite as sharp as a “real” computer monitor, but works really well for displaying content that you are adding to your main documents. I use a 24 inch monitor that has 1920 lines of resolution as my main monitor, but my second is a 32 inch high resolution flat panel TV which gives me plenty of space. It also allows me to watch a cable tv program or streaming content from hulu or Netflix if I need a break, and because I am sitting so close to the tv, it has about the same experience as a 60 inch tv in my living room.
Whatever you choose, check it out carefully at the showroom actually hooked up to a computer so you know if it will meet your needs – and always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 25 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.