Different size monitors

pointlesscastaway

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Jun 30, 2014
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I've juts ordered a new computer and I aim to have a dual monitor setup since I always find myself tabbing out of games, movies etc. However, I don't want two identical monitors as the second one wouldn't be needed for much. So my question is, what advantages are there with having the same resolution, screen size or aspect ratio on both monitors.

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
The advantages with using twins are -
1. non-fullscreen applications dragged/opened on either monitor need not be re-sized all the time;
2. contents are always consistently visible between the two, eg. columns of info will not be hidden;
3. because the bezels and height of monitors can be aligned, extending an application window across monitors with the same resolution, will not appear higher or lower to the eye making it easier to work with;
4. you can always power the secondary monitor off when not using;
5. overall, a more pleasing arrangement with twins, facilitating a more efficient workflow.
The advantages with using twins are -
1. non-fullscreen applications dragged/opened on either monitor need not be re-sized all the time;
2. contents are always consistently visible between the two, eg. columns of info will not be hidden;
3. because the bezels and height of monitors can be aligned, extending an application window across monitors with the same resolution, will not appear higher or lower to the eye making it easier to work with;
4. you can always power the secondary monitor off when not using;
5. overall, a more pleasing arrangement with twins, facilitating a more efficient workflow.
 
Solution


Thanks for that, also I was wondering since I'm on a budget if I did end up having to get a normal one and a cheaper one, would it be better to have the matching resolutions, matching sizes or if possible both?
 
Yes, matching both resolutions and sizes is strongly advised.
As a recommendation, the BengQ 21-22" 1920x1080 or AOC range are not expensive. Maybe about US$80-90 each. VA panels with good viewing angles...better than TN panels, and,in my opinion, as good as the more expensive IPS panels. I have 3 units of 22" BengQ GW2255, and 2 units of 23" AOC (can't recall the model). The AOC is maybe US$10-20 more expensive than the BengQ. Used to have expensive ips panelled Samsungs, and Sonys. Never again. They don't last for the price paid.

Get the ones which match/suit your graphics' card's output connectors so you don't have to worry much over adapters or converters. The BengQ GW2255 has DVI and VGA, and the AOC has HDMI and DVI inputs.