Double Monitor or ?

[wattsbw2004]

So I'm currently designing a computer desk in AutoCAD so I can later build my own when I get the time. I was wanting to get your opinion though on the topic of monitors. With money being an option should I go with a dual monitor set up or a single large monitor about 24-30 inches? I like the idea of two screens but is it worth it to use two or could I get away with something big?

[Trader]

You may benefit from having two monitors but I never have. Also I have used the larger monitors and I am not comfortable with anything larger than 26 inches. Honestly if it is on a desk only about 24 inches away from your face, I find it uncomfortable turning my head back and forth looking from one side to the other. Plus moving the mouse becomes more of a problem going from one end to the other. That has just been my experience, I'm sure someone else may have something totally different from me.

[Elmo]

compromise, I did, large monitor 24 for image and 17 for tools. works great for video also.

[Murtasma]

I love using a dual monitor setup I'm much more proficient with everything I do on the computer with two screens.

[sybren]

I love my 24" 16:9 monitor. It's really awesome. The added benefit of using only one monitor is that you don't have trouble with dual monitor calibration. If you use two monitors, you're going to have a hard time ensuring they both have exactly the same colour rendition.

[wattsbw2004]

I never thought of that Sy. I'm thinking either having the desk for my tablet then putting a 2nd self up on 5 in legs for both monitors. Or I might have an attached backboard to mount a single 24" monitor so as to have more desk space. I'm looking around for the best prices on monitors if I go the single monitor route.

I'll also be checking out the Ikea Pax wardrobe systems out and possibly making that into a office type solution. If so the it can hold the monitor, printer, speakers (mounted on the sides) as well as lights for when I work at night So many different options

[Jim Poor]

Most of us using two monitors only do color critical work on one of them anyway. Personally, I have large thumbnails on one screen and a loup view on the other. I do all my detailed work on one monitor and always print using the same display. However, calibrating two monitors isn't really all that hard. I calibrate three monitors on two different machines once a week and they are close enough that I can't see a difference.

On the subject of monitor space, more is better IMO. I have two 30-inch cinema displays on my photography machine and a 17-inch on my admin machine.

Originally Posted by sybren

I love my 24" 16:9 monitor. It's really awesome. The added benefit of using only one monitor is that you don't have trouble with dual monitor calibration. If you use two monitors, you're going to have a hard time ensuring they both have exactly the same colour rendition.