I didn’t plan for this to be hardware day, but that’s the way it’s working out. I’m having some issues with network connectivity on my new Windows Vista installations, and I’ve confirmed that my router is the source of the problem. A replacement is on the way, but for now I’ll need to swap in a different router from a different manufacturer to get back up and running. That should take a half-hour or so. In addition, one of my two seven-year-old Mag Innovision LCD monitors appears to have died. It’s hooked up to the Dell 8300 that I’m planning to use as a Windows Vista test bed, so I’ll need to replace it right away.
I always, always look on hardware failures as an opportunity to upgrade the things that have the most impact on my workday. I considered buying a cheap LCD to use with the test system, but I’m considering buying a new high-end display instead and shifting displays around the office till everything looks right.
Currently, my main desktop PC is attached to a pair of 18-inch Dell UltraSharp LCD monitors running at 1280 X 1024 (SXGA). The Media Center PC on the other side of the room has a 20-inch widescreen Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW (1680 X 1050 resolution). I could really use some more screen resolution, so I’m tempted to upgrade to 1600 X 1200 (UXGA). That means going to 20-inch (or larger) displays, which cost a minimum of $450 each. Buying two of those would put a serious dent in the hardware budget.
An alternative strategy that I’m seriously considering is getting one new 21-inch LCD that runs at UXGA (I’m seriously tempted by Samsung’s 21-inch 214T) and using it as my primary monitor, then moving the widescreen 20-inch Dell LCD to my desktop and pivoting it into portrait mode so it runs at 1050 X 1680. (The two 18-inch LCDs now on my desktop would move to the Vista test system and the Media Center PC.) In that configuration, I could use a browser and outlook on the UXGA monitor and get more usable working space in Word. With Windows Vista Inside Out and Special Edition Using Office 2007 both in the pipeline, I’ll be using Word to crank out a few million words over the next few months. So that should be a pretty good configuration for my needs.
The increase in working space is pretty impressive: My current dual-monitor setup (two monitors at 1280 X 1024) gives me 2,621,440 pixels to work with. The new configuration covers 3,684,000 pixels, which is a better than 40% increase.
Ed Bott 
I give a thumbs up to the dell monitors. They can be had with coupons pretty inexpensively. I use a 2405, 2005, and a 2001, and they are all good. The 2005 I think is the weakest display, but my version is about a year old and I think they’ve upgraded the display panel since. I paid $385 new for the 2005 and $825 for the 2405. The 2001 I use at work.
My single 21″ CRT hates you already, so it really doesn’t matter what you do…
I’d go for dual Dell 19″ LCDs, but that’s just me. Of course you could go all NORAD-style with 3 on your desktop, but that’s just getting crazy…
“The new configuration covers 3,684,000 pixels, which is a better than 40% increase.”
Geez, Ed, leave some pixels for the rest of us!
I like your idea about using the 214T and a 20-inch Dell in portrait mode. Instead of the 20-inch Dell though, I have to recommend the Samsung 193p in portrait mode. In my experience, Dell’s weakest point in LCD displays is their viewing angle. Especially if you use one in portrait mode, it is nearly impossible to experience full, even color across the entire screen. I had a Samsung 193p in college as my primary display until I scratched the screen and went to a 2405FPW. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t completely blown away by my 193p. Its viewing angle is monstrous, the contrast ratio is incredible, and the color is sublime. Pound for pound, its performance is the best I’ve seen for a non-gaming digital display (20ms response time). It also has a very sleek design and bezel. There are no exposed internal components (cleaning is a breeze), and cables are connected at the circular base on the bottom. AnandTech’s review is very thorough, and as you can see they used it for viewing full-page Word documents quite nicely. I wouldn’t be surprised if you eventually wind up getting two =)
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=2024
I use two Dell 2001FP’s — one portrait, one landscape — and I LOVE it. Contrary to what the previous commenter says, I have no problems with viewing angle on the Dell Ultrasharp screens.