I got a new monitor and I was getting my wires crossed so I decided to sort out the mess.
First, let me tell you about the monitor. On Tuesday, I brought home a 24 inch Samsung SD390. It had a beautiful display but I didn’t like the stand. I type so fast that I set up a vibration and that was making the screen shake. So the next day, I returned the SD390 and purchased the SD590. It has the same beautiful display but with a more solid stand.
I’ve been using two monitors for some time now. This new one is my main screen and I have an older monitor, also 24 inches, that I use for a secondary screen. Since it’s older, the colours are not as vibrant but, hey, it works.
Why two monitors?
I open Scrivener on my main screen. On the secondary monitor, I have several WORD documents open: a name chart, a calendar of what happens when, a list of threads to keep track of, and an INSPIRATION mind map that shows my character relationships.
Add a cup of coffee to this setup, and I am in my perfect writing place.
I have a helpful husband. A long time ago, he installed an 8 outlet surge protector under my desk to deal with the computer wires but since then I have found more things to plug in. So yesterday he installed another bar. This one has 7 outlets, giving me a total of 15. I’m only using 11 of them. Maybe I should buy another lamp? (just kidding!)
What’s under there?
I have power for:
- CPU
- main monitor
- secondary monitor
- speakers
- USB splitter
- inkjet printer
- laserjet printer
- external hard drive
- backup hard drive
- really bright lamp
- cell phone charger
And this is the final configuration.
Kudos to Rolf. Gotta love a hubby with power tools!
You are so technical! I have one computer, one printer, one screen and a big folder open on the left with paper scene cards.,… old school….LOL
“Old school” obviously works for you! You are very prolific. In my defence, this is not a station for just writing. There’s also video editing and budget work happening here.
That’s a lot of wires and a lot of power. I love the two monitor idea since I spend so much time shifting between documents when working on a project. Now if only I could clear my desk enough to make room for another monitor.
That was my initial resistance – making room on my desk. My hubby does a lot of video editing so he uses two monitors and suggested I try it. Now I save all that room by not having binders open.
I just finished instructing the electrician on the requirements for my Studio Office in our new house and I think I have you beat, Suzanne – I’ve had him install 12 outlets! Any more and he said I’d need a separate breaker to meet municipal by-laws! I’m like you when it comes to the technology – I have an octopus under my desk at the moment because there are only 2 accessible outlets in my current office. Instead of 2 monitors, I run 2 separate computers on my desk, but use them pretty much the same way you do. Then add all the other peripherals like the backup drive, 2 printers (one slower color printer, plus a faster duplex one for regular B&W jobs), the router, etc. etc. I gave up on a lamp because of desk space – in the new office, I’m using pendant lights hanging from the ceiling over the work spaces. Am I spoiled or what?
I have Outlet Envy! 🙂
Just thought I’d add a helpful tip for cable management – you can recycle the plastic tags from your bread bags – use a permanent marker to write what the cable is connected to (e.g. monitor, printer, or whatever) on the tag, and then hook it onto the appropriate cable. Later, if a device isn’t working properly or you need to unplug something, the tag makes it much easier to identify the correct cable.
Good idea for labeling.
I use one of those Label Makers from Staples with the plastic tape. I type a name for each cable. Sure makes it easier to find things when you need to!
Oh my! I wouldn’t know where to start with all that. Very impressive Suzanne.
Thanks Vicki!
This makes me feel “secure” – a place for everything and everything in its place.
But the really impressive thing is getting some writing done!