2 x 27in 5K monitors - vs one 32" 6k

Right now, the Samsung S9 Viewfinity is on for $C1000. The Dell 32" 6K remains over $C3,000. (https://www.dell.com/en-ca/shop/dell-ultrasharp-32-6k-monitor-u3224kb/apd/210-bhbz/monitors-monitor-accessories)
Considerations: I have a unique desk setup, a treadmill to the left, and a chair to the right. The combination limits how far my chair can go.

If I go for the 2 x S9s, I would only use one while walking; that’s easy enough.

The question:

  • Is my space too narrow to have two monitors side by side?
  • (Ignoring the space issues) Would you prefer 2x27" 5k or one 32" 6k – why?

Focusing on a single monitor with good viewing angles sounds easier. I foresee a bit of neck strain trying to use a second panel (assuming the second panel went to the left of the current panel. If you slide everything over, it might work, but I think it would feel cramped.

If I was working in this space, I would look at the 32" 6k for better screen real estate, or look at ultrawides, most likely a Dell U4025QW or LG 40WP95C. Downside with these is weight, the Jarvis arm probably wouldn’t be sturdy enough (love the arm, my SO has 2 of them, but those panels are heavy). You’d want to consider the Ergotron HX line.

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Thanks - I was looking for the retina DPI - another friend also suggested they love the LG. Your comments have saved me from seriously considering 2x27in monitors.

I just replaced an Ergotron arm that could no longer handle the weight of my existing Dell, with a Vivo - that promises to hold anything up to 40lbs.

Curiously, just this morning the Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor - U3224KB came on sale: https://www.dell.com/en-ca/shop/dell-ultrasharp-32-6k-monitor-u3224kb/apd/210-bhbz/monitors-monitor-accessories and so the decision was easy. I assume the $US price is also down.

Since my new monitor will have double the number of horizontal pictures, that means I can have double the number of tabs open.

  1. Consider having a second 27" monitor in Portrait orientation. Less width and great for long documents.
  2. 2 or more monitors makes it easier to manage windows on the screens. For instance, one screen can have more static windows (I put Calendar and Omnifocus on the portrait screen and leave them there) while the other holds windows for the task at hand.
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Tom interesting. I hadn’t considered Portrait mode. My 32” monitor is arriving on Wednesday. I guess I will how portrait mode 27” feels next to it.

Well that was a long long wait. Purolater courier made my life painful. I had to drive 60 minutes round trip to pick my monitor up from the courier. Oh well. 32" is perfect:

I will be moving it to the monitor arm tonight. From there cable management. I’m loving being able to view images at 100% zoom. Olympus EM5 mkII.

I’m also loving the abiliy to have one tall app open, the browser. Then have an additiional reference source open while writing.

I have achieved monitor joy for another 10yrs.

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Congrats … would be interested in a final picture of your setup :blush:.

Once you‘re finished with the monitor you have plenty to toy around with Moom4 app and all it’s new functionality to auto arrange and align your windows :wink:.

That is my treadmill (LifeSpane TR1200) on the left. The cowling is off becuase it started making a noise recently. From some digging on reddit, mine is a common enough problem, likely the ball bearings need to be replaced.

I’m using the read USB-C port for my SSD backup drive and that is tied to the monitor arm.

Funny detail - two weeks ago I purchased a new Vivo monitor arm from Amazon. I just installed the monitor on it. If I move the monitor it will sink. So now I have a Neuland BigONE just in case.

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I forgot to add - I like Moom. However, I’ve created a set of KM Macros that cover my needs:

An idea I picked up from Sparky or perhaps here - use the 7,9,3,1 for the Quarters.

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Couldn’t help but notice there’s a lot of plug-in action on your Obsidian! What is your theme / plugin that renders your folder structure and the md documents below it? It looks nice.

BTW awesome screen – I am having serious thoughts about moving my life from a 24" monitor plus 14" MBP on the side to a single 32" (but have held fire since I want the same setup at work and at home, so will be shelling out for 2 x a new screen).

FileTreeAlternative: obsidian://show-plugin?id=file-tree-alternative – on Github: GitHub - ozntel/file-tree-alternative: This Obsidian Plugin allows users to have a different file explorer experience.

Cheers
Mark

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