Can I have 2 monitors with 1 computer? I want to scan photos and play poker at the same time. lol. My Epson perfection 1660 photo scanner driver dominates the windows (must be on top) while scanning (by design) and I can't accomplish the very important multi-tasking operation that I mentioned above. lol. I know my computer has enough horsepower, but is it possible with new hardware to run 2 separate applications (one on each monitor) simultaneously with one computer? I think we are talking new video card maybe?

James.
(you got to know when to hold 'em)

Hey Gus Hansen ;)

Yeah it is possible, I've not personally done it before but take a read of these websites below

http://freepctech.com/pc/001/guide_dual_monitors.shtml

http://www.cyberinkdesign.com/dual_monitors.htm

If your computer has more than one video adapter, or one adapter with multiple output ports, you can connect up to 10 monitors to your Windows XP computer.

When Google isn't your best pal

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James,

I think you don't get it. Monitors are not the input part of a computer system. They can only display whatever you do on the computer.

The only way to make it work (scan & play) is to have two systems connected to one monitor by way of KVM. With KVM you just hit the scroll key to switch system.

i_XpUser

From what we do at work (broadcast environment)... t'is possible to run two apps. one one computer and have two monitor attached, each showing one or other of the apps...

I think the way it's set up (in XP at least) is the routine of extending the desktop over the two screens; but not having personally set one of these arrangements up I can go no further (sagely) in the how to etc...

XpUser,

Yeah, you are right. I probably should have thought it through before posting. It's just easier to get a quick answer here. Sorry. So, the answer is "no." Even though I can run many programs at the same time, e-mail, Photoshop, 5 different on-line windows (reading newspapers) playing poker, and minimize any one (at will) so I can keep the one I want on top; when I run the scanner (while in scan mode) the scanner software window appears on top, and stays there, and there is nothing I can do about it. Except buy another computer. Nuts.

Well, if these pocket Queens work out, I'll head to CompUSA. If not, I won't get any scanning done. lol

Thanks,

James.

Unfortunately the twain drivers are designed to take precedence over everything else. It's by design.

Queens? Do you mean you're a resident of Queens - one of the 5 boroughs of New York City? If so that will make us neighbors :-)

Why not compare shop systems between CompUSA & Best Buy? If the PC you now have is a "high-end", you should opt for the low end only for internet access and other non-intense non-scanning applications. Regardless of the system you buy keep in mind that the sdalesperson will pursue you to purchase Extended Warranties. Read this article first. You will not regret it.

Good luck & Best wish :-)

i_XpUser

Thanks,

I never buy warranties on anything at all.

Pocket queens is "poker slang," for a starting hand in "Texas Hold 'Em." I play no limit hold 'em. lol

James.

Why would dual monitors not work? Even if the Twain dirvers are st to take precedence, they will only take precedence in the area the window resides. If the twain driver window resides on monitor 1 you can still easily access/use program windows that reside on monitor 2.

Michael J

That's interesting but how do you do it (did you actually try it)?

i_XpUser

Ok ive done this before...The scanner takes up he full screen...if you hook up a second monitor (would require second video card and monitor)you can set the first as your primary display...the second screen will be free to do what ever you want and it will act as an extension of your desktop. (select extended desktop) the scanner will only full screen on the first screen. I've done this with diablo 2. it full screens the first screen but the second is free. the only problem comes when switching between screens with your mouse...it can be sluggish...but if you comps got the horse power then you should be fine...looking at your specs though your system does not seem to have that much under the hood..you would probably benefit by upgrading to at least a gig of ram...I use the multi monitor on a 3.2ghz and a gig of ram so its a little more seamless. hope this helps you
-cody

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/multimonitor.mspx

I think... is the way it's done where I work...

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;397764216;fp;2;fpid;1277378924

also discusses this issue - a couple of approaches...

"That's interesting but how do you do it (did you actually try it)?"

Well, i ran dual monitors at my last company for about 4 years. I don't use dual monitors now and have not had the need to use them at home. But, from my past experience, unless the Twain driver window is doing quite out of the ordinary then there should be no problem.

Many video cards today are already set for dual monitors, if not, then you will need a second card. You can also restrict programs from taking up more than one monitor (or you can have them span both monitors if you wish). but, unless the Twain interface restricts you from doing absolutely anything else, then it will work perfectly.

Now, I am pretty sure I have been able to do some things outside the Twain window when scanning so I would definitely put money down that it would work. I would be happy to test it if you want to send me a second monitor.

Michael J

Thanks for all the info & links everyone. I'm going to do more research.

James.

Hi, i have a x300 radeon, currently i use Two monitors which include my t.v, you have two choices, you can clone or extend the picture. 1st make the 1st display the primary monitor, the 2nd can be extended or cloned. Before doing this go to settings..advanced then the display tab and you will need to enable the second monitor... mine is a tv so i selected tv.

Clone=Dual display

Extended=you will have your desktop as normall on the primry monitor, but on the second monitor you will beable to use this to drag programs, even media center and wmp in to whilst doing whatever you want on this one.

Im looking into getting 3 monitors, but will need a dual graphics card slot, but im not sure, anyone else tried this?

Scarface