The Musings of Scott

Batman has no superpowers but 8 monitors

Decided to make this a post, as my desk always makes the tours of the Cambridge office at Gilbane, mostly due to my severe case of geekhood. This is a setup I have just mastered at work (I have a different one at home), the recent acquisition of a tool that allowed me to use a single (trackball) mouse over the 3 separate monitors. Supergeek feature? I also share the clipboard between computers (for copying & pasting). The advantages of this setup, is that it uses equipment you probably already have: a “business-class” desktop PC & a current generation laptop. While neither are heavy hitters, I have 2 separate CPUs at my disposal & 7GB of RAM. When you run office software, 10 tabs of internet, an Adobe program (or 2), and a hefty chunk of memory for a social media vehicle you need this kind of muscle. The only thing you may need to buy for this would be another monitor (the extra monitor shown is very small, perhaps 14″ and is fine as the SM stream screen).  Using the iPod as a touch interface? Rarely used, but I need to repurpose it as it is rapidly deteriorating towards 3 years old.

Desk tour

Learn More About Synergy, the input sharing tool for multiple computer use. It’s Open Source! http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

Air Mouse for Ipod Touch (not demonstrated but very cool) http://www.mobilemouse.com/

Update:
I have found another program to add to the mix, which allows me to remotely control my home PC (this is advantageous for uploads & video editing). The Middle screen now features a 3rd PC, and I now officially have a crush on my workstation.
Screencast of Remote Controlling my Home PC in Action
Program that made this possible (also free): https://secure.logmein.com/

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