Scott Hanselman

Everyone knows I'm ALL ABOUT the multiple monitors.  You simply can't be as productive at 1024x768.  I've said it before as has John Lam.  I busted my butt getting two monitors setup and also have sung the praises of the ABSOLUTELY neccessary UltraMon utility for >1 monitors.

But today, yes today my friends, I've found a use for my new TabletPC when I'm not using it - drum roll:

As a THIRD monitor!!!  Using an application called MaxiVista you run a tiny Viewer on your extra machine (whether it's a Tablet, laptop or another box) and then a Server on the machine you'd like to give another monitor to.  They hook up automagically and before you try to nay say that this is like Remote Desktop or VNC, note this: It installs as a VIRTUAL DISPLAY ADAPTER.  That means it shows up in the Windows Display Properties.  That means you have total control over resolution, orientation and position and Windows never knows the difference.  Freaking brilliant.

I fired up UltraMon and added a monitor-specific Taskbar.  UltraMon also adds that nifty button you see on the left there.  The button sits next to minimize and maximize and lets you toss windows left and right to other monitors. 

MaxiVista is only $39.95 until Dec 31st.  Sold.  $40 is a CHEAP third monitor.  I may pick up a copy for work as well and put a few old laptops to work.

God bless us, everyone! :)

About Scott

Scott Hanselman is a former professor, former Chief Architect in finance, now speaker, consultant, father, diabetic, and Microsoft employee. He is a failed stand-up comic, a cornrower, and a book author.

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