How Many Computers Do You Use During the Day?

from JoeUser Forums

Traveling around to different forums and conversing with all types of people throughout the day, I sometimes get a chance to find out what people do, and most interestingly, see their computer setups.  I have talked to people with some crazy setups, and people with just a simple setup of one PC, even if they have a job which involves heavy computer work.

This is my current setup:

DSC_0001

Going from left to right I will start with my Mac Mini with a 19” widescreen running Leopard.  I use this for some personal work, and I also use this as my “communications” machine.  What I mean by that is, this is the computer where I run things like Twitter, IM, Skype, IRC, etc.  It lets me do more work on my other two PC’s and keeping this open for everything else.  I have an Apple wireless keyboard connected to it, which I really like as it’s very small so it saves quite a bit of space. I have no complaints here, but I really need to upgrade to a bigger monitor.

Next up I have my “main” PC which is a custom built rig with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Nvidia video card, and 2GB of RAM.  It’s hooked up to a 22” widescreen and this has Vista Ultimate on it with XP as a VM via Parallels.  While I do a bit of everything on this PC, during a “normal” work day I keep Impulse open on this machine, and browsers which keep an eye on WinCustomize, JoeUser, etc.  And obviously this is the machine I run most games on as it is the most powerful of the three, although my laptop can handle most games I throw at it.

Last is my HP laptop with a 17’ screen.  This machine runs Vista Home Premium and I use this machine for mostly everything else like writing articles, recording podcasts, making videos/screencasts, and all the other stuff I do throughout the week.  I have the main PC and my laptop connected with Multiplicity, which allows me to control both PC’s with one mouse and keyboard.  That is very handy especially when needing to transfer files to one PC from another, I really couldn’t work without it.  I also have a couple external hard drives which I mostly use for backups, and some media storage.

So even though I have these three computers going all day (and sometimes all night), it still seems like it’s just not enough to get everything done.  The latest addition to this setup is the 22’ monitor, which is so much more helpful during the day.  It’s amazing how much more screen real estate you get, and I take advantage of every inch of it.  I also have a 12” iBook sitting on the couch, but I think it’s time I put that on eBay as I really don’t use it anymore.  So this is my current setup, and I don’t see it changing drastically anytime soon.  How many computers do you use during the day, and what does your setup look like?

83,995 views 47 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Instead of using multiple PCs, I decided to get my self an Intel extreme quad core PC and overclock it to 4ghz. I then use a program called "Process Lasso" to set applications to only use specific processors (CPU Affinity) if I need to free a CPU up from rendering. Multiple monitors are a must, I don't think I can live with just one anymore.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

One single PC for me, a 24" iMac with an additional 24" display, a Dell 2407WFP-HC. I do, however, hope to expand this soon with a Macbook, as soon as the rumoured refresh comes around in September. :)

New Desk (7) on Flickr

Object Desktop - Get all of our enhancement utilities in one suite
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
Im running a custom build. AMD 3.2GHz duel core nvidea 8600GT video card, 2gigsDDR2 800 RAM housed in a all metal and mesh coolmaster tower that resembles the monolith from 2001 a space odyssey. The thing isnt heavey but its flippin huge 20" 18" 8.5"
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I mostly use my main machine, Mystique, because working on a 24" is way easier than 15.4", so I usually just use the laptop in bed or on the road.

My setup:


Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I work day and evening shifts. My workstation consists of three graphics and one text monitors (19" I think) running Linux (Fedora?). The graphics monitors are connected to one box/keyboard/mouse and the text station is connected to its own box/keyboard/mouse. Those are on a data only network (regional and national) so no (real) internet browsing there...although most of the default apps have been installed. The last system (far right) is the PC, which has email, browsers, antiquated Office version, and is connected to the internet via our regional office's hub, as well as our LAN/Intranet. The photo is a couple years old, and the PC was recently upgraded to a small Dell dual core system, but it's still running XP Pro. I managed to talk the IT into upgrading to IE7 and installing FF3, finally.  ;p I also talked him into letting me install/run Rainlendar on my login, that helps...not much else I can do for customizing, other than the wallpaper.  :LOL:  Too many keyboards and mice, gets confusing sometimes, typing on the wrong keyboard. doh! And too many animation loops!



Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I mostly use my main machine, Mystique, because working on a 24" is way easier than 15.4", so I usually just use the laptop in bed or on the road.
End of quote


Looks like we have the same speakers and webcam.  And is that a Shakira poster?

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If I'm really lucky,just this one.Computer Not Working
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Saving up for CBM64 ....this is almost too small now....;)

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hmmm, I guess 4....
I maintain my server at the office as well as my desktop system. I have a Sony laptop I use mostly for presentations nowadays but I still drag it around with me....and then I have my system at home.

Server is a Power Edge SC420 (Server 2003)
P4 3.6 ghz, 4gb ram, dual 250gb HDD raid 1

home & office desktop are Precision 380s (XP Pro SP3)
Intel Dual core 3.0 ghz, 3gb ram, 80gb & 500gb HDDs
home has dual 20" monitors on ATI HD4850 (512mb dedicated)
office has dual 20" monitors on Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 (512mb dedicated)

laptop is a Sony VGN-A690 (XP SP3) heavy SOB
1.9ghz pentium M, 2gb ram, 100gb HDD
ATI Radeon X600 (128mb dedicated)
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Laptop

ACER Travelmate 2000
ATI RADEON 9200
INTEL CELERON 2.60Ghz
RAM 512Mo
40Go HD
15.4" 1024x768 px
WIN XP PRO SP3

Desktops

PACKARD BELL I MEDIA
ATI RADEON 9200
INTEL PENTIUM 4 2.53Ghz
RAM 768Mo
80Go HD
19" 1280x1024 px
WIN XP PRO SP3

HP Pavilion Slimline
Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
INTEL DUAL CORE 3.2Ghz
RAM 2Go
250Go HD internal
500Go HD External
19" 1440x900 px
VISTA HOME PREMIUM SP1

Does PDA count? nevermind  ;p


Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
NObama  :LOL: 

I use just the one...I have same Laptop by the looks of it as bebi too but I never use it.

..maybe next year I'll hook up with a quadcore..  :d 
Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top
this has Vista Ultimate on it with XP as a VM via Parallels
End of quote


Does Parallels have a Windows version now? When I bought my Mac version I'd thought they only had Mac versions.


Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
I use my job PC for work related stuff such as SAP, Loadmaster , Remedy and stuff for accounting work. I use my HP laptop (looks just like Bebi's but 17") for internet browsing and gaming. Maybe once in a while I use my wifes laptop to watch movies in the room. And if my son is playing my COD4 on my PC, then I'll use his to play COD2. LOL.
Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top
Main Machine

This is my gaming machine as well as software development machine. I also run multiple virtual machines as needed on this using Virtual PC.

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHZ
4 GB RAM
GeForce 8800 GTS
500 GB SATA drive
750 GB eSata drive
Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Two 30" HP LP3065 widescreen monitors running at 2560x1600 each. (I got a great deal on them refurbished direct from HP.)

Laptop

Primarily used for work related stuff. However, I do infrequently use it to game.

Gateway P-6831 FX

Intel Core 2 Duo *I upgraded the CPU from the slow one it came with to one of the new 45 NM Core 2 Duos.
3 GB Ram
GeForce 8800
17" Widescreen
Wireless N
Vista Ultimate 32-bit

Server

This is my home server. It's really two machines in one due to virtualization.

Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB Ram
Dual Ethernet

Host OS
This is the main OS on the machine (the one installed directly)

Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Used primarily for Media Center. I use 32-bit because a Media Center plugin I use for Netflix doesn't work on 64-bit. This also hosts my Subversion source code repository.

Guest OS

Windows Server 2008
This runs under VMWare Server on top of the Vista Install.

I use this to host my VPN, some websites, Ventrillo Server, SQL Server and Active Directory.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Looks like we have the same speakers and webcam.  And is that a Shakira poster?
End of quote

Heh, I noticed that too. GMTA.

And Shakira?! As if, that's 1 of my 3 Jessica Alba posters.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh my god. Nobody commented on that dinosaur up there...HA, I can't believe it still works. I use 3 thru the day. 1 in a secure area, 1 in an unsecure area, then my home pc which is a dell dimension 3100 duo core 3.2 GHz with 2GB Ram. 2 internal 80Gb hardrives, one with xp, one with vista. A WD 320 MyBook external for storage. 20 flatscreen monitor. I also have my dell laptop 2.8 GHz with 2GB ram running xp. I only use that when the wife has this one tied up and when I travel.
Reply #17 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I just feel so outdated all of a sudden! (:(

But, it's official - i really hate the brand spanking new PC bought this last week... for a fair amount of about 1150CDN$/including Prov&Fed taxes.

Acer/Aspire AM5640-5408A, 3G/ram, IntelDualCore/E4600(2.4ghz), 500Gig/SataDrive(as of now, almost empty and waiting to get a whole bunch of new installs -- GC2 setups better be running smooth & be straight out good or else), MultiDVD_RW/BlueRay ready, VistaHP (completely borked up, it seems by the store technician - anyone would care telling MS that user control is a joke since i own the thing and i must have administrative rights to even access most activities being continually harassed by permissions granted or that access denied should ALSO be fixed!?!)... on a 22" Acer/X223WBD_DVI which is connected to the NVidia 8600GS/512mb dedicated. Hooked up the good old French Logitech keyboard. Plugged the provided optical Mouse. HP printer yet to be loaded too. Running this current web page off a temp SeaMonkey (Don't ask, i just lack options with default IE7 even if brand new) with the Speadstream 100MB wired to the usual Ethernet_T+ on the carpet floor to my right --- all of this waiting to go onto the desk behind me to replace the previous gear.

The only advantages i can see so far is the 4back_4front USB slots and the usual 14in1 card readers (will i ever need any, or just one once in awhile?).

Big drawback though; the darn digital way of displaying graphics puts terrible versions of ALL my files (as they compare to the previous VGA 17" attached to the other PC - P4/1.5/512Ram). It's quite clear to me that a lot of card adjustements via precise config steps to mostly gamma/contrast/etc will need to be done to reproduce the exact UI enviro i'm comfortable with. Presuming it IS somehow standard quality.

PNG 24b looks like JPG compressed at 25% on screen - damn it. Aero is slick transparent popups! SOOOOO what. I want my true colors like they should be.

Arrrgh.

And XPro, well at least it is STILL very stable and effective on the other machine.
One would expect **IMPROVING** the entire computer experience with a much newer HAD combo. Not so, i say. Oh, but it's quite fast(er). Besides, i paid it.

Bof - that nice bluey flashy led panel on the Acer_Tower is fun to watch.
:SNIFF!:
Reply #18 from Sins Forums Top
Dork much? 1 PC
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Dork much
End of quote


Less than you. Dork.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh my god. Nobody commented on that dinosaur up there...HA, I can't believe it still works.
End of quote
Here's mine working:


I use a Dell Latitude D600 and a Latitude D620 for most work,
I use a custom rig for day to day everything.
If I'm near the kitchen I use the wife's POS Dell desktop and if I'm trying to draw I use the Viewsonic TabletPC.
Reply #21 from Sins Forums Top
I'll post pictures shortly (need to clean up the desk a little xD), but I run two systems at present. (looking at upgrading at least the desktop, getting close to 6 monthes old)
________________________________________________________________________

Desktop || [Custom Build]
Intel Xeon 3Ghz Dual Core (E3110)
nVidia 9800 GTX (512MB GDDR3) (Looking at a SLi setup)
4GB DDR2 (PC2 6400) (Looking to either bump it up to a higher speed, or 8GB)
150GB SATA Western Digital Raptor Drive (10,000RPM) (Adding a Velociraptor shortly)
Vista Ultimate (64-Bit)
22" Asus Monitor (1680x1050) (Looking at two, I used the monitor for about two months (during construction of the desktop) on the laptop, made me love dual screens.)

Laptop || [Sager Notebook]
Intel Pentium M 1.73Ghz (740 I believe)
Ati Radeon X700 (256MB DDR)
2GB DDR (PC2-5300)
120GB EIDE Western Digital Drive (5400RPM) (Looking at making this a 250GB 7200RPM drive)
Vista Ultimate (32-Bit)
15.4" LCD Matte Screen (1680x1050)
________________________________________________________________________

I'm looking into a couple different things right now. I'd like to get a powerful 12" or 13" Laptop for portability shortly after christmas. I have some spare parts laying around, so I'd like to setup a Windows Home Server (or Windows Server 2008) for a few various purposes.
Reply #22 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Here's mine working:
End of quote


Don't have a video to show for it... but, i could almost beat that oldy Apple anytime; read on. :D

TI99/4A, peripheral box with plenty of expansion(s) in it (Double floppies_the 5 biggy of long time gone) HDDC for external 24mb drive on its own stand-alone PUS, full blast 256 colors, 80 columns along with a Yamaha V9970 cpu on a bowser board, ramdisk 256k, all in all 6.5mgz clocking. Native 16k ram, btw.

All nicely boxed in some basement including a number of snapin TI modules (Got the GramCracker device too for this). Books, guides, about 250 diskettes -- filled up to the rim with stuff like XBasic progs and personal files!
Total Cost? More than 2500$, baby.
Those were the early to mid 80's, mind you.

Anyone can provide me a solution for the DVI-LCD_Monitor/NVidia 8600GS "flaws" of bad graphics?

Still searching for THE info, in fact.
;)
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
All nicely boxed in some basement including a number of snapin TI modules
End of quote
The thread is about PCs you use, not PCs you have boxed up.  ;)
Reply #24 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I still could just pull it all out of its corner and see if the CMOS battery has some juice left over. Oh, right... these didn't have to use a setup & complex configuration graciously sold by MS back then. And, the graphics showed up exactly as expected. :(

That "extensively used PC" was actually the resource i took to create Psyclon (In fact, if anyone wants it? In 1994, i did make a dos version in Visual Basic) & HoneyBees! games back then! ;)
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just one, but I'm oh so good with it.  :SURPRISED:  :LOL: 

Plus, I only have set of hands. It hard enough getting that set hitting eht thgir syek.  ;)