[HH] the search for the maximum desktop display (make it the desk?)

[Bill Bogstad]

On Tue, Nov 14, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Ian Kelling <iank at fsf.org> wrote:
>
> Bill Bogstad <bogstad at pobox.com> writes:
>


>>
>
> I've done some somewhat unusual monitor setups over the years. I think
> it's a fine idea. I wonder how much weight a modern tv can have sitting
> on it. Perhaps not as much as your monitor weighs, in which case you
> will need to mount it to the wall behind the desk or something. Also,

I thought about putting a thick pane of glass on top of the "desk"
screen for that exact reason. Also to protect it from the inevitable
spills to which all desks are subject.  OTOH, the heat dissipation
from the screen might help keep my beverage warm.   I guess
ventilation might be a concern.   Manufacturers probably assume
convection air flow from bottom to top to dissipate heat which would
no longer work.

> viewing angle will be steep near the back of the desk, so test out
> whether that works ahead of time.

Making sure whatever screen was used had a good viewing angle was on
my list of concerns   Another possibility would be to angle the
monitor underneath the glass cover plate.  Given the desired form
factor of a desk (i.e. need to get my legs underneath), I'm not sure
that it could be angled sufficiently for that to help much.  At this
point, I'm just playing around with the idea.  Privately, I was sent
references to two commercial products:

1. http://www.circletwelve.com/
a multi-user touch sensitive table display

2. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/devices/surface-studio/overview
a 28" very high resolution touch sensitive monitor/computer that can be rotated
horizontally.

Neither of them are fully functional desks that also function as display units.

I described my use case as:

My use case: Single user who uses normal programs/input devices and
just wants more
screen real estate without having to turn their head 90 degrees or
look up at a 45 degree angle.

Desired form factor: Actual desk that I can put my legs under when I
am using it.  Slide my desk chair under when I am not.  Fill out paper
forms/write checks on
when I need to do so.  Has drawers for paper clips, staples, pens,
etc. underneath.
Can hold regular monitor, keyboard, mouse if desired.

I'm not sure whether cutting a hole in a cheap Ikea desk/table would
work better or worse than finding a way to slap legs on a TV using the
rear mounting plate and putting rolling drawer units underneath.

The whole thing was sparked by the fact that I'm starting to see
generic 55" 4K TVs for under $500.  That plus another $500 for legs,
glass, drawers, etc. is well within the range that some people spend
on desks.   (Not that I ever have before now.)

Bill Bogstad