Extended desktop on portrait display hack

[zern]

Here's a fun and useful idea:

I have an old 19" CRT monitor in great condition (a Panasonic PF90) which I have set up as a portrait monitor to work with my T60p.

I simply turned the monitor on its side! (No, it was not a pivot-capable monitor.)

The ATI Catalyst Control Centre software has an option to rotate the display 90degrees. This works a treat.

Here's a photo of my setup: http://eicolab.com.au/media/portrait_monitor_hack.jpg

[rmendoza]

that's pretty cool.

I like your website.

[zern]

Thanks rmendoza!!

[claudeo]

eh eh. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.

One suggestion, if I may: You might want to rig a very quiet fan to blow some air into the monitor to make it last longer. Because the normal convection cooling path is disturbed by being on its side, some components might overheat.

[zern]

Good point claudeo.

It'd been very hot recently in Sydney - being summer and all.

I'd consider rigging up the fan if I were particularly attached to this CRT. Which I am not. If and when it breaks, I'll have the perfect excuse to buy a lovely 20" pivot-able LCD.