As a FileMaker developer with a focus on delivery of high-value solutions as quickly as possible, I always look for ways to enhance my development environment to optimize speed and efficiency. As you can imagine, there are multiple tools that I need immediate and reliable access to throughout my development day.
Here are just a few of the resources (i.e. application windows) I need at my disposal:
- The FileMaker solution I am working on (potentially 1-6 windows at once)
- DataViewer and Script Debugger
- Manage layouts and manage scripts
- A text editor (usually TextMate)
- My development reference library
- Mail.app
- Safari
- BusyCal
- iChat
- OmniFocus
- Word/Excel
…and any number of other applications as needs dictate. Managing workflow with this many applications active requires a consistent environment. I need to be know where things are and be able to access them with as little friction as possible.
My Monitor Setup: 5 Screens
This is where a multiple monitor setup helps increase efficiency and allows me to focus my attention while simultaneously monitoring communication tools so that I can respond to immediate needs.
I current have 5 screens:
- 27″ Apple Thunderbolt Monitor
- 15″ Mac Book Pro
- 22″ LCD Monitor
- 24″ LCD Monitor
- iPad
In order to connect the LCD monitors, I use two Diamond BVU Display Adapters. These devices allow you to connect additional monitors to a system via USB. It requires one adapter for each additional monitor plus a software driver. The Windows driver is in the box, and Mac Drivers are available for download. They work well, although occasionally there can be screen flicker, graphic artifacts, or blackouts, and video performance is a bit laggy on the USB connected monitors. You will most definitely need a powered USB Hub in order to get all the USB cables hooked up.
With a multiple monitor setup, I can now position all of my application windows in a manner that allows quick access to resources. As a Mac user I make use of Spaces to organize my application windows. For example, FileMaker and all of its required windows gets its own space spread out across all four monitors. iChat is present in every space on a secondary LCD. While I do move windows around, I try to maintain a set place for different windows so I know where they are. And, if my windows become disordered, I use the free application Display Maid to restore window positions and sizes in every space with a single keystroke.
My goal is to reduce and remove all friction in the environment so that I can focus on delivering high-value applications to our customers in the fastest manner possible.
I value the blog.Thanks Again. Awesome.
You bet, and I am glad you are enjoying the content. Thanks for stopping by.
Workplace like an airplane cockpit! How sweet 🙂
Thanks for stopping by HOnza. I just joined the filemaker optimizers group on LinkedIN, per your recommendation. You will be seeing more of me there soon…
When I’m on the road, away from my other screens (the biggest one is a projector on a SmartBoard) and I need more screen real estate, I use my iPad as a secondary monitor thru wifi. Yes, there is a lag but it’s ok to place the “dev tools” (data viewer, script debugger and a couple of inspectors). I tried some iPad apps and I finally kept the app called “iDisplay”.
HTH.
Hmmm. SmartBoard. Interesting idea. I believe those are common in schools nowadays? How do you use it in your daily work?
I used to have two 24″ monitors and one 20″ monitor. It got to a point where I felt overwhelmed by screen real estate. I have transitioned to a Thunderbolt Display (27″) with my laptop display. I use Optimal Layout to quickly position windows on the 27″ display. Usually, I have two windows side-by-side, essentially two displays.
I use a 2011 Mac Mini as my main desktop. I tricked it out with an SSD, a second hard drive and the max RAM. Since it has two video outs (MDP and HDMI) I have two 20″ Cinema Displays (they’re pretty cheap on eBay) attached through the appropriate dongles. I use my old 15″ laptop as a third monitor through the magic of AirDisplay. AirDisplay will also add my iPad into the mix if I want, but I usually have Evernote, a calendar or a chat client going there with its own keyboard. You can see my setup here: http://jfletch.posterous.com/my-desktop-work-area
Thanks for stopping by, Jonathan. Nice setup. I added an SSD to my 2011 MBP and was quite surprised at the performance gain. I can open the entire adobe suite in about 5 seconds, where before just opening one adobe app could take up to a minute. I yanked the optical drive, put it in an external enclosure, and installed the HDD in the optical slot (with a kit). HDD has a bootable SSD clone, plus a partition for music and photo collections.
The newer MBPs and Minis have 6Gbs SATA 3 in them, so they fly with a good SSD. Even on my old (2007) MBP with only SATA 1 in it the SSD really made a difference. I noticed that my wife’s MBA was way faster than my MBP (pre-SSD) when the clock speed was so much slower and had less RAM. “It’s the SSD, stupid!”
Spinning drives are for patient people! Never again.
Yeah, SSD was by far the best hardware investment I have made. Spinning beach ball of death is a thing of the past….