Beamers for personal, daily use? Other tips for working space?

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snipper

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Everybody's seen beamers (projectors), but can anybody tell me if they're comfortible in every day use? Is it easier on the eyes?

I'm a 'fulltime' Mac user, using two screens at the same time. Me and my girlfriend just bought a house. It will take another year before it's completed, so I've got plenty of time to think about how to decorate my work room aka computer room aka Mac room.

Between now and a year, I'm planning on buying a G5 and a 20' flatscreen., as well as another CRT or flatscreen. A bookcase for computerbooks and cdroms, a firm desk, luxaflex, some TL lights..

But what do YOU suggest to make it the perfect Mac Room??
 
I am not sure a beamer would be comfortable on your eyes for long lengths of time. You'd need a blank wall or screen for starters. If you plan on viewing presentations before presenting them, then by all means get it. If you plan on using it instead of using your monitors, then you might end up sitting in the dark while you work. Think of sitting in a classroom with an overhead or presenter on for the entire class time.

You should have some sort of storage for ink cartridges, paper, blank disks, etc.
A phone in the room. And if you do not have central air conditioning for those hot days, make sure you have a window fan and a ceiling fan to circulate the air.
Don't forget the surge protectors for all your equipment !
 
Strange, here in Australia a Beamer is slang for a BMW. We use the term "projector". Still, if you feel like hanging a German luxury car on your wall, go for it. ;-)

I don't think a projector would be ideal for everyday use, but to supplement your monitor and as a great way of viewing movies, artwork, and so on, it sounds good. As for other gadgets to make the room complete, have you got a good stereo? The ideal one will sound wonderful even at very low volume levels, and keep the sound fresh and alive when set very loud. (I like the Yamaha systems for this, though it is a matter of personal preference)
Aside from that, a comfortable chair and well set out workstation will make working a breeze.
 
No, I never give presentations (sometimes I put them together for important people of big companies, but that doesn't count, does it? ;)

Maybe y'all should know: I work at home, not in an office. I'm a freelancer, there are no co-workers. My new work room is only 3,5 x 4 m, so it won't be like an empty classroom, specially not after I've put a desk and bookshelves in it..

Last: I use a CRT and a laptop at the moment, and even then I often close the windows to keep the sun out of my screens.

A phone is on the list!

About the airco: I live in the Netherlands.. unfortunately we hardly ever need airco. But I must admit, that it depends on the kind of house you live in and I wished I had one last summer. Maybe I'll buy a little airco, just for this room. My girlfriend is allergic and doesn't want central airco, because of the dry air and like I said; it really would be overkill in this climate.

Thanks for your input!
 
Yep: I used to use a stereo before, now I use a set of computerspeakers, but that's not the same.. Dolby digital Surround sound is what I want this time! Is it available /supported for Mac OS X anyway?

The Perfect Mac Room List so far:
Mac G5 2x2GH/250GBstripedRAID, wireless keyboard, 3 button mouse, A5 Wacom
20' flatscreen +
21' CRT screen
BIG, steady desk with phone
Bookshelves
Airco
Surround stereo

not decided yet: projector/silverscreen

About the beamer: I like my new Toyota Celica better, thanks ;)
like this but in grey
97DZRX.jpg
 

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I must admit, I had to read your original posting several times to understand what you meant by a beamer. (it is slang for a BMW in the US, also).

If your girlfriend is allergic, you might want to invest in an air cleaner. It will be good for her and your machines. :)

I think your room would be too small for a projector/beamer. When I said think about a classroom, I meant remember back when you were in the classroom and the teacher was using an overhead or projector for an assignment. You sat in the dark - I mean dark dark - in order to see clearly. Blocking out the sun is one thing, sitting in the dark, working on your computer is another. Some people get bad headaches from that.

You might want a small television in your room. And an easy care plant or two in your window. They will give your room a balance and lots of oxygen.

I have a fern that loves being above my Mac. :)
 
OK - I won't use 'beamer' any more, we'll stick to 'projector'!

Coincidently, I saw an ad for an air cleaner/moisterizer yesterday. I think I'll take a free 'test ride' with it :)

Last summer I was at the BBQ of a customer, Elbert Vlastuin of SCO Benelux and he held a presentation with a be.. eh.. projector in a sort of round, little wooden hut, wich was open at one side, letting in a lot of light. The weather was beautifull, so the light outside was bright. Sill, the presentation looked crisp & clear. Also, the projector was very silent.

But I guess, if I can't find anyone who uses it like this, it's probebly not a good idea..
 
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