Samsung's new SyncMaster 2263X Dual Display monitor, I'm convinced, was built for photographers. The dual display couples a 22 inch primary monitor and a detacheable 7 inch companion monitor -- seems like the perfect setup to work in Adobe Photoshop to me! You have your image workspace on the main monitor and actions or other palettes on the 7 inch companion monitors. Samsung's new monitor earned a Popular Mechanic's "editor's choice" award in the April 2008 issue. The 7" companion or "sub-monitor" connects easily to an available USB port and can be used in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) modes. Estimated price is around $550.

Seems like a great little set-up especially if workspace is at a premium. Or, if you are like me -- you work dual screen using a laptop and a separate monitor. With the Samsung...I wonder if it would be possible to work with THREE monitors for one PC? Okay...now I'm getting greedy... LOL

I saw this nifty little disc painter from Dymo featured in the recent issue of Rangefinder magazine. Check it out...

http://www.rangefindermag.com/magazine/Feb08/154.pdf

If you're bargain conscious like I am...you probably check out clearance / reconditioned computer hardware like I do! I've had good success buying reconditioned computer equipment over the years...something about having the "new bugs" worked out of the gear appeals to me! (Yeah, I buy late model used cars too! But I buy all my cameras new...why is that??? LOL)

Check out reconditioned disk drivers, burners and displays from Lacie on at their clearance store...

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/clearance/products/?id=10007

Today I'm sad to report that I had a 160 GB hard drive crash. 99% of the files were backed up...the 1% that was were PSD files from a project I just completed. Shame on me for not immediately backing them up. Just because the drive was less than 3 months old doesn't mean it wasn't safe (fortunately it's under warranty). It's just a bummer that I have to re-do about 4 hours worth of work to recreate the PSD files I lost. I'm going to attempt some file recovery software...he-he-he..."when I have time"...so I'll keep you posted.

If you are looking for a basic consumer photo printer and you don't want to spend much...check out Canon's eStore Outlet center for great deals on printers and scanners. For a limited time you can buy printers and get a free pack of Canon photo paper -- a $9.95 value.