Computer Setup

Just an FYI, the i7 3770 isn't an 8 core CPU. It's a 4 core CPU with 4 (I think) threads. But yeah, lovely setup, and nice to see a Linux one.

Sort of right. The i7-3770 is a 4 core proc with hyper threading. This means that each cpu core is virtually split into 2 "cores". To the computer it looks like 8 cores, but physically its 4 cores using the extra space in between cycles to compute for 2 threads. It's a super interesting topic if you ever get a chance to read up more on it.

Ah, thanks for the correction.

What do you do that requires 5 monitors in that configuration? (i.e. instead of three on the bottom and two above them)

A mixture of dev work and log/monitor watching. I could move to a 2,3 configuration but that would mean investing in some monitor arms and it would also mean I couldn't look over the top of them to chat to my coworkers on the desks opposite.

That keyboard.... Such a joy to see

Thanks. It's got a really nice action, considering these can be picked up pretty cheap these days. It's also much quieter than a Model M or Unicomp. It''s a Dell AT102W.

Whats with all the monitors?

I'd have more but I ran out of desk.

More direct question is what do you use each one for...

The leftmost one has email and IM windows. 2nd and 3rd are the ones I look at most often, and are host to web browser and IDE, shell windows etc. When I'm using the IDE in anger, having three available displays is very helpful since I can have the code, the compilation output and application log and webbrowser to interact with the application all up simultaneously. The fourth has the rolling log files of the live application always displayed so I can keep an eye on what's going on in production and the rightmost display has New Relic monitoring.

One day the Unicomp threw a fit and crashed my machine hard, and has never worked since. I'm assuming something on the controller board has gone bad. I'm going to get it repaired but it means spending $60 plus postage costs to the USA. The Dell keyboard (AT102W) is a good standby. Nice action and it's quieter than the Unicomp!

I have the exact same nerf gun sitting on my desk. The guy next to me may have a full-auto nerf gun, but when I shoot him, my gun is pink.

Aside from one of the tech support guys who has a shotgun, the little Rebelle I've got is probably the best gun in the office. It's deceptively powerful! I'm waiting for them to launch the Guardian Crossbow in the UK - a pink and purple pump action version of the Strongarm? Shut up and take my money!

Thank you - yeah, their service is very good.

Nice set up! I really like the desk, where did you purchase it?

Nice Monitors, but I'm more interested in the purple Nerf Big Bad Bow in the first picture.

To be honest it's a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping it would take me ahead in the office Nerf arms race we've got going on, but the arrows are slow, inaccurate and don't have enough range to reach the other end of the office. Looks cool, though. The Pink Crush that's pictured by my phone is actually a much better gun.

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