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A vertical web in a widescreen world

2 points by DLarsen ↗ HN
Why do we now find ourselves in a world of wide computer monitors? In almost every area where we have a lot of content to work with we find ourselves scrolling vertically. It seems that except for entertainment purposes, vertical screens would better accommodate typical use.

Did the widescreen phenomenon come into being due to stylistic influences and perception or is there a solid case for widescreen being more useful than tallscreen?

8 comments

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TallGuyShort
I like having a wide screen that scrolls vertically. Humans naturally find it easier to look side-to-side then up-and-down, and most web pages do place the most important content at the top, such that it can all be displayed on one screen by looking side-to-side. For reading long passages of text, I can read longer lines and scroll less-often.

The possibility of having to scroll side-ways would, in my opinion, be a much less intuitive action, especially if people are already used to scrolling vertically.

DLarsen
I'm not suggesting a side scroll. Side scroll definitely stinks.

However, part of my point is that for most content you wouldn't have to scroll sideways. The content itself is better suited to a tall screen than a wide one.

I would say that a tall screen allows you to scan and skim content more effectively.

limmeau
There are also ergonomical limits to screen height: most sources I know of recommend that the upper edge of the screen be at eye-level or below. My 24" 16:10 wide-screen already reaches that limit (I admit the desk is a bit high).
CalmQuiet
I have long wished for for a portrait-layout Macbook: Let it be only as wide as the keyboard, but as tall (screen) as form factor (15" or 17") allows. Would suit the way I work (guess that makes only 2 of us).
Semiapies
Back in the 90s, there were a few monitors sold that rotated from portrait to landscape modes. I wonder whether there's a market for that now.
menloparkbum
I know tons of people who use vertically oriented monitors. My Dell 24" panel can just rotate 90 degrees.
Semiapies
Interesting, thanks. I've have to look into those.
boryas
widescreen is good for multitasking because you can have more than one window open at an acceptable width, I always notice this as a big advantage when I use a larger/wider screen.