Consolidate Windows, or no?

[Frodo]

What's the scoop?

Does consolidated windows eat more resources than using separate windows?

I'm aware that some people have sworn off of consolidated windows and others swear *by* it for different reasons. Some of this may have to do more with one's workflow preferences while some may have found more stability by not using CW.

In hobbitville, we like the concept of CW-- at least until a ginormous second monitor finds its way to town.

Poll:

1. I swear by Consolidated Windows in DP5.x or DP6.x

2. I swear by CW in one version of DP but not the other.

3. I don't swear. My mamma said it's impolite.

4. I use a combo of both as my workflow dictates from one project to the other-- no technical/functional difference either way.

5. I like CW, but can't use it regardless of which version of DP I'm using for reasons of workflow or technical challenges.

6. I don't dislike CW, but I never use it because I like the workflow of separate windows better.

7. I don't dislike CW and want to use it, but DP and my computer work better when I don't use it.

8. I don't swear by CW but neither do I have anything against it. It causes me no problems whenever I use it.

9. Consolidated Windows? What's that?

9. CW is second only to the Succubus.

[mhschmieder]

Frodo, I forget whether you've upgraded to DP6 or not, but for me it changes the equation significantly.

Due to having a small screen, even in earlier versions I found that the consolidated aproach helped some as windows would disappear or become hidden otherwise (not enough room to move them around).

In DP6, however, the new "quick links" and flexibility in putting almost any view anywhere in the view layout, has SIGNIFICANTLY accelerated my workflow and my maintenance of train of thought while working.

I haven't checked for resource hits vs. non-consolidated, as I have zero interest in anything but Consolidated WIndow based on the new workflow and functionality and what it has done for me.

It seems subtle when you read about it, but I think it's what's making new converts to DP.

[dosuna11]

1. I swear by Consolidated Windows in DP5.x or DP6.x
4.61 I don't use them.

2. I swear by CW in one version of DP but not the other.

3. I don't swear. My mamma said it's impolite.
She say's she will swear for me and at me if I buy a PC!

4. I use a combo of both as my workflow dictates from one project to the other-- no technical/functional difference either way.

5. I like CW, but can't use it regardless of which version of DP I'm using for reasons of workflow or technical challenges.
PINTB

6. I don't dislike CW, but I never use it because I like the workflow of separate windows better.
YES

7. I don't dislike CW and want to use it, but DP and my computer work better when I don't use it.

8. I don't swear by CW but neither do I have anything against it. It causes me no problems whenever I use it.

9. Consolidated Windows? What's that?

9. CW is second only to the Succubus.
Ask the Chef from Southpark for me.

[Tim]

I much prefer using Window Sets.

I'll let brother Shoosh elaborate on that...

[Shooshie]

Window Sets? Let me count the ways that I love thee, dear Window Sets.

It is true that I love window sets, but I've redone most of mine to consolidated window form. I like the CW, too. One of the things I like most about the Consolidated Windows is switching from chunk to chunk with the exact same layout staring back at you. A Keyboard command instantly changes it to a whole new layout, anyway, so there's not much reason today for me to switch from CW to Window sets, though I sometimes do. If you're mixing a large outfit, and you decide the CW is taking too much CPU power, then pop out your mixing board and close the rest.

I don't find the CW very useful if I need the Sequence Editor, Tracks Overview, MIDI Edit and Mixing Board all open at once to full-screen sizes. That's when I use just window sets, and I use Exposé to switch between them.

Shooshie

[Frodo]

9. CW is second only to the Succubus.
Ask the Chef from Southpark for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succubus

So far, it seems as if it's mainly a workflow preference. That's good to hear.

Frodo, I forget whether you've upgraded to DP6 or not, but for me it changes the equation significantly.

Due to having a small screen, even in earlier versions I found that the consolidated aproach helped some as windows would disappear or become hidden otherwise (not enough room to move them around).

That's why I said the I like Consolidated Windows until such time I can get a huge 79-inch monitor (or larger). I'm thinking a NASA-style situation room.

I have DP6.01. I just don't dare get to loosey-goosey with resizing windows or changing screen sets too liberally, lest things just up and disappear.

Oh, I've been using some form of Consolidated Windows since they first appeared in 4.5. But I do know quite a few DP users who detest CW.

[Dave Bourke]

I got all excited when CW was introduced. Tried it, hated it, don't use it, never will. (Two Apple Cinemas here, a 30" and a 22").

Kind regards.

[Tonio]

FWIW, I dislike CW. using keystrokes makes it seem like I'm not missing anything.
However since CW has been updated (?), I am considering adding in slowly to see if it works for me. Since getting a widescreen LCD (still only 19")recently, I realize I've been missing alot LOL

T

[jroadrage]

In hobbitville, we like the concept of CW-- at least until a ginormous second monitor finds its way to town.

I'm not sure what the technical threshold is for ginormous, but cinema displays are getting pretty cheap:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824254035

Wasn't Apple's 22 DISCOUNTED to around $2000 just a few years ago?

I'll take a few of these combined with Expose over consolidated windows anyday.

[kassonica]

1

I really like it. Before 4.5 it was always a PITA.

[monkey man]

Please do show me how you use the CW when you eventually drag your sorry tail over here, Mark, if that's OK.

Me? I'm afraid of the CW for some reason. The accidental and inadvertent visits I've enjoyed with it thus far have seemed to chew up a little more CPU and affect stability, FWIW. Screensets have served me well until now...

[TheHopiWay]

I've set up a few CWs as window sets that are recalled by keystroke.
If I could get better control over effect visuals (top floating please) I'd be ecstatic.

[Frodo]

I got all excited when CW was introduced. Tried it, hated it, don't use it, never will. (Two Apple Cinemas here, a 30" and a 22").

Kind regards.

Goodness-- 52 glorious diagonal inches of monitor space!! I could almost do without CW altogether with that kind of real estate to play with. Wow!!

I'm not sure what the technical threshold is for ginormous, but cinema displays are getting pretty cheap:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824254035

Wasn't Apple's 22 DISCOUNTED to around $2000 just a few years ago?

I'll take a few of these combined with Expose over consolidated windows anyday.

Yes. Monitors have come way down in price, especially for 19" which are practically being given away these days. I remember paying $1100 for a whopping 17" NEC CRT about 10 years ago. That thing was a monster, but I thought I was "flying high in style at the time". That same price would buy a very nice 30" from Dell or one of the brands ending in "--sonic".

These are very interesting responses about Consolidated Windows and Window Sets, btw. Thanks!

[RobA]

I've been trying out CW lately but I feel like it's too much info in too small a space, which aggravates my presbyopia.

I'm not going to give up on it, but I default to Window Sets.

I don't use Expose though. The way I move between windows is by using either

Next window: Cmd-tilde(~) or Previous Window: Cmd-Shift-tilde(~).

RobA

[MIDI Life Crisis]

In hobbitville, we like the concept of CW-- at least until a ginormous second monitor finds its way to town.

First off, when did you move from Baggend? I didn't get the change of address notice! Isn't Hobbitville a step down? Or are you writing from your summer home?

Second, I believe you provided the answer I would give. If you... I mean with 2 monitors, consolidated windows seems irksome and limited. I prefer separate windows and I guess that's a personal decision. But I also don't think of the various aspects of music creation in the same way. Editing a soundbite to me is a technical aspect and editing actual notes another. My little brain wants to separate those and other procedures into neat little boxes. Their own little boxes, and con/windows makes me shift my brain too much. I get a better "mind shift" if the 'look' of the various windows changes. My brain says: Oh, you want to edit MIDI? Well, don 't think about audio. Con/Windows seems to say: Oh, you want to edit MIDI? Well don't forget you got some soundbites over here fella!

Also, con/windows do not allow you to set user tabs as to what the window choices will be across the top of the window. I will never use song editor and almost never use quickscribe, yet those tabs are immutable. If I could determine what will appear there, I'd give c/w a more serious look. Until then, I'm on 2 monitors.