Dual monitors in portrait mode in linux (2400x1600)

S Aufrecht

As of version 1.0-8178, the NVidia driver for linux finally supports rotation. Since my monitors are 1600x1200 pixels, this allows a screen size of 2400x1600 instead of 3200x1200. After trying it for a few days, I decided that I prefer the wide view for most things, but for intense graphic work the taller view may be better.

Drawbacks:

  • You have to edit X files and restart X
  • The bezels between screens are thicker and include buttons and lights
  • The moust cursor is about double-sized, for no apparent reason.
Here's how I set it up:
  1. Prerequisite: Dual monitors as my earlier post about dual monitors.
  2. Edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf and put these lines in the Section "Device" section: 
    # Use LeftOf for landscape orientation
#	Option		"TwinViewOrientation" "LeftOf"
# Use Below for portrait orientation
	Option		"TwinViewOrientation" "Below"
  3. In KDE Control Center > Peripherals > Display, set "Orientation" to Left (90 Degrees). You can also accomplish this with the nvidia-settings program that is part of the driver install package.
  4. Restart X
  5. Physically rotate both monitors to portrait mode. Watch out for the cables while you do this.
  6. Get some new wallpaper that fits.