xfalcon: fluid vs fixed

[Seano]

looking for a bit of feedback guys - over the last few days I have been toying with the idea of making xfalcon "fixed", rather than "fluid" as it currently runs.

to explain further - xfalcon is currently "fluid", which means whatever screen width you have, it'll stretch itself all the way across to use all available space. the idea is pretty good in theory. but once you start getting people using wide screen monitors, the whole site can get stretched so wide it makes it harder to read&use.

so, the idea could be to make it fixed. so no matter what size screen you have, everything will look the same. for those running 17" screens (1024x768 ) you will see no change, those on 19" (1280x1024)will see it shrink back at the sides just a little and for everyone above that, you'll see noticable space on either side of the forum.

attached are fluid and fixed versions as shown on my 22" widescreen. for those interested to see the difference on their own screen, simply change to 'xfalcon mid strength" theme, which i have already set to be fixed. compare it to 'full strength' and let me know which you prefer, if any.

thanks guys :hy:

[evan]

i don't like fixed at all. i dont' HAVE a 22" but it seems like i'd be wasting my money (and screen real estate).

I can see the advantages, but i really like the fact that if you've got a bigger screen you can fit more in and it still looks good :hy:

['Nova]

i like it stretching myself.. think it looks more.. full?

[Seano]

yes each way has it's pros and cons, i do agree with you both a little, my monitor at home is 19" and it looks ok on that.

[evan]

... as if you're a gold member :P

[Seano]

oi, even if i was on an xfalcon wage of 1c an hour i'd have way over $50 worth ;) :hy:

[drew442]

my vote was for fluid but isn't it possible to add 3 more themes?

i.e. light, light-wide, etc...

[KLR250]

I have a 22" screen, i like it stretched, looks awsome

[NO.PSI]

I'm not fussed, either way will be fine for me.

[staids]

I have a 17" so it won't make a lick of difference!8)

[Steve Mcqueen]

I have 17" aswell and i like the current set up as is.

[Seano]

my vote was for fluid but isn't it possible to add 3 more themes?

i.e. light, light-wide, etc...

we could do. if we went down that path i'd probably be inclined to dump the 'mid strength' all together as it isn't very popular. so you'd have a total of 4 options - 2 heavy, 2 light

[xfiend]

I've got a 19" screen, things look tops in my opinion. So I'm happy for things to stay the way they are.

Nevertheless, as times progress screens will likely get bigger and bigger. So assuming that, I guess the best thing from an administration point is to adopt the format that will suit new equipment.

How's that for both sides of the fence, Seano.

I think this site is terrific, so I'll be happy with whatever the decision.

[On Da Ghia]

Fluid FTW, mainly due to the awesome cars that format displays in the top right corner!!!

[xcracer]

ive got a 22" widescreen at home and it is stretched but i dont mind it.. i does look better.. so if it was fixed what would e over the left and right side that it doesnt use??

[Cruzr]

I'm happy with the fluid!!

[XF_Freak]

My only concern is that some of the members here don't have the luxury of a PC capable of high resolutions. This means you also need to cater for the 800x600 resolution, and fixing the website to 1024x768 will cause headaches for them.

I have a 17" at work, and a 19" and 22" at home and enjoy the 'fluid' style. Seano, I know you visit finalgear.com regularly, and you must admit that it looks crappy having a 22" with a fixed homepage. There's so much blank space you almost expect to have adverts start populating the abandoned space, lol.

I vote for fluid.

[Seano]

yeah, finalgear is something i've compared it to. i must admit i prefer having it stretch to the screen, but i do love the way our main page looks when everything is all put together instead of spaced out.

and we've already left 800x600 behind a little - our main index page will have horizontal scrollers for people using that res.. every other page on the forum will display fine for them though.

i reckon i'll be leaving the themes as they are, thanks for the input guys :hy:

[xcracer]

if ppl have side scrolling cant they zoom out the browser ( Hold Ctrl and scroll out with mouse roller.. )

[XF_Freak]

if ppl have side scrolling cant they zoom out the browser ( Hold Ctrl and scroll out with mouse roller.. )

Yes they can, but it means having to reverse the process as soon as they click to go to another part of the website (ie. Forums, gallery, etc.).

[xcracer]

c'mon ppl got to keep up with technology.. couple of years screens wont exist just put n some goggles and play away

[XF_Freak]

c'mon ppl got to keep up with technology.. couple of years screens wont exist just put n some goggles and play away

Its easy to keep up with technology when you want to, but you have to remember that not everyone has the money to upgrade their computer and may still be running junkers from 10 years ago.

Just because they are a minority doesn't mean that they don't matter to xFalcon.

[ExilE]

we could do. if we went down that path i'd probably be inclined to dump the 'mid strength' all together as it isn't very popular. so you'd have a total of 4 options - 2 heavy, 2 light

Seano what are we talking about here, you talking about beer again :D?


I'm a fan of the fluid!

[Seano]

for those who are interested i have decided to get rid of the mid theme, and just have full / lite.
but for those 2, i've got a fluid & fixed version of each. compromise is good :hy:

[evan]

can you make a matrix theme? i love black and green :hihi:

[BIGCAV]

i have a 19 and a 15.4, didnt notice the difference in the 15.4 untill u pointed it out. ill stick with the fluid