I have a setup with two 1280x1024 monitors in single dual-screen desktop mode. I think of replacing them with a single 1920x1080 monitor, but would like to have applications think that my desktop is still split into two monitors.

So, e.g. when I maximize a window, it appears maximized to left or right half of desktop, as if that half was represented by a single monitor and another half by second monitor. Or, xfce4-panel would allow me to either put "full width" panel on left or right half of the screen or span both virtual screens.

Is there an easy way of fooling the apps like this (preferably without need to run compositing WM)?

I use nVidia video card with proprietary driver 302.17, if this matters.

Your distribution says Ubuntu, so I'll suggest based on that---forgive me if I'm wrong. So, I don't know how to do what you're asking, but in Ubuntu 12.04, if you press the Ctrl + Super + Left or Right arrow key, you'll semi-maximize the focused window so that it fits exactly half the monitor space. Seems to me that'll do what you want, in a way.

Hi,

this used to be possible using "fake xinerama". I've not used it in a very long time and don't remember the details. However, searching the web for "fake xinerama" might get you started.

Evo2.

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That's not quite what I need, because it doesn't affect docked windows etc.

@evo2
Thanks, that was just what I was searching for.