This is patch #6833

https://projects.blender.org/tracker/index.php?func=detail&aid=6833&group_id=9&atid=127

It adds the option when creating a new "screen" to create an empty one
(one with one window)

While its one more click, I think this is pretty dang useful.  If people
want to revert it feel free, and we can talk about it.
This seems more consistant with the Scene bar though so I figured it was safe 
to add it.

Kent

source/blender/src/header_info.c

@@ -395,7 +395,10 @@ void do_info_buttons(unsigned short event)
 		}
 		/* last item: NEW SCREEN */
 		if(sc==0) {
-			duplicate_screen();
+			nr= pupmenu("New Screen%t|Empty%x1|Duplicate%x2");
+
+			if(nr==1) default_twosplit();
+			if(nr==2) duplicate_screen();
 		}
 		break;
 	case B_INFODELSCR: