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January 2, 2008
One Computer - Two Monitors
Last fall I got a new computer for my office. It is a nice Dell, nothing too extravagant, but the graphics card does support two monitors. Several weeks ago I bought a second monitor, I now have two Westinghouse Digital 22" widescreen monitors. Both are mounted on my office wall, so they don't use any space on my desk. I used OmniMount 75/100 CL cantilever wall brackets, I can tilt and swivel the monitors or pull one monitor closer to me.
So far I really like it. Before I installed the second monitor I was constantly:
- minimizing - maximizing windows,
- shuffling between tabs.
Now I can easily:
- drag a document or browser from one monitor to another,
- compare two versions of the same document,
- copy and paste a reference or quote from one screen to an article on the other,
- have a customer's contract open on one screen while composing an email to that client,
- or, keep up with sports scores while checking email.
A Microsoft study claims productivity increases of 9 to 50%. I don't know if I am working more efficiently but many tasks do seem to be easier.
Having two, or more, monitors is nothing new. Check out this link, this is a friends set up from 2004. You could enjoy the benefits of multiple monitors by getting one large monitor, but really large monitors are still fairly expensive. I got my second 22" LCD monitor from Target.com the day before Thanksgiving for about $170.00.
Are you constantly minimizing - maximizing windows or shuffling between tabs? Have you tried or thought about trying multiple monitors?
Posted by Bob Gatton at January 2, 2008 7:06 AM
Comments
Don't forget that monitors can be arranged vertically to view blueprints or other documents spanned across both monitors. It is incredible the fine details when you can zoom documents to 300% size and still see the 'big picture'.
Many computers have this option without much fanfare. Check with your computer support pro for information or if you need a video card update.
Posted by: TiVoPrince at January 2, 2008 10:34 AM
I have been using 2 monitors for a couple of years, I wouldn't go back to one ever. It is so much easier completing my work.
Posted by: Greg Johnston at January 8, 2008 4:22 PM
I sometimes reap the benefits of dual monitors by placing a laptop on the desk next to the big monitor. In some applications, it is even more productive (aka fun) than two monitors on one computer, because you can be on two different websites at the same time with the laptop arrangement. If your pockets are really bulging, you connect a large monitor to your laptop to match the desktop monitor. It is becoming so common to have a stationary desktop and a portable laptop that goes anywhere around the house and patio that it would be like a freebie to utilize the laptop in this manner.
Posted by: John Shelton at February 5, 2008 7:52 PM
I have three monitors and I could never go back to a single monitor ever again. Just as an fyi, most new browsers support tabbed browsing now so for those that can't afford or refuse to get a second or third or fourth monitor a simple upgrade to IE7 or better yet install Mozilla Fireox and get some add-ons and themes or install persona to suite your taste and you're good to go.
Posted by: Rude Buay at February 5, 2008 10:31 PM
