Photo by Steve Lacey

Ever since The Matrix came out in 1999, dual monitor/dual screen (or multi monitor set-up for that matter) made a spark in the minds of many I know. Back then I was doing my higher studies and was more interested in watching the movie than using multiple monitors.

At present it make sense as to how a dual monitor set-up can increase productivity. First, let’s look at the advantages of multiple monitor set-ups followed by its disadvantages. Then you can find links for how to set-up dual monitors, and how others have positioned the second monitor.

Advantages of a dual monitor set-up

1. Easier to use multiple programs simultaneously
Web designers, programmers and many IT specialists have multiple programs opened at once. Be it Photoshop & Illustrator or Firebug & Dreamweaver. Dual monitors can help in these situations to make it easier to use both applications split across two monitors. For example if you are on a single monitor making edits on Firebug, and then make those edits live using your code editor, you have to switch programs back and forth to look at the Firebug edit and apply that on your editor. If you are in a dual monitor set-up, you can have Firebug running on one screen while you make the changes on editor on the second screen.

2. Increased productivity
If we take the same example given on #1 above, imagine the number of times you have to switch between browser and editor to make few edits you did on Firebug. Sometimes you may forget the edit you made on Firebug, making you go back to that screen again, which will not only make you waste time but frustrate you as well. If you had these two programs on multiple monitors, you can simply look at the other monitor without having to use the keyboard or the mouse, saving you time and frustration.

3. Easier video conferencing
Often when you do a video conference with your virtual team or clients, it is common to open links or refer to different materials such as a design mock-up or specifications document. With multiple monitors you can have the video conference running on one screen while you refer the materials and links on the other screen.

4. Multitasking advantage
If you are like me, you are constantly replying to emails while working on a project and stealing crops on Barn Buddy. If you are on a single monitor, you have to switch between applications constantly to do this. On the other hand, if you are on a dual monitor set-up, you can see when you have an urgent mail while you do your work on the other monitor. Not to mention you won’t get lost in Barn Buddy when you can see your work staring at you on the other screen.

5. Easier comparison
Say you are comparing two versions of a design or how a design looks on two different browsers such as Internet Explorer 6 and Safari 2 on Windows. Rather than switching between the two on a single monitor, it will give a better idea if you have it open on two separate monitors.

6. Reducing prices of LCD monitors and VGA cards
Not long ago LCD monitors were sold around $300. As of this writing, 19″ LCD widescreen monitors are available from as low as $89.99. VGA cards are available from $35.

Disadvantages of a dual monitor set-up

1. Space requirements
Adding an additional monitor requires additional desk space. If you have a small table, you may need to purchase a bigger table to fit the new monitor or find alternatives. One alternative would be to wall mount an LCD monitor, provided your working area is facing a wall.

2. Additional costs
An extra monitor means extra amount for electricity bill. If you are planning to use an old CRT monitor lying there in the basement, it will use more electricity compared to an LCD monitor. If you are purchasing new hardware such as a monitor and VGA card, it will cost as well.

How to set-up dual monitors?

PC World has done a step by step video guide on how to set-up multiple monitors. View the video by following this link:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/157672/how_to_set_up_multiple_monitors.html

How others have their dual monitor set-up

Interactive Blend and Flickr has pictures of how some others have arranged their dual monitor/multiple monitor set-up. It can give you some inspiration. Follow these link to view it:
http://interactiveblend.com/blog/interactive/show-me-what-youre-workin-with-2/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&ss=2&w=all&q=dual+monitor+setup&m=text

Dual monitor wallpapers

http://designbeep.com/2009/12/18/56-beautiful-and-colorful-dual-screen-wallpapers

Are you working on a dual monitor set-up? What are the advantages and disadvantages you experience? Share them below on comments.

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Tags: Productivity, Windows