Slowly disappearing are the days of using just a single PC monitor in order to accomplish all of the tasks you need to get done in a day. With current technology, you can take on more work, and more play, by using more than one monitor, or what is better known as a multi-monitor setup. Such a setup can be very useful for multi-tasking, usually in a work environment where one monitor is opened to solely access email accounts, while the second is used for actual work tasks. Other common uses are for video and audio editing. So, while editing is done on one screen, the more remedial tasks of opening audio and video files and folders is done on the other.
Large Display vs. Multi-Display
Although many in the productivity world will recommend using a multi-monitor setup, there are a few reasons why many people choose to utilize one large screen monitor over a couple of smaller ones. For instance, the concept of single-tasking, which states that concentrating on one task at a time is the key to quality output, can be achieved by using just one large screen. Thus, with concentration enhanced with just one screen, your focus is now on one task at a time. Also is the theory of “more pixels” not “more screens”, stating that, according to research, the more pixels on a screen the better productivity will be. So, by having one large screen with a very high resolution, you can get more done than two smaller screens with less resolution. Additionally, the simple ergonomics of using only one screen can be quite beneficial. For example, by using just one monitor, you are by default decreasing the number of movements you perform with your head and neck as well as your eyes. Such a concern will be especially important if you’re a person who spends many hours working in front of a computer.
Multi-Monitor Considerations
While the advantages of a multi-monitor setup far outweigh the disadvantages, it is still wise to take into consideration the possible downsides to using more than one screen. For example, the most glaring disadvantage of multi-monitors is the distraction effect. While working, it’s already pretty distracting having just one screen in front of you, with easy access to social media, gaming, etc. Although your ability to communicate effectively increases this way, by having multiple-monitors you’ve also increased your distraction bandwidth enormously! Another downside could be that, depending upon the technical specs of your computer, the performance level of your system may suffer as a result of your video card having to split its resources among multiple screens. But, of course, this can be easily remedied with an upgraded video card. Furthermore, with multi-monitors comes the chance of shrinking your desk real estate. However, these days monitors tend to be flat and not the behemoths of yesteryear. Also, you can always get a larger desk to accommodate your setup. Lastly, the sheer cost of buying another monitor can be a deterrent for some people, especially those who have never tried a multi-monitor setup. Thus, it’s best to try out a friend’s multi-monitor setup first to see if it’s a format you may want to adopt.
Software Support
Once you’ve decided you want a multi-monitor setup, there are still further ways, through the use of software tools, for you to enhance your overall setup experience, which in turn can further increase your productivity and enjoyment. For instance, at the top of most people’s lists is the Synergy software package. This tool is more unique than any other software of its kind in that it connects your monitors across different operating systems. So, if you have one monitor using a Windows OS, and another using a Linux OS, and a third using Apple, the Synergy tool bridges all 3 together so that you can use one keyboard and one mouse for all 3 screens. Another popular tool is called DisplayFusion. This tool is touted as being a multi-monitor management guru, with additions such as an integrated taskbar controlling all monitors at once, customized buttons on the title bar, as well as a hotkeys configuration option in order to control window tiling, wallpaper transfers, etc. A final software option is the Windows 7 operating system. With most Windows OS versions, they already carry built-in multi-monitor-esque setups anyway, so nowadays with a multi-monitor format being in high demand, it may suit you just fine to do away with any outside software and just go with what’s already built in to your Windows OS. However, if you're seeking all the fancy features that a Synergy or DisplayFusion can offer, then it may be best to stay away from the more bare bones Win7 option.