The Benefits Of Multiple Monitors

One thing often overlooked is the effect that multiple monitors have on productivity. A good monitor not only helps reduce eye strain but allows more efficient use of programs. Larger monitors for instance allow more of a document, drawing or worksheet to be seen. A sharper monitor allows for better detail and reduced eye fatigue.

Multiple monitors expand these qualities even further. If you are like most people you will find yourself working in many programs at once, often moving from one to another. If you find yourself moving back and forth or having the need to have two programs open at once then multiple monitors may help.

I use 3 monitors and have added a forth recently because I needed a different resolution for a specific application I am using. I have had 3 monitors for a few years now and I don’t know what I did before I had them. Being able to have Microsoft Outlook open on one and a Remote Desktop session on a Server and whatever research I am doing on the other two without having to minimize and move programs around has become an indispensable tool for me. I have added dual monitors to all the workstations at our office and see the benefits in productivity every day.

There are a few things to consider when moving to multiple monitors. First, the monitors should be a good quality monitor and they should match in size and resolution. If your monitors do not match your eyes will adjust each time you look from one monitor to the other and the point is to try and use the monitors as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible. I have seen different monitors used successfully but that is usually when one application is consistently used on one of the monitors.

Second, they should have the thinnest border you can reasonably find. We typically use Samsung monitors because they are a good quality monitor and they have a few product lines that have a very thin border around the monitor. The thin border around the monitor will help the monitor border seem to disappear with use. Monitors with thicker border will work but the space in between the monitors will be more apparent. Multiple monitor use will continue to grow as the cost of high quality monitors continues to drop.