Are you annoy by switching the windows tabs frequently, or if you are writing programming code at the back-end and don’t know how it will look on the front end? Then I bring a really simple solution, Setup Dual Monitor.
Yes, you hear right you can set up more than one screen with your PC/ Laptop.
Ok, now you are jumping to install dual screen for your laptop, but wait, a few questions will arise in your mind;
- Is it better to use two monitors or a large one?
- Is a panoramic one practical?
- What advantages or disadvantages can I find?
- What do I need?
- For what uses is each solution recommended?
These are some of the questions that you ask when configuring your setup or work-space or leisure.
Over the years I have tried numerous configurations, both multi-monitor and with only one. All are interesting although, depending on the time or use, some may be more appropriate than others. I tell you about my experience with multi-monitor configurations.
Work with Dual Monitors: the pros and cons
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Everything in this life has its pros and cons, there is nothing perfect so there is no universal solution. Each one should look for the most practical and useful one when it comes to working or just enjoying their leisure time.
Using two or more monitors has its pros and cons, but it will be up to the user to get the most out of it.
When you work with dual monitor configurations you find pros and cons.
I only recommend the use of a single monitor if it offers resolution 1440p or higher. If it is not like that, I adapt but it ends up accusing the lack of workspace. Anyway, when using multiple monitors there are also to take into account aspects such as that of the resolution but also size and aspect ratio. But let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of working with two or more monitors.
The first advantage is that our productivity benefits. When we use several monitors, the available workspace grows and, therefore, our productivity increases. We can have more visible information, use various applications comfortably, etc. There are different studies about it although to draw your own conclusions you will have to try.
The second advantage is that we can enjoy leisure content while having our social networks or websites that we are visiting. Yes, it is a bit of multitasking and like something we do not do it or enjoy the same but have a video in full screen and on the other screen our apps is great. Or consult webs while chatting with your friends or share on social networks.
The problem is that, as I said, the use of several monitors also has disadvantages. The first and most important is that it becomes a potential risk by allowing us to have more distractions insight.
When we are writing a text or doing some work such as image retouching, music or video editing, etc. It may not be good to have those possible distractions insight. Imagine, you are writing an article and out of the corner of your eye, you are already seeing new messages on Twitter, Facebook chat …
Of course, distractions are the least of the problems because notifications from Windows, Mac or our smartphone or tablet are already responsible for interrupting our concentration and make a dent in productivity if we do not care how and when they will be displayed.
The main problems of the multimonitor configuration are the space needed in the table, available connections and the graphics power that our team must have to manage more pixels. The latter is key, both to choose monitors and enjoy an optimal experience. Because managing a 4K UHD screen requires more graphics power than two FullHD.
In addition, HDPi resolutions capable of supporting the system also matters. Because sometimes, working with the native resolution of a panel is not comfortable at all. If you do not try using an iMac 5K at native resolution. The
interface is so small that it is annoying to use the system. Therefore, Windows or OS X offer us other HDPi resolutions such as 2560×1440 or 3200×1800.
Types of the monitor, the first step
To choose which monitor configuration to use, the first thing is to know what types of monitors we can find today. Only then can we decide or make the first approach that suits our expectations or needs. Because depending on the case we are interested in a larger or smaller screen, more or less resolution or with a different aspect ratio.
The types of monitor that we can find at this time are very varied. And I do not mean for very technical or price issues, I say because there are sizes for all tastes, resolutions according to needs and even several types of aspect ratio.
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Dual Monitor Screen Size Matters
If we are going to use more than one monitor, we will have to take into account space it will occupy in our table or workspace. It is important that we are comfortable, that we do not overwhelm so much screen and that, in addition, we can place it or place them at a suitable distance for resolution.
With adequate distance for resolution, I mean that it must have an adequate pixel density, preventing us from seeing pixels as fists. You know, it is not the same a 1080p screen of 27 inches to 50cm than to 100cm. Therefore, calculate how far you will place them and choose the size that best suits your resolution.
I always say that having a pixel density of around 100 PPI is the minimum. That means that if we opt for 1080p screens it should have a maximum size of 23 inches. Even so, all this is also a matter of taste.
The resolution factor in a dual monitor
Resolution is an important factor to consider. If what we are looking for is more workspace, a UHD monitor offers more pixels than two Full HD. With the first, we have 3840 x 2160 pixels while with the seconds we would have 3840×1080 pixels if we add both desktops.
With a UHD monitor, you save that “cut” you suffer in the image although it is also true that it is usually a greater investment. Perhaps, the ideal price and performance would be to have two 1440p Monitors. Here we have many options of 27 “although lately, they are seeing models of 25” more than attractive as the Dell U2515H or Philips.
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Finally, as not all teams are able to manage UHD screens, there is an option that gains followers per day. It is ultra panoramic monitors. This type of solutions offers a very attractive and productive work environment, especially with models like the LG 34UM95.
Types of Dual-monitor configurations
As I said, using multi-monitor configurations is due to the need to have a larger workspace. For this, as is logical, it is sought to have more pixels and no larger screen size. So let’s see some configurations and their most interesting usage scenarios.
Portable + External Monitor
The use of a laptop plus an external monitor is the most popular and frequent type of multi-monitor configuration to find. Users of portable equipment with screens of 15 “or smaller that need mobility then, at home or in the office, choose to accompany them with a monitor that makes their work more comfortable. Either extending the desk or using only the external screen and closing the laptop lid.
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I personally like the extended desktop option. It is a very useful configuration for all kinds of uses although there are many creatives that are sure to give you extra performance. For example, to be able to have tools in one and canvas in another.
My only recommendation in this type of configuration is to use a stand or stand to place the laptop next to the monitor, ideally lining the top edge. Thus the displacement and change from one screen to another are easier because if they have different resolutions we avoid that “step” that is generated.
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Double Monitor Screen
It may seem strange but the idea of acquiring an additional screen to use with the laptop is more popular than acquiring a second monitor for your desktop computer. The reason is that acquiring a larger screen to work more comfortably is seen as a more profitable investment than a second to expand the workspace. I disagree, mainly because with the increase of productivity the return of the investment when buying a second monitor is fast.
If you opt for two screens to use with the desktop the ideal is that they are of the same resolution and size. What’s more, if they are exactly the same, it has important advantages, such as correct alignment or calibrated image.
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With this type of configuration, you will earn a lot although lately, the panoramic screens are facing up, because it avoids that annoying “cut” between screens. And for certain types of users, they are even more comfortable. Especially if its use is more leisure such as watching movies or games.
I recommend them a lot, although there are also times when we should consider whether that increase in pixels compensates equal or less with respect to two monitors. For example, with the LG 34UM95, we have a 3440×1440 desktop, although there are other interesting ones too. A more than a satisfactory workspace for tasks such as video editing. And also for use with other applications and increase productivity by being able to use several browser windows or other apps without clogging.
If instead, we go to another LG Ultrawide screens with the lower resolution the thing changes. In the case of being interested in the LG 29UM67, the workspace will be 2560×1080 pixels. A smaller area than if we used two Full HD monitors with which we would have 3840×1080 pixels.
The select club of the three screens
Having a desk with three monitors starts to be less frequent. Moreover, some people consider that it is a select club to which only certain users choose. Not for the price but for space, use or real utility that can get it out.
I can think of many scenarios to take advantage of three screens although it is true that creative activities are well managed with only two screens and would be the works in which it is necessary to visualize many data the most interesting for its use.
The only problem is that having more than two video outputs is not so common. And when they have equal the “sacrifice” of performance does not compensate. Unless we’re talking about computers with powerful GPUs. Although there is always the option of graphics GPU by USB, at least to be able to have more screens if we are not going to require much power.
Do you want more? Six screens and stop
Could we use more than three monitors? Of course, seeing desktops with four monitors in environments where they have to quickly control and visualize much data is frequent. Even so, what is less common is to get up to six monitors.
The necessary power and the cost of setting up a desk like this are important. But hey, there are some who did it and it looks spectacular.
Monitor requirements for multiple configurations
All the monitors are valid to be used in a multimonitor configuration but if you take into account some aspects you will win. Here is my list of requirements.
First of all, they have to have VESA supports. It is important because next to the use of special arms you will be able to adjust the position much better, height and of course you will have a much cleaner desk.
The second is that, in the case of not using special arms, the stand or stand adjustable in height and with the option of rotating the screen. If you are going to use it with other different screens, to program or situations in which you are interested in having more vertical pixels than horizontal pixels is key.
Third, same resolution and size. You can combine different screens, you may even want to have a UHD monitor to work with and a Full HD to preview, for example, your edited videos. But as a rule, the same resolution and size are appreciated. Again, if your team does not have enough graphics power.
And finally, if they can be exactly the same screen better. If you use two identical monitors you will have a more aesthetic set but, above all, you will avoid problems such as different calibrations of the image.
Multi-monitor settings are it or not for me?
How about? Is it a multi-monitor configuration for you or not? I think that everyone can draw their own conclusions. If you use your computer for social networks, email, and web it may not. If you are going to play mainly, maybe even connect to a TV directly is better. But for the rest, I would recommend the use of two monitors. The improvement in productivity and comfort working is remarkable. Although it certainly requires a period of adaptation and preferences as users. Because if your idea is to keep the focus better a single screen.
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Even so, the only problem that I see when working with several screens is to decide which ones will accompany you. You can choose two FullHD that are currently at a good price, go for two 1440p that in 27 “would form a very interesting set. Or use an ultra-widescreen 34 “like LG that offers all these advantages of greater horizontal space. It is difficult to decide the ideal option but it is clear that two Full HD would be the most feasible for all.
If the price is not an inconvenience you can choose the screens that you like the most. Personally, I am very attracted to the LG 31UM97. Two of these would be very top. Although for more modest budgets two Dell U2515H or Acer H257HU among others would be great solutions.
great article, the dual monitor screen issue is solved for me.