Benefits of Multiple Monitors
If you’re still using only one monitor, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about using dual screens. That’s what I thought until I made the switch just a few weeks ago. Like many people, my workday is spent in front of a computer. I’m either writing about technology, or writing HTML code, both of which require looking at a ton of different windows. At any given moment I could have 8 or more windows open displaying technical specs, reviews, articles, email, spreadsheets, and HTML code. Before I switched to using multiple monitors I think I used the alt and tab keys more than any other key on my keyboard. Now I can have all of the pages I’m using at the same time, making it much easier and faster to do everything I need to do.
Dual Screens=Increased Productivity
It’s true that not everyone necessarily needs dual monitors, but even if you don’t need to look at as many windows as I do, a dual screen setup could still make your life easier and more productive.
Business today is moving faster than it’s ever moved before. For a company to stay ahead of the competition, it needs employees to be as efficient and productive as possible. And if employees want to get ahead in the company, they need to give the company what it needs: productivity.
So what does that have to do with dual monitors? A recent study done by the University of Utah and the NEC discovered that implementing dual monitors increased employee productivity by as much as 40%. Making at least one of those monitors a widescreen monitor would increase productivity even more. The study also showed that dual monitors lead to a 20% reduction in employee errors.
So, we know that more screens can make us more productive, but how? Well there are various reasons, but we’ll talk about some of more popular uses for multiple monitors to give you an idea of what a setup like that could do for you.
What Makes Dual Monitors so Productive?
Most professionals today need to use multiple programs at once. Digital artists and graphic designers often need to look at reference material while they are working. Web designers most often use HTML and CSS to design websites. If you have ever seen HTML code you know that it looks nothing like what you see in your web browser. With two monitors web designers can work on their HTML on one screen, and see the finished product on the other screen in real time. Other people need to use a word processor and their web browser at the same time, or use email and spreadsheets at the same time, the list can go on and on.
Some professionals deal with many clients on a daily basis. They are constantly checking emails and scheduling appointments. While they might primarily use only one monitor, they could use the other monitor to permanently display their calendar or email, making it much more available when talking with clients and setting up appointments.
By having two screens, you won’t have to constantly switch between two windows when you are comparing or copying data. Not only is that much less annoying, but it would dramatically reduce errors.
How Can I Install Multiple Monitors?
This has been an issue for a long time. Unless you have an older style tower computer it has been very difficult, if not impossible, to add more graphics ports so that you can use multiple monitors. The problem is that you either need two graphics cards or a graphics card that will support more than one monitor. Luckily we offer multiple simple solutions to this issue: the Minideck. The Minideck acts as an external graphics card, allowing you to easily add up to six monitors onto any Windows PC, and up to 4 onto any Mac. And the best part: it’s easy. All you have to do is plug your monitor into the Minideck, and plug the Minideck into your computer using your USB port. After a quick driver install, you’re ready to enjoy the extra screen space.
Whether it’s for efficiency, productivity, entertainment, or just to look cool, there has never been a better time to turn your computer set up into the command center of your dreams.