Multi-Tasking with Dual Monitors

Weekly Recommended Resource

Multitasking is something we all do, and having at least two desktop monitors will help you work faster and much more efficiently. I have two and a Mac which effectively gives me three working spaces. I would have more if I had more space on my desk!

The chief efficiency benefit I’ve gotten from using two displays concurrently is that I can run multiple applications in logical ways, constantly keeping the tools that I use all day available and easy to get to.

For instance you can….

• Share data between applications
• Run two programs in full screen mode.
• Keep your email client open in full screen mode.
• Effectively work in two views of the same project. As a web developer I often have the visual pane of a website project open on one monitor and the html pane open on the other so I can see my updates happening in real time without having to switch from one view to the other.

If you’re never had a dual monitor experience, you’re missing out on both a higher level of productivity and more pleasurable computing.

I recommend heading on over to the Dell Outlet and taking a look at the refurbished monitors. We have purchased four of them in the past couple of years and I can tell you from experience that they are in perfect condition when they arrive on your doorstep and you will get years of great value from them. All refurbished Dell Monitors come with a 90 day warranty and range in price from $99 for a 19″ flat screen monitor $169 for a 22″ flat screen.

I would love for you to come back and share your experiences after you have installed a second, or even third monitor!

2 Responses to “Multi-Tasking with Dual Monitors”

1. Rebecca Quinn says:

   May 5, 2010 at 11:49 am

   Hi Denise,

   Thanks for writing this! I finally moved to dual monitors and can’t for the life of me figure out how I worked before! I don’t always use them but for working on bigger projects it’s amazing. A Microsoft study found it increased productivity 9-50% (http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/vibe.aspx) and I’ve seen other studies as well. I’m a believer!

   I also used my big, extra monitor recently to run a graphical presentation at a big event. I set the monitor up on a table so people could view it while actually running it from my laptop out of sight and just set it to loop or play continuously. Worked great! So useful to have.

   I’m now thinking maybe a 3rd monitor just for social networking
2. Denise Griffitts says:

   May 5, 2010 at 12:04 pm

   Hi Rebecca — isn’t it absolutely amazing how much more productive you are with multiple monitors? On a recent trip to San Francisco I took my little notebook computer since it is small, lightweight and I wouldn’t lose my mind if it got lost or broken. But… trying to work on a single screen after being so accustomed to multiples made me appreciate how much time is wasted trying to juggle open browser windows on a single screen.

   Thanks for commenting!