Last year, when it was time to buy a new computer, I didn’t. Instead I purchased a new video card and a second display. I already had one 19″ flat panel. I picked up another one that matched. The video card is a high end nVidia with two digital outputs.
There are two basic configurations with two monitors: one big screen with the task bar going all the way across or two independent screens. I use the latter. I can still drag applications from one screen to the other, or stretch something across two screens. The main difference is maximizing an application only fills one screen with my setup.
I usually have my email running in the left monitor and EI in the right window. I only run Firefox in the left window. I can look at a spreadsheet in the left window while typing in a document on the right. When I create web pages in the right screen, I can instantly preview them on the left screen. Overall, my efficiency has gone up measurably not to mention my score in Supreme Commander. Forbes says they have seen a 50% increase in productivity from copy editors with two monitors instead of one.
Bill Gates actually has three monitors on his desk. Maybe that’s the secret to being a billionaire.
TSPY=1733.33
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Ok…I’ve been thinking about this since you posted it and I must say that you don’t have me convinced. Although I can see the value of this set-up for a web developer or a copy editor – or even perhaps for a technology educator – I don’t think the TSPY would be that high for the average person. Plus, I don’t think most people have the desk space for one!