Should You Add This To Your Workspace?

Today, we'll look at the pros and cons of using multiple monitors. We'll also cover several alternatives you should consider.

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Gear I'm using (if you're curious):
- Main 4K monitors: Dell U2718Q
- QHD monitor: Dell U2518D
- Portable monitor: ASUS MB16AC
- Monitor arms: Ergotech Freedom Arm (there are far cheaper ones now that will work just as well)

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[gregorycrawford]

I'm a student and for me having one huge monitor connected to my open and docked laptop is the best solution. I put my main windows on the primary display using the split screen feature to have the main document and my references open at the same time; and I have things like my email, music, and others that I'm not actively working on open on the laptop screen.

[youandmevegan]

As a student, getting a second monitor has been hugely beneficial for my concentration. I used to switch back and forth between the study material and the browser to look up definitions, which really slowed me down. Now, for long study sessions at home, I connect my laptop to my monitor in one easy step, and when I need to leave I just plug it out and go. For basic needs you can just get a cheap second hand monitor, no need to be a diva.

[PracticalInspiration]

I have 3 monitors set up, but personally find it is useful given the nature of my work. It's not that I can't work with just one, it just helps me work a little more efficiently

[BearOfZU]

Well, I'm a CS student so the answer is definitely yes for me

[meaganbartholomew]

I'm a programmer and I not having at least two monitors. Three is ideal.

[Qibbles]

programmers - 1 screen for vim/ide, another for stackoverflow

[nikolassehman]

a little advice from an audio engineer: move your high-pass filter on you voice up a bit. or take a cut out of around 250hz. On headphones it gets a little too bass-y

[markoftheland]

Man, the quality and atmosphere in your videos simply inspires me, so pleasing to watch

[jesspaoletti]

Mac does have a window snapping function! You just have to hold the green minimize button on the top tab and you can split the screen

[SoumilSahu]

Great video, but the audio seems a bit muffled or cupped I can't really say in what way though

[dromarruvalcaba]

I'm a professor and love having two articles. When writing, I have one screen with articles, notes, stats and the other with papers I'm writing. For grading, I have my notes, students previous submissions, my notes, and drafts. I also now make videos for my classes. 1080p usually works great for work. I don't need a 4k to read a paper or even make videos. In my home office I have a dock for my laptop so I have my laptop screen and 1080p monitor on an arm.

[alishanordahl]

I’m an accountant and I love my 3 monitors! One screen has prior year work, one the current year I’m working on, and the 3rd is workpapers/email/project timer. It makes me so much more productive and it’s great for reviews.

[jenniev]

For the past few months, I'd been telling myself to get a second monitor. Yesterday, I finally bought one. And today, you made this video. Thomas Frank, are you a mind reader??

[TheWayOfAlex]

I work a standard office job and even then it's really helpful. Data entry and having regulations handy while I'm drafting technical docs saves me loads of time and helps me maintain a flow state.

[johnk]

It makes me a really productive procrastinator.

[stephanschneider]

I’ve been a follower for couple of years now. I love the tone of this video. It feels warmer (color-wise and tone-wise) and your speech speed feels calmer! Keep it up like this Frank!

[alang]

Longtime designer here and ever since apple created multiple desktops/mission control in Mac OS I've had no need for multiple monitors. switching between desktops is just as fast, it provides unlimited desktops, eliminates cluttered desk, I don't need to move my head side to side, and there is better mapping with my Wacom tablet. I highly suggest utilizing this in Mac and even windows has the similar feature now.

[alexanderj]

When I'm at my standard location, I use two external monitors with my notebook, but I usually take time to focus on emails before turning them on, and then try only using as many as a I need in order to focus.
It really helps in multiple tasks: data analysis, handling complex spreadsheets, writing and researching at the same time, any kind of editing next to an original, managing emails and calendars simultaneously... It's really hard to go back to one screen when I work away, so when I plan specific tasks I take this factor into account.

I also heard from a consultant that someone made a study finding that buying a second monitor is the most cost-effective improvement of work efficiency.

[ddqsm]

I am a buyer, planner and logistics manager.. I use 2 monitors.. I will be using 3 monitors when I start working form home in May.. So useful for me!

[billgross]

I'm a software engineer and absolutely must have two monitors. Recently some co-workers talked me into trying a third monitor, and I've been hooked. Makes the work so much easier! Like you, I carry a second USB monitor in the bag with my laptop.