Dual Monitors - The only way to go!

Finally – confirmation!

Recently Ben Worthen of the Wall Street Journal wrote an article about the results of a study at the University of Utah that showed that bigger monitors make people more productive. The study – while not perfect – claims that a person can save up to 2.5 hours a day simply by using a larger monitor! I won’t go into the imperfections of the study other than to say that, yes it was funded by a monitor company and that everyone’s work habits vary, but I happen to be in complete agreement with this study simply based on my own experience.

I began using two monitors several years ago and immediately saw a dramatic increase in my work efficiency. Shortly thereafter, I turned into what could be called a “dual monitor evangelist” because I have been urging everyone I know to also adopt the two monitor method. Having two monitors allows me to have several programs open and in view at the same time. It also allows me to drag info between programs without having to go through extra steps to accomplish the same thing (i.e., no minimizing and maximizing of the programs). It really revolutionized the way I use my computer.

What has been surprising to me are the responses I get when I try to tell people how great it is to use two monitors. Most people just say something non-committal like, “Oh really?” Or that they wouldn’t like the space that two monitors takes up on their desk. I even had someone tell me “No thanks,” when I tried to give them an extra flat panel monitor I had at home so they could see for themselves. What is up with that?! Turning down a free monitor?!?? Yikes.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by people’s reluctance to try something new. We all have a tendency to get somewhat comfortable with the way we do things. Even I have to admit to being rather lazy when it comes to embracing new telephone technology. However, I do TRY to be open-minded about new ways to do things. If enough people tell me something is great, I recognize that they may know something I don’t and am willing to give their recommendations a serious look. Yes, it’s true. Turns out that I am actually an old dog who is WILLING to learn new tricks! (Rumor has it that I might be looking into getting an Iphone).