One of the most important upgrades I made to my computing setup was a second monitor. The extra screen real estate has greatly increased my productivity and allowed me to work more efficiently. The benefits aren’t really multi-tasking, it is really improved single tasking. I have seen my productivity increase in school assignments and photo processing, among other things.
School Assignments
One of the most noticeable areas is in my school work. When working on assignments, I have my word processor open on one screen and research on another. This allows me to keep my report open along with articles and my outline. These are all lined up side by side and are visible at all times. As I type, if I need any of the other information all it takes is a glance over. I can continue to type while verifying facts from articles. Another aspect that gains is my spreadsheet work. It is easier to copy data when it is directly to the left/right of the workbook. I can also follow directions just by a quick glance. I no longer have to shuffle around windows when doing assignments.
Photo Processing
I have also seen benefits when dealing with images. I use Aperture to manage all of my photos. Aperture allows me to have my browser on one screen and the selected images on the other. I browse through images while having a preview blown up on the other 20″ monitor. I can then apply adjustments to my image while maintaining the ability to switch to other photos or select multiple to compare. You could do all this on one monitor, but everything will be more limited. You can’t see as many thumbnails in the browser and the preview will be smaller. Additionally, you have all your tools scrunched up in one space.
These are just two examples of the benefits of dual monitors. Overall usage will be easier and more productive. You gain extra space to arrange your applications which makes it easier to switch tasks. You can easily switch from email to blogging just by shifting your view, you don’t have to minimize any windows. One of the simplest productivity upgrades for your computer is an extra monitor.
Edit: Here is an old photo of my setup.
