Advantages of Using Dual or Multiple Monitors

In the competitive business environment, companies are always looking for ways to improve efficiency when it comes to computer usage. But before you spend money on a faster processor, upgrading your network, or converting to NVMe SSD, we challenge you to consider upgrading to either a dual or multiple monitor setup to reap the numerous productivity benefits.

What Is a Dual or Multiple Monitor Setup and How Does It Work?

A dual monitor setup uses two screens operating from a single computer. Think of it as an extension of your visual workspace. With the right components, computers can even support a multiple monitor setup (3 or more monitors). From a technical standpoint, most dedicated video cards come with at least two or three ports which allow for multiple displays. However, in the case of a video card that is built into the motherboard, a splitter may be used in some applications.

This is my personal quad monitor setup. My job benefits greatly from having multiple sized monitors, with different resolutions, due to my web and graphic design work requiring testing on multiple device sizes. However, many users prefer having identical monitor sizes.

For a multiple monitor setup, you will need the following components:

1. Multiple, quality monitors (I personally use Asus monitors for their combination of reliability and quality).
2. A video card capable of supporting your desired number of monitors simultaneously.
3. Compatible cables that connect to the associated monitor and your video card (or motherboard if using onboard graphics).
4. Your video card driver software should also be up-to-date before configuring your monitors.

By looking up your computer information, or more specifically your video card specifications, you can evaluate whether or not your system can support dual monitors. Typically, you can Google the video card model name (listed in your computer's Device Manager), and it will state the maximum number of monitors supported.

Advantages and Uses of Dual or Multi Monitors

Though there are virtually unlimited advantages and applications of a multiple monitor setup, we will briefly list some of the key and most common advantages and uses below:

Use Multiple Programs Simultaneously

By having multiple monitors, a person can run and view multiple applications simultaneously. For instance, your primary, center screen would be used for your primary work task (e.g. editing content, data entry, design work, etc.). Your second screen could feature any reference materials needed for your primary work (e.g. reference documents, guides, etc.). Finally, you can have your third screen include your email, calendar, or team chat software pulled up to stay on top of high priority items that may arise.

This is a triple monitor setup that I used for hosting a webinar with 100+ small business owners across the US.

This is a tremendous resource for individuals who typically work with multiple programs that require a large amount of workspace to begin with. Instead of pressing Alt+Tab (or manually clicking!) to switch between programs and documents, one can have an entire screen dedicated to their primary application, while the others can be used for any other supplemental programs or reference materials.

Share Data Between Programs Faster

Also, sharing data between applications can be much smoother. For instance, if you have file explorer open browsing images, you can simply drag the image to the other screen where Photoshop is opened, and it will open the image.

Reference Critical Information

Multiple monitors also allow you to have critical information displayed on one screen for reference purposes, while utilizing the second for your actual work. For example, one screen could have a PDF open with specific regulations while you are utilizing the other screen to generate a report in Microsoft Word. Likewise, dual or multiple monitors allow for easy comparisons between files.

Improve Training and Onboarding

At Igniting Business, we are continually learning new programming techniques or utilizing video tutorials. Frequently, we can be found viewing instructional videos on our secondary screen, while concurrently repeating the steps in the program on our primary screen. This promotes doing/repeating learned steps (kinesthetic learning) not just watching when completing training. We believe this increases the rate at which we learn and also can benefit new employees who are being trained or onboarded with new processes or systems.

Simple to Use

The ability to use dual monitors is supported by most modern computers, including laptops. Though you may need a qualified IT professional initially configure the monitors for optimal productivity, continued use is relatively easy. The settings for multiple monitors are located with the same controls as your individual monitor, requiring no extra software.

If you feel quite tech savvy, you can check out our guide on how to set up and use multiple monitors.

Additionally, using the monitors is as simple as dragging the application or program from one screen to another. Microsoft Windows even remembers which monitor you last used to open a particular program. For instance, if you open and drag your email program to your left monitor, the next time that program is opened it defaults to that monitor.

Improve Collaboration and Web Conferencing

By utilizing a video conferencing application, such as Zoom or our favorite platform, Zoho Meeting, one can have the video of the person they are chatting with pulled up on one screen while referencing their files on the other.

Additionally, with Zoom, Zoho Meeting, or many other communication tools, you can choose to share one screen via the program. For instance, we recently assisted a client in communicating with an employee who was working remotely. The employee was sharing his screen and walking through a SolidWorks (computer aided drafting program) drawing with his supervisor while still being able to video chat at the same time.

Multiple monitors can be extremely useful for users who are presenting or co-hosting webinars. This allows you to have necessary information pulled up on additional screens while only publicly sharing the info you want your attendees to see!

Multiple Monitors Work Well with Laptops

Another tremendous advantage is the ability to add a second, typically larger monitor to a laptop. At Igniting Business, we use what is often termed as a "docking station." A user can simply bring their laptop to the docking station, plug in two cords and instantly have access to a second larger monitor, USB hub, wireless keyboard and mouse, speakers and more! This can serve as an excellent alternative to having both a laptop and desktop computer.

This shows an example of remote employee's laptop connected to two external monitors for a triple monitor configuration.

Check out our guide on How to Set Up and Use Multiple Monitors with a laptop.

Portable Laptop Dual Monitor for Travel Use

Note that if you are a frequent traveler, we recommend Asus’ Portable Monitors which are extremely compact, light, and only requires one cable to plug into your computer to start working. This is a lifesaver when you still need dual monitors, but you're on the road or not in your traditional desk environment.

Portable monitors work great if you simply want a change of work scenery by going to your favorite coffee shop or your patio, but you still need dual monitors.

How Many Monitors Can Be Used in a Multiple Monitor Setup?

Once one begins enjoying the efficiencies gained from using dual monitors, an experienced user is often tempted to explore adding additional monitors to truly build out their multiple monitor setup and boost efficiency even further. 

How many monitors you can use at once is completely based upon your computer specifications and personal comfort level.  Most modern computers, including laptops, can all natively support dual monitors.

However, if you want to support 3, 4, or even more monitors, the technical resources needed are typically more expensive.  We visited one office where nine monitors were in use at once (note that this might be a bit overkill)! Typically, your video card (or motherboard if you do not have a discrete/dedicated graphics card) dictates how many monitors your computer can support.

For example, all team members at the Igniting Business office use between 3-5 ASUS monitors depending on their role and needs. Depending on your day-to-day tasks, you will likely find a unique sweet spot for your unique workflow.

If you find yourself toggling back and forth frequently to reference different files or applications, consider whether adding an additional monitor to keep that valuable resource pulled up would be helpful.

Don’t forget that a more efficient work environment can lead to faster project completion, quicker estimate creation, more billable work completed, or simply more free time with your friends or family!

Disadvantages of Multiple Monitors

Though the advantages of multiple monitors are virtually unlimited and left up to your creative applications, disadvantages do exist.

Additional Monitors Use Up More Desk Space

If you are like us, your desk space is precious. We would recommend taking measurements first and considering whether or not the second monitor would logistically fit on your desk. Keep in mind that your secondary monitor does not have to be the same size as the first. For instance, our CFO’s primary monitor is 24”, and she has an additional 21” monitor and a 19” monitor. 

Make your purchased based on your budget, needs, and available space.

Additional Investment

Naturally, adding a second monitor costs more. However, the prices of monitors have come down significantly in the last several years while still maintaining quality, and the increased productivity leads to recurring savings regarding efficiency. Additionally, most dedicated video cards now come with at least two monitor ports, so no additional purchase is typically needed for two or three monitors outside of the monitor itself and cables to connect the devices.

If you want three or more monitors, you may need to upgrade/replace your video card.

Additional Computer Resources

A second or third monitor uses more computer resources, especially concerning your video card. Yet again, most modern computers are equipped to handle at least dual monitors out-of-the-box. If you are concerned whether or not your computer can support a second or third monitor, contact your local IT Services provider.

Potentially Distracting

Multiple monitors can be distracting. Yet, that is ultimately determined by what you choose to display. If you have your social media feed or a local sports game pulled up on your second monitor, then you are much more likely to get distracted!

We personally find that the benefits far outweigh the potential for distraction. Ultimately, if you do find yourself getting distracted on a particular day and need to focus down, you can always turn off the additional monitor temporarily.

The Bottom Line - Should You Invest in Multiple or Dual Monitors?

If you're looking for monitors for your multiple monitor setup, check out some of our favorite monitors.

Common Questions About Multiple Monitor Workstations

We've received quite a few questions from our readers and clients over the years about our multi-monitor setups at Igniting Business. Here are a few of the most common questions and our responses.

Should I Buy My Receptionist/Secretary/Assistant Multiple Monitors?

Absolutely! I cannot stress the importance of assistants and receptionists having multiple monitors. Usually these roles are masters of multi-tasking and require them to work on documents while also fielding client calls, responding to team members inquiries, and more. Having multiple monitors up, allows these roles to reference client information at a glance and quickly resume their work after an interruption.

What Brand of Monitors Do You Recommend?

We absolutely recommend Asus monitors. We've used and tested quite a few other monitor brands including Dell, MSI, ViewSonic, Acer, Lenovo, and LG. By far, our favorite has been Asus monitors due to their blend of reliability, build quality, and affordability.

I Want Multiple Monitors But Don't Want to Sacrifice the Desk Space. What Should I Do Instead?

You could consider getting one larger monitor and using software to divide the screen. However, it's still going to use quite a bit of desk space. The other option is to trade out the monitor stands and replace them with monitor arms that fasten to the back (and underneath) your desk like the first image in this article. You can buy monitor arms from Amazon or Newegg quite affordably.

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