If you’re looking for ways to improve your staff’s productivity and efficiency when it comes to computer usage, why not consider upgrading your users to a dual monitor set-up.

A dual monitor set-up uses two screens which operate from a single computer – extending the visual workspace and allowing you to see a lot more at one time. By moving your mouse back and forth between the screens, you can drag programmes between the monitors rather than alt-tabbing and task switching to glance at another window. This gives rise to a whole host of benefits, some of which are listed below:

1. Use programmes simultaneously – with two monitors you can have multiple applications open to view at the same time, for example: on the left-hand side, Word can be open whilst on the right, your email can be on display or web browser open for search. This makes working incredibly efficient for people who typically work with multiple programmes that require a large amount of workspace such as designers or those working with large spreadsheets.
2. Share data between applications more smoothly – two monitors make sharing simple. For instance, if you have a file explorer opened to browse images on one side, you can simply drag the image to the other screen where Photoshop is opened and it will open up the image.
3. Reference information more quickly – essential information can be displayed on one screen for reference or easy comparison between files whilst you work off the other, saving a lot of time and hassle to continually alt-tab between them.
4. Easy to set up and use – most modern computers and laptops have the facility to set up dual monitors effortlessly whilst the actual use is as simple as dragging the application or programme from one screen to another.
5. Increase collaboration and communication – when using a video sharing application such as Skype, dual monitors allow you to carry on referencing, working on or amending a document whilst speaking to a person on the other. With Skype you can also choose to share one screen via the programme.
6. Make your laptop to work harder – adding a second monitor to a laptop allows you to instantly have access to a second larger monitor, USB hub, keyboard and mouse, speakers and more! Not only helping to increase productivity, this set up can serve as an excellent alternative to having both a laptop and desktop computer.

Setting up multiple monitors

We are seeing more and more of our customers reap the benefits of using a dual monitor set up for their workstations. Establishing this set up is simple as most new desktop computers come with more than one port for a monitor – whether DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, the older VGA port, or a mix, and older machines may just require the addition of a low-cost adapter. Most laptops also come with ports that allow you to hook up an external monitor. Plug a monitor into your laptop’s DisplayPort, DVI, or HDMI port and Windows will allow you to use both your laptop’s integrated display and the external monitor at once. However, whether laptop or desktop, we will always be sure to take your computers’ display port specification into account before you procure additional monitors for them.

The benefits of dual monitor set-ups are endless so don’t be put off by a lack of desk space or cost either. Although a secondary monitor may use up more desk space you can buy according to your needs, budget and space allowances and there is also the option of using a monitor stand or desk stand which will help maximise the space by lifting the screens off your desktop.

Adding an extra monitor does involve a small cost of between £50 -£150 depending on the size and specification but the increased productivity leads to recurring savings regarding efficiency and prices on monitors have come down significantly in the last few years.

To find out more about dual monitor set up, the costs involved and how you could change your users' workstations to be more productive, contact one of our Account Managers on 01252 235 235 (option 1) or via their DDI or email. They can talk you through the set-up and discuss the various hardware options available.