Does anyone use a 30" Monitor/Display? If yes, does it really help improve productivity?

[Creative Thinker]

Does anyone use a 30" Monitor/Display? If yes, does it really help improve productivity?

And what is your opinion on having multiple desktops. The extended ones where you keep moving the mouse and it appears on the other screen.

[willyboy104]

Does it help productivity, OK so how do you explain this one?

I am going to be loving some of the replies here.

I use a 20" display moved up from a 17" and that improved productivity so perhaps if I went to a 30" display productivity would multiply 10 fold... is that a good enough excuse to buy one?

I am actually going to be buying a new 24" display soon so I will post back with my feedback.

As for multiple displays, I do think this makes life a lot easier for IMers. I used to do this when I had the space and it just meant multi tasking was much easier. However it does get more tempting to play Counter Strike Source whilst pretending your doing some Internet marketing work. =P

Either way, the dual screen is a great benefit for IMers and it looks good

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Creative Thinker

Does anyone use a 30" Monitor/Display? If yes, does it really help improve productivity?

And what is your opinion on having multiple desktops. The extended ones where you keep moving the mouse and it appears on the other screen.

Not sure if it would improve productivity but it would sure make the movies more enjoyable.

[Justin Mandel]

IMO dual monitors would be more productive then just 1 large monitor due to the increase in available work space.

[webwyn]

My main system has 4 19in monitors, but I have used multiple monitors for years. I believe it does improve productivity, even more so than 1 really large monitor.

The productivity comes simply due to being able to view open applications at the same time when needed, especially handy when doing web design and viewing output in multiple environments (FFox, IE). Also handy for research and articles and many other work processes.

I am reminded of this thread, check out Andy's setup at post 45. Dual-Screen Productivity

[ramone_johnny]

Originally Posted by Justin Mandel

IMO dual monitors would be more productive then just 1 large monitor due to the increase in available work space.

Absolutely!

[John Henderson]

Here's my setup:

I found a cheap way to add a second monitor...

[Alex Sol]

Yes
Since you can have more windows opened at the same time, but as was mentioned earlier, it is even better to have 2 monitors...

[scarfeet]

I've dual monitors but thats basically because i am also a forex trader, but if i had a 30" monitor my productivity sure would decline because i am a sucker for movies. And i am not sure if dual monitors would increase productivity i feel like it would compromise your focus ... but thats just my opinion

[Affiliate.Solutions]

I personally use 1 24" monitor. I really want to get a second but right now, there is no need for it. I have many things open at once and sometimes one screen gets too clustered.

I also have a 2 port KVM switch ( recently downgraded from a 4 port )

[kentaiwan98]

I actually have two systems on my desk, but both are fairly *old* (ie more than five years) so I devote one system to skype, music and other minor stuff that doesn't need much of a fast system to run, and use my main PC for work stuff.

It works. I would like a new system, but I would feel quite guilty since my online earnings barely make $200pm.

Kenneth

[CDarklock]

Originally Posted by Creative Thinker

And what is your opinion on having multiple desktops. The extended ones where you keep moving the mouse and it appears on the other screen.

Opinion, my arse - I've managed creatives for ten years.

A massive monitor will dramatically improve productivity for VISUAL work. Graphics, video, web design.

Multiple monitors will dramatically improve productivity for ANYONE.

I found that programmers get kind of lost on a monitor over 24", and at the time you pretty much couldn't get anything bigger than 27". So my general rule of thumb was to put three 21" monitors on their desks, then one 21" with the biggest two monitors I could afford on the graphics people's desks.

I couldn't effectively measure productivity for the graphics people (no engineering component at all there), but I found that two monitors made about a 30% improvement in productivity for programmers, and three upped it to right around 50% - which is pretty damn good for a $600 investment, considering what you can bill for programming work.

The graphics people were a lot more expensive, and it was just impossible to measure the results. But they were a lot happier, and honestly, when you can't measure someone's work output... just look at how happy they are. Happy people do better work.

Watch out for flatscreens, which have a native resolution just like laptops. Get the highest one you can, or you'll just end up with blocky, crappy displays that I believe would actually hurt productivity.

[John Rogers]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

Not sure if it would improve productivity but it would sure make the movies more enjoyable.

That was my first thought!

I have a 23" with HDMI and a kick ass contrast ratio.

John

[javanz07]

To me, more screen real estate increases productivity when you don't have to keep changing windows when you are working on a certain project... like writing an article, where you have Word on one half of the screen and a web browser with all your research material on the other half of the screen.

However, it is a double edge sword. It can also decrease productivity when you utilise a larger screen to have distractors (like twitter, facebook, msn, etc.) open at the same time.

[defy]

I use a 37" as my main screen and a 20" widescreen as a secondary monitor.

Would a bigger monitor help you? It depends on what you're trying to do with it.

Do you find yourself switching between windows all the time? Do you need a spreadsheet, calculator, MP3 player, and Mozilla open and visible at the same time?

I like to keep my music, instant messages, calculators, and brushes/palates open (for photoshop, etc.) on the smaller screen and have the bigger one for my workspace. I can get just as much work done on my 15" laptop, I'm just switching between tabs/windows more often.


~defy

[Mike Hersh]

Originally Posted by John Henderson

Here's my setup:

I found a cheap way to add a second monitor...

Ohh I like your screen stand, man you killed me lol.

[Marian Berghes]

I think you have to be careful if you are going to use 2 monitors...I've seen that plenty of people use the second monitor to so they can keep their IM window open, their website's live stats, the email notifier etc...

So if your not careful you might find yourself doing less work because you will always be looking at the stats, sales, messages etc..

[RMC]

Huge fan of the dual setup.

I have one 23" and a 19" next to it.

It really helps for screencast especially with powerpoint.

It's also great for graphics work. Less moving around all your tools and whatnot.

[ildarius]

Originally Posted by Justin Mandel

IMO dual monitors would be more productive then just 1 large monitor due to the increase in available work space.

I agree,

IMO when you hit 17" anything over that is an overkill. I have 2 screens with extended view and it does facilitate a lot of the tasks.

[jplanigan]

I have two 21" monitors at my day job. One 19" at home. I am MUCH more productive when I have room to spread out, but like others have mentioned, I also have to be careful not to let the extra room lead to distraction.

[AmyBrown]

I have dual 22" monitors and there's a significant productivity boost when I use them correctly. Conversely there's a decline in productivity when one is stuck on the WF as it has been for the last week

I'd take two smaller monitors over 1 any day and I think 2 30" monitors would be too large of a field of vision.

[Kirk Ward]

I added a second monitor last Christmas when my son gave me a dual monitor graphics card. I have been extremely pleased to be able to have one monitor rotated so that I can view full page documents in portrait mode on one monitor, and in full size landscape mode on the other monitor.

Even though I wind up using only one window most of the time, as senility seems to be keeping me from multi-tasking, I also think the second monitor makes it a lot easier to switch between Windows as there is a greater definition (or delineation if you prefer) between the objects.

Kirk

[KenSilver]

I've been using a 5 monitor setup for over a year now, graduating from a dual - then 3 monitor setup some years back. I use 4 screens for work, and a separate matching screen of the same size for my 7 security cameras.

I would use all 5 monitors for work if I could because of the hugely improved productivity I get from the extra real estate, but my main PC only takes 2 dual graphics cards... so the fifth screen runs off a separate PC.

I do current work on the center screen, Outlook sits on the left-hand screen, and the other two hold reference stuff or any of the graphics programs I use like PageMaker, Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

For all multiple screens I bought the same brand in standard format (4:3) HP 19" instead of widescreen. The advantage here is that all windows open to fill the screen exactly without distortion, wasted edges or having to resize.

I use Ultramon to get the cursor and windows working across all screens, and it's ideal for flicking windows instantly from one screen to another. I often have a dozen windows stacked up on one monitor - all open window tabs can be viewed at the bottom of each screen they are in, so this means no lost windows.

Another reason for using multiple monitors is that I've started using RoboForm with the only browser that works with it - Firefox. FF is extremely slow to open compared to Chrome, or my previous favorite Opera (I'm a speed freak!) So I can be working on another screen while RoboForm and FF yawns its way through the log-in process.

Here's an example of why I haven't gone to a large screen. For a while I was going to switch to Mac after a series of Windoze disasters. I have a 24" iMac which I use for videoconferencing to various family members round the globe, and a while back I experimented using it instead of multiple screens with the object of eventually using 3 Mac 30" screens.

It was a waste of time. Each window I opened on the iMac came up in a different place on the screen, and after opening a few windows they became impossible to find or use in any sequence. It only took a few minutes to return to my multiple PC monitors.

Good luck with your choice!

[John Henderson]

Originally Posted by Mike Hersh

Ohh I like your screen stand, man you killed me lol.

Yeah, I knew that "Graphics & Animation" book would come in handy someday...

[simonLC]

We all use 2 monitors here, and I find it near impossible to return to 1. Those of you on a MAC; that use Spaces to its full capacity; combined with dual monitors - will know exactly what I am taking about.

Huge difference in productivity levels.

[RyanLeisure]

I have one 24, The 24" iMac. That apple display is far better than anything I have ever seen. If you want to buy that monitor by itself from apple, it's $899. I actually got a headache the first day I had it cause it was so bright and sharp. Killer colors on that thing too. I could definitely see having another 24 at some point. It would look ridiculous I think, but awesome.

[Wakunahum]

I used a second monitor with my laptop for awhile. I had to take it down as I would end up playing movies or hulu on the side one distracting me from my work. :P

[Kezz]

It all depends on what kind of work you do really. I good litmus test is to ask yourself:

A) How many windows do I usually have open at a time?

and

B) How much time do I spend switching between those windows?

If you have high answers to both those questions, dual monitors are a win for you.

[Creative Thinker]

Originally Posted by kentaiwan98

I actually have two systems on my desk, but both are fairly *old* (ie more than five years) so I devote one system to skype, music and other minor stuff that doesn't need much of a fast system to run, and use my main PC for work stuff.

It works. I would like a new system, but I would feel quite guilty since my online earnings barely make $200pm.

Kenneth

Great. I already work like that. One PC for "rough use" and one PC for work. Now I was thinking of 2 or 3 screens for the work PC!!

[garyv]

I've always loved my dual monitors, and could never go back to a single monitor. It makes things much faster to be able to just spread out the programs I'm working with.

However, I've always been very jealous of Chris Pirillo's setup:

YouTube - Tips for Buying a Monitor

[InternetMarketingIQ]

24" @1920 x 1200 will display 2 pages. That's as big as I would go... then I'd double triple or quadruple displays and make sure you have the hardware to drive them all.

At some point the movement of your head and eyes across a flat plane becomes tiresome. With multiple displays you can move and tilt them as needed.

The Anthro Cart Wrap is a nice set up Elevate Wrap: Electric Table, Video Editing Furniture, Design

My monitor arm actually cost more than my monitor!

[InternetMarketingIQ]

24" @1920 x 1200 will display 2 pages. That's as big as I would go... then I'd double triple or quadruple displays and make sure you have the hardware to drive them all.

At some point the movement of your head and eyes across a flat plane becomes tiresome. With multiple displays you can move and tilt them as needed.

The Anthro Cart Wrap is a nice set up Elevate Wrap: Electric Table, Video Editing Furniture, Design

My monitor arm actually cost more than my monitor!

[Creative Thinker]

I just installed the Ultramon software and the ability to switch windows with a single click or shortcut is amazing.

[birdfood]

30" is way too big.

I use two 19" wide screen and would like to upgrade to two 21"

Two monitors are the way to go and ideally the same model. Or at the very least, same size and height.

[igorhelpsyousucceed]

I believe that the productivity will get down.
Since you have more space on your screen it probably
will lead to you having multiple applications up and running
which can only decrease productivity...

Igor

[BillOliver]

I don't know if 30" will improve the performance; but it'll DEFINITELY improve the ego! :-) lol. It'll impress friends no end!

BUT TWO x monitors will DEFINITELY increase productivity.
I have 2 x 22" and when I use my 17" laptop I feel CRAMPED.

Bill

[webwyn]

Here is some information that I'd posted last year regarding multiple monitors. I thought the information worth reposting again:

I think Dual Screen / Multiple Monitors are one of best PC configurations to improve productivity in so many ways, especially with flat panel monitors making more space available on the desk.

Just a few tips from my perspective:

• Borders: Try get monitors with thin borders so less distance between viewable areas.
• Same: I think it's better that the monitors be the same brand and model, but mainly the same size so things line up. However for Web Design handy to have regular and wide screen mix.
• TaskBar: Task bar for each monitor makes it easier to use, more like 2+ PCs in one and only having to maintain one configuration.
• Software: I like UltraMon but is a paid version (with a 30 Day trial) and a forum for helping with problems not just limited to UtraMon. I think there is a free taskbar product 'MultiMon Taskbar' but haven't used as I didn't think it was flexible enough for me when I was checking them out.

Just for info I have my main PCs configured with 4 Monitors: 3 @ 19" (4:3) and 1 @ 19" WideScreen (which also has TV, AV etc). Last time I looked at the UtlraMon forum there were sample setups with something like 8-16 monitors.

...

Also I believe there are solutions that allow you to use another PC's monitor over a network as though it were part of 1 PC (without the need for special video cards?) but I haven't actually tried this.

[Sven Schoene]

It's weird to me that nobody mentions the financial side of the equation.


Two months ago I was still having a three monitor setup (I couldn't fit more onto my desk). Two 20'' and one 19''. I was veeeery happy with that and I miss my third monitor. I gave the 19'' away when the old CRT of a family member broke down. Sucked.


Anyway, I wanted to get the most for the smallest budget. So, I made the following calculations:


I wanted as many pixels as possible for as little money as possible. Let's take a look at what we have here:

19'': 1440x900 --- €110
20'': 1680 x 1050 --- €144
21'': Can't find any offer for that one right now.
21.5'': 1920 x 1080 --- €175
22'': 1680 x 1050 --- €130
23'': 1920 x 1080 --- €170
24'': 1920 x 1080 --- €220
26'': 1920 x 1200 --- €300
30'': 2560 x 1600 --- €1500


All prices and specs are taken from hardwareversand.de - Startseite


1. We can already see that a 30'' would be absolutely stupid to buy if you simply want more pixels. I agree, for movies and games a 30'' is awesome, but it does not equate to productivity.


2. A year ago the prices were a lot different. I probably would've picked something else than two 20'' screens. Hmm, let's see...


3. I will not care about the fact whether or not you have a second graphics card. I will just assume that four monitors are a possible setup for you.


4. Two 19'' give you 2880px for just €220. Two 22'' however will give you a whopping 3360px for just €40 more (€260). This is an awesome deal, that's 480px more for just €40. That's at least on AIM/ICQ/MSN window in width.


5. Three 19'' give you 4320px for €330. Three 22'' give you 5040px for €390. That is 720px more for €60 more. Sounds good to me, but let's see what four monitors would do...


6. Four 19'' give you 5760px for €440. Four 22'' give you 6720px for €520. That's 960px more for just an extra €80. 960px equates to a normal browser window. One browser window more, that's not bad, is it? This is €0.08 per added px if you take the four 22''s.


7. In case you wonder: I've worked with 22'' instead of 20'' since they are cheaper on that particular site. If you find a good deal for 20'' then go for them, they sport he same amount of pixels.


8. Two 23'' give you 3840px for €340. Two 22'' give you 3360px for €260. 480px more for €80? Doesn't sound that great to me. That's €0.16 per added px if you take the 23''s.


9. Three 23'' give you 5760px for €510. Three 22'' give you 5040px for €390. That's 720px more for €120. Still €0.16 per added px if you take the 23''s (which makes sense if you think logical... But I still had to calculate that with my calculator, stupid me )


10. Four 23'' give you 7680px for €680. Four 22'' give you 6720px for €520. That's 960px more (again a whole browser window) for an extra €160.


11. Just to play around:
2 x 30'' = 5120px --- €3000
3 x 30'' = 7680px --- €4500
4 x 30'' = 10240px --- €6000



Conclusions:

I don't know, but SOMEHOW the 30'' does not strike me as a very good investment if you want pure pixels over movies and prestige.


I'd personally take 4 x 23'' for €680 if I had the money. I know it would be damn worth it and I would feel like god having this setup running. 7680px stupidly much and since I have a million windows oen I would be in heaven.


If you only want two monitors then go for the two 22'' for €260. Taking two 23'' is tempting but it's €80 more for 480px. You have to decide. (To be honest, I'm a bit confused what I would take myself right now. Just give me the four 23'' and I'm happy! )


Also, keep in mind that more pixels do not beat more monitors. If I had the choice between 3 x 19'' and 2 x 23'' I would always take the 3 x 19''. A lot of people work with their windows maximized and on three 19'' you can have three windows maximized, on two 23'' you can only have two. Additionally do not forget that more monitors help you getting windows "out of the way". Sometimes I do not want to care about my instant messenger windows and "ban" them onto my third monitor (well, when I had one anyway...). They are still there if I want to see them but they do not distract me anymore. This does not work as good with a two monitor setup.


Ok, that was long. I hope I could help you all a bit!

[David Greenfield]

I just upgraded to two monitors and love it, right now I'm participating in a WSO webinar and its great to have the webinar up in one monitor and my browser open in another. It also works well for plr rewrites.

Peace
Dave

[CPA]

I found this on amazon you might find it interesting :P I'll probably get 2 of these for a new computer I'm soon gonna buy:

Amazon.com: Acer V223-WBD 22" Widescreen TFT LCD...

[AdInventive]

I use a 30" lcd that I got about a year ago for 1k from tiger direct. I use it for a lot of gaming though also.

It's nice

[Sven Schoene]

Originally Posted by CPA

I found this on amazon you might find it interesting :P I'll probably get 2 of these for a new computer I'm soon gonna buy:

Amazon.com: Acer V223-WBD 22" Widescreen TFT LCD Monitor (Black): Computers & PC Hardware

That one does look like a good deal but I'm all for the Samsung SyncMasters

[enrikole]

Ive got a 30inc apple hd display.

Its awesome. I think it helps, since things are way less cluttered.