A second computer monitor can increase productivity and benefit anyone, from programmers to shoppers. It can be used for programming, shopping, banking, travel planning, menu planning, rearranging, babysitting, communication, gaming, and jokes at work.
Dual monitor setups aren’t just for geeks anymore; a second computer monitor is one of the fastest ways to increase productivity while at your desk. There are so many ways to use the extra screen space afforded by a second computer monitor, that anyone from a stay-at-home dad to a thrifty shopper can benefit from a second computer monitor. Here are ten easy ways to use your second monitor to make your life easier:
Programming Dual monitor setups are ubiquitous in most programmer-heavy environments. Especially when working on websites, they are invaluable as they allow you to view your text editor and browser at the same time. In addition to input and output windows, a second computer monitor can allow you to maintain other useful resources such as reference materials, chat windows, documentation, or collaboration information. Shopping While some shopping websites have comparison engines built into their interface, many do not. Cameras, mp3 players, computers, and other electronics are easy to compare when shopping, but what about shoes, books, or craft supplies, like yarn? These sites rarely have an easy way to compare specs and prices of similar items, so you can rely on your second computer monitor to give you the space you need to do so.
Banking A second computer monitor can be the ideal solution to make your electronic payments and banking processes quick and easy. When you can see your accounting records, calculator, payment information, supplier websites and bank statements all at the same time, imagine how easy your bookkeeping will become. No more trying to remember the exact amount, no more forgetting to enter items.
Travel Planning If you’ve ever planned a trip to an unfamiliar destination, you know how difficult it can be to coordinate travel, accommodation, tourist attractions, and restaurants. Here’s another place where a second computer monitor can really make your life easier. Put a map and your proposed agenda on one screen, while you use the other to search for hotels, flights and museums.
Menu Planning The Internet is a great place to research new recipes, but comparing them and creating a full menu and shopping list can be a bit taxing on screen real estate. Dual monitor setups are a great way to branch out and be able to keep track of everything.
Rearranging Like refrigerators, garages, bookcases and closets, computers are storage areas that need to be cleaned and rearranged from time to time. A second monitor can make this process much easier by allowing you to see how things are organized, from your desktop to folders, and by giving you the freedom to move, edit, archive and delete things without the guesswork or short-term memory issues.
Basitter While we don’t necessarily recommend it as a preferred method of parenting, a second computer monitor can be a very useful basitter tool in a pinch. Strap that kid into a front, shoulder, or booster pack, then pop in a Muppet DVD. While the young man enjoys learning the alphabet from Kermit, you can take care of business.
Communicate For the communication guru, a second computer monitor is invaluable. You can have video conferencing, IRC, IM and numerous email accounts visible at the same time. Special warning: be careful to say the right thing to the right person – careless use with this dual monitor can cause great stress.
Gaming A second monitor means more space to play. Don’t all gamers want more room to play?
Jokes at work This is especially useful in remote work opportunities, when you’re out of the office, but it can also be useful when you’re in your cube. Set up one monitor with the chat window, collaboration interface or video conferencing and use the other to browse, play solitaire or touch up last weekend’s photos.
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