Isue 37.10
I promised to do an article on the why’s and how’s of adding a second monitor to your system a few weeks ago – so here goes.
The first thing to mention is that many people don’t need a second monitor. If you only want to do one thing at a time on your computer and if that only requires one window to be open at a time, you simply don’t need another monitor. On the other hand, if you are like many of us, you could have facebook or a chat open while you are working on a letter or report and you need the internet or a spreadsheet open with the information you are referring to in your document. At the same time you may want to have a freecell game running in case you need a break.
I’m joking – sort of – but it is true that I sometimes have four or five windows open at the same time while I am writing articles and looking up information that I can use. I am very happy that I have two monitors to display all this stuff on so I don’t have to repeatedly close or minimize one window in order to see another one and then repeat the process to go back where I was.
I saw one report that said workers are from 40% to 60% more efficient when they have more than one monitor. I know that is true for me. I have noticed many businesses are buying a second monitor for many of their workers. They love that they get more effective work for a simple one-time investment of $100 to $300.
First you need to make sure your computer has a video card that supports an extra monitor. Usually the manufacturer can tell you if your model supports this. If you don’t have that capability, dual monitor video cards are available for prices ranging from under $100 to around $200, depending on how powerful you need them to be. For most applications the less expensive ones are just fine.
Then you need to find a second monitor. The old tube type monitors are available used at thrift shops or from computer dealers. You usually will pay from $0 to $50 for these unless they are really special. Used flat screen monitors are available from $50 to $150 and new flat panels are available from around $100 to $400. Price generally depends on size, screen resolution and quality and brand-name.
I chose a nice large (24 inch) monitor as my main display and a 19 inch for my second unit. Many people like to have a matched set, but it is not necessary. In any case, make sure you get a good warranty on new monitors or walk away. Flat panels are usually not worth fixing if they fail so you want the manufacturer to pay for repairs as long as possible.
If you decide to go for a second monitor, enjoy the new freedom it gives you and yes, always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 29 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.