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Writing and Publishing

Are Two Displays Better Than One?

This week I received an email from a PR guy, pushing a press release for his client (www.ergotron.com and dare2dual.ergotron.com).  In the teaser, he wrote:

“Imagine how much companies would gain and save if they equipped all of their employees with more than one computer display.  The research findings are conclusive and striking: nearly a 20 percent gain in productivity, not to mention the benefits of happier, healthier employees.”

I wholeheartedly agree.  I’ve been dual-screening for about a year and find it frustrating to be restricted to single screen viewing when I use another computer.  I certainly concur with the 20% productivity boost — mine might even be higher.

Having two displays is great, but sometimes it still doesn’t seem like enough.  I want more.  If two is good, then three should be better, right?  Would three give an additional 20% boost in job efficacy?  I could defiantly put three to good use.  However, this brings up a positioning question: Should they all be placed side-by-side in a long row?  That may cause too much neck turning.

The other thought would be to place the third one above the other two.  But that creates symmetry issues.  If would seem weird to center the top one, offset from the other two.  But if I line them up two on the left, that would leave a hole, crying for a fourth unit.

Four displays would be symmetrical — and balance is a good thing.  But to have two on top of the others, creates a mounting problem.  I can’t just levitate the upper two.  I think I’d need a wall mount bracket or a desk riser.

Wait, that’s what Mike, the PR guy, was pitching.

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Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

By Peter Lyle DeHaan

Author Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, publishes books about business, customer service, the call center industry, and business and writing.