Multiple Display Productivity

  • Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Display Productivity

  • Since about 2020 I have used 2 x 4k monitors, each being 28". In theory this gives 4 times the display capability as 2 x 2k monitors, but my eyesight means I set magnification to 150% so I only get twice the capability compared to 2x 2k.

    4k monitors can be got for about GBP 200, so the price has remained steady for a few years. For me, the investment was really worthwhile.

    I also have a USB-C hub box, about GBP 60, that can both power my lappie and split the video feed over the two monitors. This is coupled with a dual monitor KVM, also about GBP 60, so I can switch the whole lot between my desktop and the lappie.

    Depending on what I am doing typically I will dedicate one of the monitors to a given task and put all other things on the other. If I am using the lappie that mostly gets the emails etc.

    Taken together it is not a huge investment, but gives me a lot of flexibility and a lot of productivity.

    • This reply was modified 6 months ago by  EdVassie.

    Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

    When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

  • Sorry, duplicate post

    • This reply was modified 6 months ago by  EdVassie.

    Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

    When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

  • Sorry, duplicate post

    • This reply was modified 6 months ago by  EdVassie.

    Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

    When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

  • Recently I had the opportunity of 3 monitors and I liked it.

    1 as main screen, 2 as internet browsing / compare, 3 as backgrond monitoring/email etc

  • I work from home and use a single 49" Samsung gaming monitor, which I (virtually) split into three windows. Having got used to it, I would never choose to go back to a multi-monitor setup.

    Other than multiple monitors being physically easier to handle and transport, I can't think of any advantages, except this:

    If I am sharing my screen with someone, I need to share just the window of interest. If I share my entire desktop, they can't read anything!

    I also use multiple Desktops, usually four. I've got a programmable keyboard, which I've configured to move me around the desktops quickly.

    I use a lot of apps, but don't like clutter.

    The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence
    - Martin Rees
    The absence of consumable DDL, sample data and desired results is, however, evidence of the absence of my response
    - Phil Parkin

  • I have worked with two monitors for many years. Everywhere I have worked only sets up for two monitors. And at home I only have enough room for two monitors. However, I know some people who have three monitors, and they claim it is an improvement over two monitors. Maybe someday...

    Rod

  • Phil Parkin wrote:

    I also use multiple Desktops, usually four. I've got a programmable keyboard, which I've configured to move me around the desktops quickly.

    I'm curious about your setup for your keyboard.  So far the best solution for me has been to use Logitech's keyboard/mouse to pair it with multiple USB receivers.  This feature is not available on all of their products; admittedly, the ones that do are not cheap.  But being able to switch between my laptop, desktop, and Raspberry Pi at the press of a button (built into the keyboard/mouse) has been fantastic. This setup has the added benefit of being able to grab one of your dongles and put it in a different device with no muss no fuss.


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  • Phil Parkin wrote:

    I use a lot of apps, but don't like clutter.

    I totally agree!!!!

    I use to use a DELL U3417W (34-inch curved) but "donated" it to another peer after it kept glitching (turning off randomly for 3-5 seconds). I now use a LG 34GP83 ( also 34-inch curved). I saw too many peers get confused with what windows were where in a 2-monitor system. Most anyone here has is 3 monitors. I run it in 3440 x 1440 resolution, but need to change it to 1920 x 1280 when casting to a tv monitor in my office (readability during meetings).

    We did visit a client years ago with 43-inch monitors (split into 4 screens)... they said it was more efficient / cost effective than having 4 monitors for their business model.

    I also open a separate SSMS application for each server rather than one SSMS session connecting to multiple servers... even with the color tab option from RedGate SQL Prompt, it works better for me. I can have 8-10 tabs open on each SSMS application (and get comments from others as to how I keep track of it all!).

    Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours (Richard Bach, Illusions)

  • I've only ever used 2 monitors, but it'd be interesting to try adding a third.  I'm guessing it would be marginally more productive.

    Be still, and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10

  • I have two 27 inch monitors I use at home.  When I went to the office I had two for about 15 years.  I don't know if I feel I need a third one.  Not even sure I could make it work with the desk I have.

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    we travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us
    Don't fear failure, fear regret.

  • Y.B. wrote:

    Phil Parkin wrote:

    I also use multiple Desktops, usually four. I've got a programmable keyboard, which I've configured to move me around the desktops quickly.

    I'm curious about your setup for your keyboard.  So far the best solution for me has been to use Logitech's keyboard/mouse to pair it with multiple USB receivers.  This feature is not available on all of their products; admittedly, the ones that do are not cheap.  But being able to switch between my laptop, desktop, and Raspberry Pi at the press of a button (built into the keyboard/mouse) has been fantastic. This setup has the added benefit of being able to grab one of your dongles and put it in a different device with no muss no fuss.

    I apologise, I'd already suspected that the word 'desktop' could be confusing.

    I am referring to the ability to switch 'desktops' in Windows via the CTRL-WIN-RIGHT and CTRL-WIN-LEFT key combos, which I have mapped to single keys on my keyboard, which is a mechanical model from Corsair. I'm not a gamer, I just like their toys!

    The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence
    - Martin Rees
    The absence of consumable DDL, sample data and desired results is, however, evidence of the absence of my response
    - Phil Parkin

  • I can work with just one screen if needed, although it's pretty annoying to have to switch windows back and forth. But practically speaking, as long as I have a second screen to spread out the work, that is way better than just one screen, especially if that one screen is a laptop. A laptop and one external monitor of around 24-27 inches is fine for me.

    -- webrunner

    -------------------
    A SQL query walks into a bar and sees two tables. He walks up to them and asks, "Can I join you?"
    Ref.: http://tkyte.blogspot.com/2009/02/sql-joke.html

  • Phil Parkin wrote:

    Y.B. wrote:

    Phil Parkin wrote:

    I also use multiple Desktops, usually four. I've got a programmable keyboard, which I've configured to move me around the desktops quickly.

    I'm curious about your setup for your keyboard.  So far the best solution for me has been to use Logitech's keyboard/mouse to pair it with multiple USB receivers.  This feature is not available on all of their products; admittedly, the ones that do are not cheap.  But being able to switch between my laptop, desktop, and Raspberry Pi at the press of a button (built into the keyboard/mouse) has been fantastic. This setup has the added benefit of being able to grab one of your dongles and put it in a different device with no muss no fuss.

    I apologise, I'd already suspected that the word 'desktop' could be confusing.

    I am referring to the ability to switch 'desktops' in Windows via the CTRL-WIN-RIGHT and CTRL-WIN-LEFT key combos, which I have mapped to single keys on my keyboard, which is a mechanical model from Corsair. I'm not a gamer, I just like their toys!

    Ahhh, no worries...that is always a feature that when I remember about it I'm like "I'm going to use that!", and then I never do.


    SELECT quote FROM brain WHERE original = 1
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  • I prefer having two monitors. At home, I used a single 27 inch 4k monitor for a few years because that was all I had room for. I recently bought an Uplift Desk 60"x30" desk that goes up and down and gave me more room. I now use the 4k monitor on the left and a 27 inch 1080p on the right. My personal PC is a desktop, but the work PC is a laptop. I bought a Terived KVM switch to switch between the 2 computers. The work laptop is connected to a Dell docking station. Switching between the computers is a matter of pressing the button on the KVM switch.

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