Multiple Monitor Setups: How Dual and Triple Monitors Improve Work, Gaming, and Productivity

In today’s faced paced world, using a single monitor just does not cut it any longer. Multitasking and productivity is the name of the game whether you’re working from home or the office, streaming some games for fun and creating content, or perhaps just hopping between travel setups. Having more than a single screen gives you ample room in your workflow, preventing the constant need of having to alt-tab and remember information. It may sound like it’s a small thing that doesn't make a difference, but honestly once you start using a multi-monitor setup it’s quite a noticeable difference and hard to go back to a single monitor setup. Let’s talk about this a bit more.

What People Use Multiple Monitors For

• Work and Productivity- There are a few main reasons that people tend to use multiple monitors for, with one of the biggest reasons being work and productivity. Adding a second or even third monitor shrinks down the friction between work tasks. As a programmer, imagine having your code displayed on the first screen while the second monitor contains reference material, tutorials or a different workflow that is still relevant to the task at hand.  The idea is simple- keep your main focus on one screen, stash your secondary tasks, information and reference materials on the second or third screen to the side. Users across Reddit have given similar testimonies in the past, talking about the benefits of multi monitor setups, with one user commenting “I use the extra screens for different tasks. It’s super handy to have my code or work on one screen, a tutorial or reference material on another”.
  
  
  
  
• Gaming and Streaming- Whether you’re a gamer or a content creator that streams, a multi-monitor is a godsend. Having your game on the first screen front and center, while the other screens have stuff open such as your livestream chat, your stats, spotify or Youtube for music, Discord or any other secondary windows that may allow you to stream more efficiently and effectively makes a big difference between a new creator and an experienced creator. As one user when referring to side tasks while they game states: “My second monitor is set up vertically and that honestly makes browsing through websites so much better”.
  
  
  
  
• Content Creation- Editing videos, conducting graphic design work, producing music or being able to spread your timeline, preview window, assets and reference windows across multiple windows makes a major difference in terms of productivity and efficiency. Another reddit user stated the following about the topic: “I have 3 monitors, first is for general purpose, browsing, email etc. Second is for work focused stuff, and the final is for notes, agenda, chats, music”.
  
  
  
  
• Remote and Travel use- Finally, whether you’re working remotely or on the move, adding a multi-monitor setup to your arsenal gives you a near-desktop experience regardless of where you end up setting up shop and work. Less window juggling and more focus as well as a more efficient workflow even when you’re not in the office is a godsend for anyone in this day and age. 
  
  
  

Pros & Cons of Multi-Monitor Setups

Alright, we’ve listed a bunch of upsides regarding multiple screens. More screen real estate reduces the time spent switching between tabs and windows and you can have multiple windows on display at the same time as working on your task, and for creative or complex workflows it’s honestly indispensable. It's no hidden fact that your productivity visibly goes up when using multiple monitors… However, there are some drawbacks too. 

Depending on the type of user you are, you can easily end up with clutter on your screen, which becomes a distraction for the very task you’re trying to accomplish. All that screen real estate can easily become a dumping ground for useless information and links or temporary folders and irrelevant things. The other looming problem to consider is that with more monitors for a desktop setup, means the addition of more cables and wires, more desk space requirements and even potentially affecting ergonomics too with a poorly planned setup resulting in neck strain and a messy workspace. 

Recommended Products

Despite all that information we just hit you up with, if you’re currently still interested and are in the market for either upgrading your setup or perhaps adding portable screens to your setup, there are a couple of products that are definitely worth looking into. The first is the FlipGo Horizon- a snap-on tri screen setup designed to reimagine your workspace, and the FlipGo Portable Dual Monitor. 

The Horizon is the right choice if you’re looking for a triple screen setup that is aligned around your laptop or your main device, while the standard FlipGo model gives you the portability and convenience of a dual monitor setup while still allowing you to be flexible whilst travelling. Both are great, offering you different ways to harness the power of the multiple monitor setup without the need of requiring a permanent desktop overhaul. 

Summary

To wrap up all this information coming at you- using multiple monitors isn't about just size or the number of screens. It’s about optimizing your workflow, visibility and ease of use. Add as little or many monitors as you need, giving you the freedom to arrange your tools however you wish whether you’re working, gaming, or on the move. Just keep in mind the trade-offs that come with all this screen real-estate: space, distraction and cable management woes. With a properly considered setup and possibly one of the newer portable monitor solutions like the FlipGo, you can truly enjoy productivity and comfort from your digital workspace.