For most people, a laptop is a portable device that is enough for getting work done. However, your laptop screen is smaller than a monitor screen, and it can be cluttered with overlapping applications on a hectic workday. Sometimes, it would be less disruptive and more convenient, if you simply have an external display to work with. An external monitor gives you more screen space so that you can be more efficient at your work.
How an Extra Monitor Can Benefit You
If you connect your laptop with an external monitor, you can work with two screens. This reduces the need to switch back and forth between tabs, resize windows, or shift applications around to fit them on one screen.
As a result, you can focus more efficiently on your main task. With less time wasted, work can get done more quickly. Overall, you can get more things done.
Whether you use two or three screens is up to you, as it depends on the unique nature of your work. The simplest way to use multiple screens is to set up one screen directly in front of you, and another screen beside it, angled towards you. The screen in front of you is the primary screen for your main work tasks, while the second screen plays a complementary role and serves as a reference/utility screen.
Essentially, some people will find an external monitor more helpful than others. It all depends on what your workflow is. If you are using just your laptop, you may find that your workflow is more inefficient since you may be “forced” to switch between apps or reduce window sizes. This causes time inefficiency. On the other hand, a multi-screen setup can help you ensure that tasks and applications do not get “jumbled up” and cluttered on just one screen. Organization is easier, there is less hassle, and studies found workers to be generally more productive on two screens.
For some professions, you can be very productive with just a laptop. For others like programming or web design, the larger screen of a monitor can help immensely (usually 24-27 inches).
For programming, I typically use my main screen for most coding tasks, and the second screen as a utility screen which I use for general browsing, looking up Stack Overflow for answers to coding problems, and previewing my code on my browser.
Note that the combined use of a primary screen and a reference/utility screen works well in most workflows, regardless of the type of work that you are doing.
| Task | Apps on Primary Screen | Apps on Reference/Utility Screen |
| Programming | Write code | Stack Overflow, browse Google for solutions, preview code changes |
| Article or report writing | Main writing document | Research, browse Google for ideas |
| Data entry or analysis | Main document such as a google spreadsheet | Display reference material, data, and PDF |
Cons of Using a Monitor as a Second Screen, and How to Prevent Them
While pairing your laptop with an external monitor is very useful, there could be downsides. Using multiple screens can result in too much visual stimuli, clutter, and disorganization since two or more screens would encourage you to display more applications. You may suffer ergonomic issues such as eye and body strain. You also need a large enough desk (get the right desk size for dual monitors) and it can be a power drag.
Fortunately, these problems can be tackled rather easily. You should know the purpose of your monitor (vs. your laptop), specifically the exact tasks that your monitor will be dedicated to. Use your monitor only for those tasks and apps. Stick with your best workflow. Be organized.
To prevent strain, you want to get an adjustable laptop stand. This raises your laptop to the same height as your monitor, so you can view it alongside your large monitor screen without constantly looking up and down.
Of course, use an external keyboard to complete your setup, since your laptop is elevated.
Having both screens at the same height will minimize the need to move your neck and shoulders too much, prevent strain, and reduce eye discomfort.
Related: 10 Examples of Poor Ergonomics You May Be Guilty Of
General recommendation: If you have the budget for an external monitor, go ahead and buy it, provided that you have the feeling that you will be more productive as a result. Even if you are just fine with one screen, a second screen creates ease and convenience while opening up more ways to design a better, smoother, and more seamless workflow. Thus, the money spent is never totally lost. After all, it is about *how* you utilise your dual screens that shapes your overall productivity. If you regret investing in a monitor, ask yourself how and in what ways can you make better use of your monitor.
How to Choose and Buy an External Monitor
The two main considerations to buying an external monitor would be its size and price. As for resolution, you would rarely need to go beyond a 1080p monitor (Full HD), unless you are a graphic designer, video editor, or other creative professional requiring much higher resolutions such as a 4K monitor (3840 x 2160 resolution). For ordinary tasks, a 1080p monitor will help you save up on cost.
Many 21-24 inch monitors are 1080p. A monitor of this size and resolution will suit most budgets. Just ensure that you have a large enough desk to add your external monitor to the setup.
If you are a programmer, consider a 27-inch monitor as the increase in screen space will be helpful. Gamers also tend to gravitate towards monitors of this size.