Pretty much all computer system packages sold today have only one monitor. Adding a second monitor offers many benefits to gamers, businesses and home users. Multitasking becomes easier and the visual experience is heightened.
Before adding a second monitor, the computer must have two monitor inputs (either VGA or DVI). Most basic systems do not have this ability out of the box. The easiest way to upgrade to two monitor inputs is to install a new video card.
Mid-high end video cards usually offer two monitor inputs. It's best to have two of the same size monitors to have a virtually seamless viewing area. Different sized monitors will work but moving the mouse from one monitor to another won't be as smooth.
The Benefits of Dual Monitors
Probably the single biggest benefit from dual monitors is the ease of multitasking. It's easy to have two applications going at the same time and switch back and forth without minimizing and restoring. For example, one monitor can have email displayed while the other monitor can have a web browser window open.
Other scenarios could be a spreadsheet on one monitor and a word processor document on the other. How about watching streaming TV or DVD or one monitor and chat window on the other. The combinations are endless.
Graphic designers benefit from two displays by putting all of their tools on one monitor and their image on the other monitor. Imagine putting up a two-page spread having one page on each monitor. Seeing the big picture makes editing much more efficient.
Gamers will feel immersed when combining dual monitors into one huge monitor. Environments come to life and game play becomes a heightened experience.
When Two Monitors are Not Enough
Adding more than two monitors to a system provides an even greater viewing experience. Games such as flight simulators, racing games and even first person shooters will look and feel more real.
To add a third monitor requires either a video card that supports a minimum of three monitor inputs or adding additional video cards to support up to three or more monitors. Matrox has been in the forefront for many years as leader for multi-input video cards.
Another vendor, ATI, has recently created a technology called Eyefinity. What Eyefinity offers is the ability to connect up to six monitors with a single video card as well as add additional cards as needed. One demo showed a system with four Eyefinity cards running 24 monitors all connected seamlessly as one giant monitor. The result – a massive display garnering a visual experience like no other.
When it comes to productivity and enjoyment, the more monitors - the better.
 |
