How achievable is a multi-monitor system?
Most users who have used dual monitor systems can’t imagine going back to a single screen as it does make your workflow much smoother..
Most PC’s and Notebooks can support dual screens out of the box, though you may need to purchase cables to suite. If you need to add more screens than your computer supports then there are plenty of options. You can replace your graphic card with a multi monitor model or you can purchase a ‘USB to Video’ adapter that will allow you to add up to 6 displays. .
Multi-monitor systems vs a Single Large monitor setup.
When a business or consumer has identified that an existing system or a newly purchased system needs a large amount of information on screen at any one time, it’s time to look at increasing the screen real estate.
Whether a single larger screen or two or more smaller screens would work better for your system is the next choice.
When deciding, make sure to consider these factors; desk size, graphics card, total cost and of course, user preference.
Ensure you don’t to fall into the trap of bigger is always better!
Using a HDTV as a monitor for instance, may be a poor choice as the image-processing engines in HDTVs are heavily optimized for video, making for a poor up close experience.
Things to keep in mind when planning a multi-monitor system.
1920 x 1080 has become the new standard, and while VGA and DVI can support 1920 x 1080, the ports are becoming rarer in new monitors. They are being replaced by ‘DisplayPort’s and HDMI ports which are both able to support resolutions of WQHD (2560 x 1440) and UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) as well as 1920 x 1080.
All of these ports support multi-monitor performance comfortably; for best results make sure all monitor ports and resolutions on each monitor are the same.
Finally make sure to keep total price in mind.
Screens that are 24″ or smaller are inexpensive, but go above this and you’ll be paying a premium for the higher resolution required, expect to pay upwards of $700 per screen for anything decent.
Monitor stands cost between $100.00 for a dual stand to a few hundred dollars for something that will hold six or more screens so factor this in to your budget.
For larger monitors expect to pay more for the stands, as the weight is greater and requires sturdier materials etc.
For advice, purchasing or setting up a Multi-Monitor System contact In2tech.