Add another computer monitor to increase efficiency

Are you still using only one computer monitor?

For an easy and cost-effective way to increase productivity, try adding a second – or third – monitor to your computer.

Proponents of multiple monitors estimate you can increase productivity by 20 percent. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants says the figure may be closer to 50 percent.

Here are just a few of the uses:

• Comparative analysis between documents, resulting in fewer errors. Cutting and pasting between documents is also much easier.
• Report creation or complex research involving multiple sources that you can reference at the same time.
• The ability to conduct research on one screen and take notes on another during a phone interview And, as an added benefit, most dual monitor users find they no longer need to print stacks of research or documents for comparison, saving paper, ink and time.
• Working back and forth with different open programs like Excel, Word, Acrobat and email is considerably less cumbersome with multiple screens.

Is adding an additional monitor worth the cost?

“It’s the easiest and cheapest way to increase productivity,” says Randy Johnston of Network Management Group, Inc., and technology consultant for CPAmerica International. “Remember the benefit of working on fewer, larger screens in the 27-30-inch range. You’ll also find situations where touch screen monitors increase productivity.”

He himself uses four screens.

It is best to have matching monitors to minimize health impact, but any extra monitor you have can be used.

You will need a video card with at least two ports, and 512 or 1024 MB of video RAM, says Johnston.

“Now, working with a single small screen would be a severe handicap,” Johnston said.