“Do you consider that you can be more productive with two screens setup, and why?”

(Answer requested by José Marulanda)

The magic isn’t in having two screens, per se, but being able to see and usefully access two different things on screen at the same time. That can be accomplished with two screens; or — if it’s large enough — one screen with the two items displayed side by side.

For example, I’m a writer, and use a laptop with a 17″ screen; this allows me to place two normal-sized (in the US, 8.5″x11″) documents side by side onscreen: the full sized original/source document on one side, and the full sized revised/edited version on the other. I can jump back and forth and copy/paste instantly and effortlessly; with minimal risk of losing my place or getting sidetracked.

On PCs with smaller screens (where two items side by side would each be too small for comfortable use), two physical screens are probably better.

Some gamers, for example, use a main screen to run a game at full width and resolution, with a second screen used for displaying associated chat windows, game monitors, or other add-ons.

But if you don’t routinely perform tasks that require frequent viewing or jumping back and forth between two different on-screen items, a second screen would take up desk space and consume more energy while offering very little benefit.

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