Business case for dual monitors

[Sam Beard]

All,

   When I first got here, there was only a single monitor. At my last
place, I had two monitors and was hooked ever since. I asked for and got
a second monitor in very short order. It makes work SO much easier,
especially when you document software or the software interface for
hardware. As has already been mentioned, it allows for the effortless
display of the software/interface on one screen while documenting said
software on the second. When a new coworker first started here, she had
the two monitors, but didn't really use the second one. Since she's been
here, though, I've noticed her keeping one or two things open on the one
monitor while using Frame and Photoshop on the other. It may SEEM like a
luxury, particularly if you're not used to it, but it CERTAINLY makes
work go easier and smoother!

Samuel I. Beard, Jr.
Technical Writer
OI Analytical
979 690-1711 Ext. 222
sbeard at oico.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+sbeard=oico.com at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sbeard=oico.com at lists.techwr-l.com] On Behalf
Of Suzette Leeming
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 10:53 AM
To: McLauchlan, Kevin
Cc: techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com
Subject: Re: Business case for dual monitors

At my last job, I telecommuted and worked from home where my setup was 2
computers - one running the app & Snagit, and the other Framemaker &
Acrobat
& Word.

When I started with my current company, I only telecommute 50%. So, same
set
up at home. At the office, one of the developers had 2 monitors and I
thought... what a great idea! So I asked for and received a second
monitor.
My productivity is at least 25% greater with this set up, as I don't
need to
keep switching windows around. I see the app on the left monitor while I
write about it on the right monitor.

I've upgraded my home system to a 24" wide screen LCD monitor, so I have
enough room to have the app, and my software open side by side. Not
great,
but it works. I'm planning to get a second monitor at some point though.

Now I'm trying to convince them to buy me LCD monitors at work since
they
take up less desk room and are easier on my eyes (I have really bad
eyesight). It seems there's a "pecking" order to get LCD monitors, but I
think I'll probably get them by the end of this year (fingers crossed).