Utilities

Want the taskbar to extend across all screens? Want to display different wallpapers on each monitor or one large image across both screens? These and other features may require additional software. Here are a few utilities to get more control over your multiple monitor system.

UltraMon ($39.95)

Complete dual monitor utility that I currently use. The most feature rich of the dual monitor control programs. Features include:

• Wallpaper support
• Extension of the task bar to all monitors
• Additional buttons and menu choices for moving, throwing and sizing windows
• Shortcuts to open programs in specific locations
• Highly customizable

MultiMon (Free or $28 for Pro)
Dual monitor utility with 2 levels of functionality. A free version extends the taskbar across all monitors, adds a move to window button and a few other features. The pro version includes more customization and window management capabilities.

Display Fusion (Free)
Dual screen wallpaper utility with Flickr integration.

Wallpapers

The right image can really make your dual monitor system pop. These have to be very large and panoramic photos. Not really something that you will find in your My Pictures folder.

Here are some wonderful resources for stunning images that fit perfectly on a dual monitor computer.

• Hongkiat
• BestSitesList
• Dual-Display
• Dual Monitor Backgrounds
• Screen Treats

Custom Stands

The real downside of a dual monitor system is the added desk space taken up. Solve this problem with a multi-monitor stand. Available in configurations holding 2 or more monitors, these space saving devices can mount to a wall, furniture or simply stand on your desktop. ErgoTron and Planar are leading manufacturers of multiple monitor stands.

What is so special about using 2 monitors?

Besides making your friends think you are a computer genius, there are huge productivity benefits to having a second screen. Think of all of the programs that you have open during a typical business day. At any given point, you may have a browser or 2 open, Outlook, a few folders, a photo or video editing program, Twhirl or another Twitter application and maybe even iTunes for some background music. All of this can quickly clutter a computer screen.

Now, image that instead of one 22″ monitor, you have 2. Suddenly, you have twice the real estate to work with. You can move email and social networking activities to one monitor while reserving the other screen for browsing, photo editing and video creation.

No more shuffling through windows to get to what you want to work on next. Everything is already in front of you.

The economics of a dual screen system

Believe it or not, it is cheaper to buy 2 smaller monitors than 1 huge monitor.

Let’s look at an example of buying a high-end Dell 24″ monitor (UltraSharp 2408WFP) versus 2 comparable Dell 22″ monitors (UltraSharp 2208WFP). The 24″ monitor costs $690, while the 22″ monitors cost $249 each ($498 for 2). That is a $192 dollar savings.

Not only would you save money going with the two 22″ monitors, you actually get more working space than with a single 24″ monitor.

Tips for adding a second monitor

Video cards
You will need a video card with 2 ports. Upgraded video cards have included 2 ports for years, so your computer may be ready for a second monitor, already.

If your computer uses an integrated graphics system (found in entry-level computers), you will need to add an aftermarket video card. This is a simple and inexpensive upgrade. You don’t need a cutting-edge gaming card to perform real estate technology tasks, so you could get away with a card costing $100 or less.

Monitor choices
If you already have 1 monitor, try to purchase a second identical monitor. This will not only look better on your desktop, but it will mean that the colors and brightness are the same.

If you are unable to buy an identical second monitor, make sure that the new monitor has the same native resolution as your current monitor. Running 2 monitors with different resolutions complicates an otherwise simple configuration.

Buying 2 new monitors? Purchase screens whose size is in the current price-to-size sweet spot. Right now, 22″ monitors are the cheapest for the size. Prices go up considerably once you jump to the 24″ size or larger. This changes over time as larger monitor prices drop, so do your homework.

Pick up a second monitor and watch your productivity surge. It really is one of the smartest real estate technology investments you can make.