Maximizing Screen Real Estate: Stacked Monitors vs. Additional Workspaces

According to John Peddie Research conducted with over 1,000 end users, multi-monitor setups can bring up to a 42% increase in productivity on average. 

Now, there are two ways you cash in on this.

You can set up additional workspaces side-by-side or with stacked monitors like Geminos. Each setup has its benefits, and if you look at the differences to compare them directly, you’ll be able to find the right one for you. 

Capabilities 

Stacked monitors and additional workspaces increase your screen real estate. You can dedicate your primary screen to the task you’re currently working on and use the spare to keep an eye on reference materials and other peripheral assignments. 

For example, you need to collaborate with your team to complete a project. You communicate via emails on the secondary monitor or hop on a video call with your colleagues via Skype, Zoom, and other programs. This way, you can share your progress without spending significant time away from your primary workspace.

That said, there is a significant bezel gap if you go with additional workspaces, which can do a number on your performance. Eliminate that risk by choosing stacked monitors with ultra-thin bezels. These will give you a sense of immersion and ensure maximum concentration by enhancing your overall field of view.

Setup and Installation

Here’s where you’ll find the most notable difference. 

Additional workspaces are arranged side by side, so they take up a lot of space on your station. If you use mounts, a keyboard, and a mouse for extra functionality, they could clutter your desk. As our brains like order, having so many things in your workspace could negatively influence cognition, behavior, and stress levels. At the end of the day, they may reduce one’s ability to focus. 

That’s a problem you’re unlikely to face with stacked monitors. Because they’re installed vertically, they provide more viewing surface with less surface area on your desk. With workspaces shrinking to 75 to 150 square feet from the 325 square feet from 20 years ago, this could go a long way to reduce clutter. 

Plus, you don’t require a mount to adjust height. Everything connects with its 10-in-1 multiport, so it can be the complete solution to your problems. It also has built-in speakers and a microphone, so you won’t have to invest in add-ons!

Ergonomics 

If you’re sitting at your desk for hours at a time, you’ll need a work canvas that minimizes strain while maximizing productivity. 

For example, additional workspaces give you the freedom to fine-tune the orientation to your liking. You could set it up horizontally or vertically and personalize it for different needs, such as reading, browsing, gaming, or writing. 

Conversely, while stacked monitors appear fixed, they have sit-to-stand functionality compatible with various orientations to accommodate different needs. With the linkage system, there’s no cumbersome rotation of the screens anymore.

Place the primary screen at eye level, with all the frequently-used apps easy to access, while positioning the rest on the monitor above. You can adjust the setup based on your eyesight, such as font size and brightness, to create the best environment for work and play. It will reduce eye, neck, back, and shoulder strain while promoting efficient workflow.

Either way, you’re getting the best bang for your buck. 

Multitasking Potential 

A vertically stacked setup is great for anyone who needs to read lines upon lines of code—turning your neck side to side can cause fatigue over time. That said, both setups eliminate the hassle of minimizing and maximizing multiple windows, so you can be confident you’ll get more work done in less time. 

If studies are any indication, you’ll get to do that with a 20% reduction in error.

While you can see everything at once, it doesn’t mean you have to. Organize your screens for efficiency, restricting the primary area for work (or streaming if you’re a gamer), and keep social media away from your main screen.

Friendly tip: If you’re adding a secondary screen to your setup, check the technical specifications of the connections needed. HDMI and Display Port are standard, but different versions have different capabilities. Do your due diligence, and you won’t have to shell out extra dollars on add-ons.

Elevate Your Productivity with Multi-Monitor Setup 

Multi-monitor setups will give you an edge and help you do more work in less time. MobilePixels has an impressive range of products that will take your work or gaming setup to the next level.