Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity

eggoeater writes "An systematic study conducted by NEC-Mitsubishi, ATI Technologies and the University of Utah has concluded that the use of multiple monitors in the workplace increases productivity. The study is discussed on Tom's Hardware, EE Times, and there's a detailed press release on NEC-Mitsubishi. For those of us who use multi-monitors, this is not shocking. But maybe now that it's official, IT managers will view it as a good investment and not just for gamers."

What about multiple desktops?

[oneself]

I use 64 in my KDE. So I'm _really_ productive.
Although I sometimes lose applications for days on end.

Duh

[The One KEA]

My father has two DVSam 17" LCDs connected to a Matrox Millennium G450. He absolutely loves this setup because it makes it much easier to work on larger tasks like copying files using Explorer or viewing multiple Web pages or viewing a Web page while typing an e-mail.
I wish I could have a dual-monitor setup.

Another study

[Bull999999]

Another study shows even greater productivity if you use NEC-Mitsubishi monitors with ATI Technologies video cards and the user has one or more University of Utah degrees.

dear slashdot....

[smd4985]

it was my birthday recently - obviously you posted this story in order to convince my boss that buying me that extra flat-screen LCD is a cost-effective decision. happy birthday to me and thanks very much :).

(please don't mod this up, don't want the boss to see it :) )

A single monitor?

[Kidbro]

[...] has concluded that the use of multiple monitors in the workplace increases productivity.

Yeah, I hate it when all developers have to share a single monitor. Sucks.

This just in...

[bunyip]

NEC funded study shows that multiple monitors are good for you.

MS funded study shows that Linux is bad for you.

Phillip Morris funded study shows that smoking is good for you.

I think I'm beginning to see a pattern...

All you need to know...

[Schwartzboy]

Is this this is "An systematic study conducted by NEC-Mitsubishi, ATI Technologies and the University of Utah". 2/3 of the organizations involved in the study have a vested interest in proving that a multi-monitor setup is more productive, gives you better skin, or whatever. I can see the board meeting now. "Hey Frank, I've figured out how we can just about double our sales in the business sector..."
That being said, I'll be using this article in a pitch to the wife to let me invest in some more "productivity enhancing" tools.

Re:What about multiple desktops?

[chiasmus1]

I found that when I am programming, having a large monitor helps me organize code. I am able to program better and quicker. I have also noticed that the virtual desktops really help me get more done at once.

Sometimes these studies seem like a bunch of people getting together to study what the programmers already consider to be common sense. You have to wonder if someone decided that they could get money if they did a study that they already knew the results of.

Re:dear slashdot....

[lordvdr]

You're boss reads slashdot?

I am confused. How can this be? Ahhhh, my head is spinning!

Re:A single monitor?

[Greyfox]

That's one aspect of Extreme Programming I never liked. Though the Really Extreme Programming (XXXProgramming) where one developer sits on another developer's lap does show some promise...

Yet another study

[mnmn]

In another study conducted by Ford, GM and Toyota, it was discovered that driving multiple cars increases travel. It was found that individuals driving new cars, and multiple cars, not necessarily at the same time, are happier as a result. This should be hopefully a new incentive for managers to increase the wages of their employees so they can make Toyota mangers rich.

You want productivity?

[Anonymous Coward]

I've got two words for you: 'Free Crank!'

Coffee and soda is just a half-assed solution. You've got to go the extra distance to do great things. The occasional psychotic breakdowns are also good for a few laughs and make for great teambuilding.

Re:what's the use?

[cloudship_tacitus]

I've never "gotten" dual head.

well, i would certainly hope not. you'd have to be some kind of freak otherwise.

(sorry, couldn't resist an opportunity for tasteless (non)humour).

In Other News...

[mazarin5]

Keebler and Nabisco have teamed up with the University of Toledo to show that a steady diet of cookies decreases heart disease.

John Ascroft and MIT have determined that electronic tracking collars increase pedestian safety

Nokia strongly insists that the N-Gage doesn't blow

Hey, this is cheaper than headcount!

[Syberghost]

It's the perfect solution; since an extra monitor makes you 18% more efficient, 5 of them must make you almost 100% more efficient.

So, instead of hiring 100 employees, I'll just hire one, and get him 495 extra monitors!

Re:What about multiple desktops?

[TopShelf]

Oh come on, next you're going to tell me that vendor-sponsored research from firms like Gartner and Forrester is suspect!