How One Ultrawide Monitor Screen is the Better Choice over Two Traditional Monitors Dual Display Setup

In this article, we explain why one ultrawide monitor is better than two regular monitors for productivity. We provide rich and comprehensive content that helps readers understand the advantages of using one ultrawide monitor over two monitors.

Introduction

In today’s world, we all want to increase our productivity and efficiency. One of the most important factors in achieving this is by having the right set of tools. A computer with a large display is one such tool that can significantly improve productivity. However, the question arises – what’s better: one ultrawide monitor or two regular monitors? If you are looking for a way to boost your productivity and enhance your visual experience, you might be considering upgrading your monitor setup. But what is the best option for you? Should you go for two traditional monitors side by side, or one ultrawide monitor that span across your desk?

In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of both options and show you why we think an ultrawide monitor is the superior choice for most users. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the best ultrawide monitor for your needs and budget.

What is an ultrawide monitor

An ultrawide monitor is a monitor that has a wider aspect ratio than the standard 16:9 ratio that most monitors have. The most common ultrawide aspect ratio is 21:9, which means that the monitor is 21 units wide and 9 units tall. Some ultrawide monitors have even wider ratios, such as 32:9 or 49:9.

An ultrawide monitor can have different resolutions, depending on the size and pixel density of the screen. For example, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor can have a resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels (also known as Full HD or FHD) or 3440 x 1440 pixels (also known as Quad HD or QHD). A 49-inch ultrawide monitor can have a resolution of 3840 x 1080 pixels (also known as Dual Full HD or DFHD) or 5120 x 1440 pixels (also known as Dual Quad HD or DQHD).

The Benefits of One Ultrawide Monitor

When it comes to selecting a monitor for productivity, there are two options: ultrawide monitors and regular monitors. When comparing an ultrawide monitor to a dual monitor setup, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

More Screen Real Estate

An ultrawide monitor can give you more horizontal space to work with multiple windows, applications, and documents at the same time. You can easily split your screen into different sections and arrange them according to your preferences. For example, you can have your email client on one side, your web browser on another, and your spreadsheet on another. You can also use the extra space to view more content without scrolling or zooming in and out. For example, you can see more columns and rows in a spreadsheet, more timeline tracks in a video editing software, or more tabs in a web browser.

Increased Productivity

With an ultrawide monitor, you can see more of your work at once without having to constantly switch between two screens. This means you can have multiple windows open side by side, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. In addition, you can eliminate the need for a second monitor and save valuable desk space, making it an ideal solution for those with limited space. Studies have shown that using an ultrawide monitor can increase productivity by up to 33%, making it a wise investment for anyone looking to boost their work output.

Better Gaming Experience

Gamers are another group of users who can benefit from an ultrawide monitor. With a wider field of view, gamers can immerse themselves in the game and see more of the action at once. In addition, ultrawide monitors have a higher aspect ratio than traditional monitors, providing a more cinematic experience. This makes them ideal for gaming, especially for first-person shooter games where having a wider field of view can give you a competitive edge.

Better immersion

An ultrawide monitor can also provide a more immersive and cinematic experience when watching movies, playing games, or viewing photos and videos. The wider aspect ratio can fill your peripheral vision and make you feel more engaged with the content. You can also enjoy higher quality images with more details and colors, thanks to the higher resolution and pixel density of an ultrawide monitor. Some ultrawide monitors also have curved screens that can further enhance the immersion by creating a more natural and comfortable viewing angle.

Space Efficiency

As mentioned earlier, ultrawide monitors can help you save valuable desk space. Instead of having two monitors taking up precious real estate, an ultrawide monitor can provide the same amount of screen real estate with a single screen solution. This not only helps you keep your desk clutter-free, but it also makes it easier to manage your cables and keep your workspace organized.

Less Clutter and Cables

An ultrawide monitor can also help you reduce the clutter and cables on your desk. Instead of having two separate monitors with their own stands, power cords, and video cables, you only need one monitor with one set of connections. This can make your workspace look neater and more organized. It can also save you some desk space and make it easier to adjust the position and height of your monitor.

Better for Video Editing

If you are a video editor, an ultrawide monitor can be a game-changer. With more screen real estate, you can have your timeline, video preview, and editing tools all open at once, making it easier to manage your project. In addition, the higher resolution and aspect ratio of ultrawide monitors provide a more accurate representation of your footage, allowing you to make more informed editing decisions.

Cost-Effective Solution

While ultrawide monitors can be more expensive than traditional monitors, they are still a cost-effective solution when compared to purchasing two separate monitors. Not only do you save money on the second monitor, but you also save money on additional cables, adapters, and desk space. In addition, with the productivity boost you get from an ultrawide monitor, the investment will pay for itself in no time.

Better ergonomics

An ultrawide monitor screen can also improve your ergonomics and comfort. With a single display, you only need to adjust one stand and one set of cables. You also don’t have to move your head or eyes as much as you would with two monitors. You can position your ultrawide monitor screen at the optimal distance and angle for your posture and vision. This can reduce eye strain, neck pain, and back pain caused by poor ergonomics.

More versatility

An ultrawide monitor screen can also offer you more versatility and flexibility than two traditional monitors. You can use an ultrawide monitor screen for various purposes and scenarios, such as gaming, editing, streaming, browsing, and more. You can also customize your screen layout according to your preferences and needs. For example, you can split your screen into multiple sections using software or hardware features. You can also use picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture modes to view different sources or inputs on the same screen.

More flexible window management

One of the benefits of using two monitors is that you can have multiple windows open at the same time and arrange them according to your preferences. However, this also means that you have to manually resize and position your windows every time you want to change your layout or switch between applications. This can be time-consuming and tedious. With an ultrawide monitor screen, you can use software tools that allow you to easily split your screen into different sections and snap your windows into place with a few clicks. You can also customize your split-screen layout depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you can have a 3:1 split for working on a document on one side and browsing the web on the other side, or a 2:2 split for gaming on one side and chatting on the other side.

More consistent color and brightness

Another drawback of using two monitors is that they may not have the same color and brightness settings. This can create a mismatch between your screens, which can affect your visual quality and comfort. For example, if one monitor is brighter than the other, you may have to adjust your eyes constantly when moving from one screen to the other. This can cause eye strain and fatigue over time. With an ultrawide monitor screen, you only have one display to calibrate and adjust, which can ensure a more consistent and uniform color and brightness across your entire screen.

Performance

One of the main reasons why people choose to use two monitors is to increase their performance. Having two screens allows you to work on multiple tasks at the same time, such as browsing the web on one screen and editing a document on another. However, this also comes with some drawbacks. For instance, you might experience:

– Distractions: Having two screens can be distracting, especially if you have notifications or pop-ups on one screen while you are working on another. You might also be tempted to check your social media or email on one screen while you are supposed to be focused on your work on another.
– Eye strain: Having two screens can cause eye strain, especially if they have different brightness levels, resolutions, or color temperatures. You might also have to adjust your eyes constantly when moving from one screen to another.
– Lag: Having two screens can cause lag, especially if they are connected to different ports or use different cables. You might also have to deal with compatibility issues or driver updates for each monitor.

An ultrawide monitor can solve these problems by providing you with a single seamless display that can handle multiple tasks without compromising your performance. With an ultrawide monitor, you can:

– Focus: Having one screen can help you focus better on your work, as you will have fewer distractions and interruptions. You can also use features like split-screen or picture-in-picture to divide your screen into different sections and work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
– Relax: Having one screen can reduce eye strain, as you will have a consistent brightness level, resolution, and color temperature across your display. You will also have less eye movement when switching between tasks.
– Enjoy: Having one screen can enhance your enjoyment, as you will have a smoother and faster experience with no lag or compatibility issues. You will also have a higher quality display with sharper images and richer colors.

Productivity

One of the main reasons why people use two monitors is to increase their productivity. Having two screens allows you to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, such as browsing the web on one screen and writing a document on the other. However, using two monitors also comes with some drawbacks, such as:

– The gap between the screens can be distracting and interrupt your workflow.
– The bezels of the monitors can create visual clutter and reduce your field of view.
– The different settings and resolutions of the monitors can cause inconsistency and eye strain.
– The extra cables and power outlets required for two monitors can create a mess and increase your energy consumption.

An ultrawide monitor screen can solve these problems by providing you with a seamless and immersive workspace. With an ultrawide monitor screen, you can:

– Enjoy a continuous and uninterrupted view of your content without any gaps or bezels.
– Adjust the settings and resolution of your display to suit your preferences and needs.
– Reduce the number of cables and power outlets needed for your setup and save energy.
– Use split-screen or picture-in-picture features to divide your screen into multiple sections and work on different tasks at the same time.

Gaming

Another reason why people use two monitors is to enhance their gaming experience. Having two screens allows you to play games on one screen and watch videos or chat with friends on the other. However, using two monitors also comes with some challenges, such as:

– The gap between the screens can break your immersion and ruin your gameplay.
– The bezels of the monitors can interfere with your field of view and limit your peripheral vision.
– The different settings and resolutions of the monitors can cause lag and performance issues.
– The cables and stands of the monitors can get in the way of your mouse movement and keyboard placement.

An ultrawide monitor can overcome these challenges by providing you with a stunning and immersive gaming experience. With an ultrawide monitor, you can:

– Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted gameplay without any gaps or bezels.
– Expand your field of view and enhance your peripheral vision with a wider aspect ratio.
– Optimize your gaming performance and quality with high refresh rates, low response times, adaptive sync technologies, and HDR support.
– Maximize your desk space and ergonomics by using only one monitor.

Ergonomics

Another reason why people use two monitors is to improve their ergonomics. Having two screens can help you avoid neck and eye strain by allowing you to position them at a comfortable angle and distance. However, using two monitors also poses some ergonomic challenges, such as:

– The need to constantly move your head and eyes from one screen to another can cause fatigue and discomfort.
– The difference in brightness and color temperature of the monitors can affect your vision and mood.
– The extra space required for two monitors can limit your desk space and movement.

An ultrawide monitor screen can enhance your ergonomics by providing you with a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. With an ultrawide monitor screen, you can:

– Keep your head and eyes focused on one screen without having to shift your attention or posture.
– Enjoy a consistent and balanced brightness and color temperature across your display.
– Free up more desk space and movement by having only one monitor.

Aesthetics

A third reason why people use two monitors is to improve their aesthetics. Having two screens can make your setup look more impressive and professional. However, using two monitors also has some aesthetic drawbacks, such as:

– The mismatched sizes and designs of the monitors can create a disharmonious and unappealing look.
– The extra wires and cords required for two monitors can create a cluttered and messy appearance.
– The lack of symmetry and alignment of the monitors can affect your sense of balance and harmony.

An ultrawide monitor screen can elevate your aesthetics by providing you with a sleek and elegant look. With an ultrawide monitor screen, you can:

– Achieve a uniform and harmonious look with one monitor that matches your style and taste.
– Minimize the wires and cords required for your setup and create a clean and tidy appearance.
– Create a symmetrical and aligned look with one monitor that fits perfectly on your desk.

Choosing the Right Ultrawide Monitor

When choosing an ultrawide monitor, it’s important to consider factors such as resolution, refresh rate, and panel type. A higher resolution monitor will provide more screen real estate and sharper images, while a higher refresh rate will provide a smoother and more responsive experience. Additionally, different panel types such as IPS or VA will provide different color accuracy and viewing angles.

How to Optimize Ultrawide Monitors for Productivity

While ultrawide monitors are great for productivity, they need to be optimized for best results. One way to do this is by using window management software, which allows you to arrange windows and applications on the screen in a customized way. Another way is by using split-screen mode, which divides the screen into two or more windows. This helps you to work on multiple applications simultaneously, without having to switch between them constantly.

FAQs

Question: Are ultrawide monitors more expensive than standard monitors?
Answer: Ultrawide monitors are generally more expensive than standard monitors. However, ultrawide monitors offer more screen real estate and can replace a dual monitor setup. They also provide a better shape for movies that are shot in 21:9.

Question: Can an ultrawide monitor be used for multitasking?
Answer: Yes, ultrawide monitors are ideal for multitasking as they provide more screen space and can be split into two. They are also better than standard monitors when it comes to productivity as you get more space for more windows.

Question: Can ultrawide monitors be used for gaming?
Answer: Yes, ultrawide monitors are an awesome choice for PC gaming as they offer more usable space for gaming and a more immersive aspect ratio. They increase the overall field of view (FoV), giving you access to areas you would usually need to pan to view. However, ultrawide gaming monitors remain a tiny niche compared to far more popular 27-inch and 32-inch widescreen gaming monitors.

Question: Can an ultrawide monitor replace two standard monitors?
Answer: Yes, ultrawide monitors can replace two standard monitors as they offer extra screen real estate without the ugly bezels. However, dual displays are more flexible in terms of screen angles and can offer a wider expanse than a single ultrawide monitor.

Question: What size ultrawide monitor should I get?
Answer: Most people should focus on buying a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. If you want to game, look for an enhanced refresh rate (120Hz or better) and support for an adaptive sync standard compatible with your graphics card. Ultrawide monitors can be as small as 29 inches and go up to as big as 49 inches.

Question: Are there any downsides to using an ultrawide monitor?
Answer: Ultrawide monitors are expensive and can be huge. They also have a non-standard resolution and because ultrawide displays are vast, the image quality near the edges will suffer. However, they offer an immersive experience for most games and having a 34” ultrawide display is a dream for any gamer. A wider resolution means more comfortably using two or three windows at once, and many offer more connectivity options than a standard monitor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of using one ultrawide monitor over two traditional monitors are clear. From improved productivity and enhanced gaming experiences to cost-effectiveness and more desk space, there are many reasons why an ultrawide monitor is a better choice. So, if you’re considering upgrading your current setup, an ultrawide monitor is definitely worth considering.