There are tech upgrades that look good, and then there are ones that actually make a difference. For me, adding a second monitor was easily one of the best decisions I’ve made for both productivity and daily comfort.
I started using a second screen around two years ago. I was a computer science student struggling with constant window switching — whether I was coding, watching lectures, or referencing documentation, everything felt cramped on one display. One monitor just wasn’t enough.
Why One Monitor Wasn’t Cutting It
I started using a second screen around two years ago. I was a computer science student struggling with constant window switching — whether I was coding, watching lectures, or referencing documentation, everything felt cramped on one display. One monitor just wasn’t enough.
Why One Monitor Wasn’t Cutting It
If you’ve ever had to:
- - Write code while referencing documentation
- - Watch a lecture and take notes at the same time
- - Switch between multiple apps regularly
…then you know the pain. I’d constantly Alt+Tab between windows, resize things awkwardly, and lose focus every few minutes.
Eventually, I had enough — and added a second monitor to my setup.
My Simple, Affordable Dual Monitor Setup
My Simple, Affordable Dual Monitor Setup
Nothing fancy here — just what works:
- - Main Monitor: LG 1920x1080 (about €150)
- - Second Monitor: Older ViewSonic 1440x900 I got for around €30–€40
Even though my second screen is a bit older and not the same resolution, it still massively upgraded my workflow. You don’t need a matching ultra-wide setup to make dual screens work.
How It Boosted My Productivity
How It Boosted My Productivity
Once I started using both screens, I noticed immediate benefits:
- - Coding is smoother. I write code on one monitor and keep documentation, Stack Overflow, or API references open on the other.
- - Studying is more efficient. I can watch tutorial videos or lectures on one screen while taking notes or trying examples on the other.
- - Spotify control is effortless. I keep Spotify open on the secondary monitor so I can see what’s playing and quickly add songs to my playlists.
- - Multitasking feels natural. Whether it’s casual browsing, chatting, or watching something in the background — everything just flows better.
How I Use It Day to Day
Most of my actual work — like writing code or assignments — happens on the main monitor. The second screen acts like a support space:
Docs, YouTube, background media, and music live there.
Docs, YouTube, background media, and music live there.
I also use it to preview files, keep communication tools like Discord open, or quickly Google something without leaving my main task.
If you're a student or remote worker doing anything beyond casual browsing, I can’t recommend dual monitors enough. It’s a genuine workflow upgrade.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you're a student or remote worker doing anything beyond casual browsing, I can’t recommend dual monitors enough. It’s a genuine workflow upgrade.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely — and it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can easily find decent second monitors for under €100 (or even cheaper if you’re fine with used). And once you try it, there’s really no going back.
It’s not just a “productivity hack.” It’s a comfort upgrade, a workflow boost, and honestly… it just feels good to work this way.
Ready to upgrade your setup?
Ready to upgrade your setup?