This past trial was the intentional use of a second monitor. It gave me the nudge I needed to carry out on a long intended use of my tablet. There were plenty of positives with no major drawbacks.
Improved Productivity
While work didn’t always allow for it, when focused on one task, I was easily able to have my workspace and references open all at once. Not having to flip around windows to find what I needed has been a huge improvement in getting work done.
Being able to stuff any unneeded windows onto my second screen also allowed me to better focus on the task at hand.. Previously, I’d find myself looking through open windows for something I needed and end up down a rabbit hole after looking at email or something I put aside earlier.
One of the biggest benefits has been keeping my tablet in use. By putting the second screen up, I’ve rarely used my tablet for anything else during work. I’ve occasionally thrown on live streams or videos for some background noise when I start to get bored, which of course led to a greater distraction. With work taking up the screen, I have to limit what else I open.
Easy to Set Up
As I’ve mentioned a few times, getting the multiple monitors set up takes almost no time. I plug in a wire and open an app, that’s it.
The use of a device I can take nearly anywhere also helps me use the setup wherever I may be. I can easily move rooms or across the country, if I wanted.
The only downside I’ve experienced thus far is when the cord connecting the tablet temporarily gets loose or bumped, and it disconnects. The program I use for work jitters a bit and goes to only one screen. I then have to click a few buttons to get everything back in order. Luckily, it rarely happens and is only a minor inconvenience.
What’s Next?
This is another trial that I see myself continuing. There are really only upsides to continuing to build this habit.
For my next trial, I’ll be trying something a bit different. Rather than trying something that I believe will make me more productive, healthy, etc., I’m going to do the opposite. For the next few weeks, I’ll be spending more time on social media, at least 30 minutes per day.
Trying Out Before Buying In 