How to Buy a PC Dual Screen System

A dual screen personal computer (PC) system provides more visual space for your work. Two screens, or monitors, allow you to have more on your desktop and makes working in two or more applications easier. With a dual monitor PC setup, switching between open windows is less of an issue and you also increase productivity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ensure that the computers you are considering are equipped with two video cards. Each monitor requires its own video card in order to connect to the computer. Ideally a dual monitor PC is equipped with two identical video cards.

2. Check the specifications of the computer and video cards. Make sure that the computer's motherboard, power supply and heat sink or fan can handle the extra demand of two video cards, especially if the video cards are rated for graphics and gaming.

3. Take a look inside the computer case. Visually confirm that the video cards are near the computer fan or heat sink or that they have individual fans. Also, inspect the slot space for the video cards to determine if a future upgrade is possible when needed.

4. Measure the available desk space for two monitors. Some monitors have built in speakers which makes a more efficient use of desk space if audio quality is not an important factor for you.

5. Choose identical monitors for your dual screen PC system. Two of the same monitors with the largest viewing screen area your desk allows minimizes eye strain.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the store technicians set up your computer to use both monitors if you are unfamiliar with changing the computer display properties.

[TradeSkillsLLC]

on 11/20/2008 Usbstuff.com has "no card needed" adapters to make additional external monitor connections. Also Matrox makes Triple head 2 Go. Also there are USB wireless monitor connections now... which has many implications for wireless security with touch screens in educational and corporate settings.