External monitor for laptop - why do you need one?

1. A second monitor is linked to higher work productivity

Do you know that feeling of helplessness when you have to constantly "jump" between two, or even more, windows at work? This commonly happens when translating or rewriting texts, but also when comparing any different outputs. Of course, with a little bit of practice can windows be switched also using the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut (or the touchpad on a MacBook) - but in most cases it's frustrating, time-consuming and essentially useless activity . An external monitor for a laptop can do this eliminate the problem completely . You have the assignment on one screen and its development on the other. There are truly countless ways to use the second monitor.

2. Bigger monitor = better monitor

The trend in the world of technology is the gradual shrinking of all products to the limit of bearable user-friendliness, but The opposite is true for monitors . What The bigger the better . With the popularity of mini laptops and ultrabooks with 11 or 13 inch screens, the demand for external monitors is logical. Small and light laptops have a number of undeniable advantages and can be used practically everywhere. But the moment you want to really immerse yourself in work, their advantages turn into one big disadvantage. If you have ever tried to work on a small 11" laptop for a few hours, you definitely know what we mean :) But after connecting a second monitor to the laptop, this problem is solved.

3. An external monitor is convenient even during home office

If you're used to communicating with colleagues at work via services like Skype or Google Hangouts, a laptop monitor can be a great way to stay connected and at the same time discuss the project you have just finished and open on the second screen.

4. An external monitor can benefit your spine

Many people working with computers (whether at home or in the office) still do not take the fact that Monotonous sitting over a laptop is destroying their spine as well as repeated physical exertion. The consequences tend to appear a little later, but they are all the more unpleasant. The topic of proper sitting and posture at the desk It is therefore increasingly relevant. A person sitting upright in an office chair should look at the monitor horizontally.

But you can't practically achieve such a position with a laptop. External monitors tend to be large enough, or are height-adjustable so you don't have to hunch over them. From this perspective, investing in an external monitor is truly essential.

5. Easy monitor setup and even easier to use

Most monitors are connects via VGA/DVI interface , in the case of newer devices via HDMI , Thunderbolt or DisplayPort . Using gadgets like Chromecast or AirTame, we can now connect monitors wirelessly. Despite the fact that the trend for laptops is fewer and fewer inputs due to the decreasing height of laptops, most laptops still have at least an HDMI interface and after connecting the monitor to the laptop, you just need to turn it on (or adjust the brightness and contrast) and you can use it happily! If you encounter a problem connecting the monitor and laptop, there is also an option adapters that are cheap and available and exist in all possible combinations of the above interfaces.

How can you use an external monitor? Basically, you have two options. Larger You can use the monitor for mirroring. of what you have on the small screen of your laptop. This is useful, for example, at work - you are projecting to colleagues at a meeting in a meeting room, on a big screen what you see on a smaller screen in front of you. It's definitely more pleasant than if someone was looking over your shoulder :)

Other options are offered at using a second monitor to extend your desktop . Here you can use all the options we mentioned above. An interesting advantage of some monitors is their 90-degree rotation to portrait mode , which brings greater comfort when working with long texts or tables.

What to look out for before buying an external monitor?

1. The monitor takes up a lot of space on the desk

Having enough space and order on your desk is more important than it seems. Especially if you work from home and don't have a proper desk and are dependent on a table, a "bed-office" or a kitchen table. An external monitor takes up space , so unless you have somewhere to put it, it won't be of much use to you.

2. Price of the second monitor

Nothing is free, and that's true of monitors. Their benefits are undeniable, but you'll have to make an initial investment first. Monitors aren't that expensive in general, but if you've just splashed your last savings on the latest MacBook, a monitor might have to wait. If you want on an external monitor , look for example for refurbished monitors at a bargain price .

3. Performance requirements

One or more monitors also have increased requirements for graphics card and processor - if you want to connect several of them to your laptop, you should do so in advance check if it is technically possible . In most cases, you don't need to worry, even laptops with integrated graphics can easily handle an external monitor, even two.

4. More options for procrastination

What we mentioned as one of the biggest benefits of an external monitor can be a pitfall for many people. If you have trouble staying focused and are easily distracted, an external monitor probably won't help you - especially if you keep Facebook or your email client open on one screen. You know what we're talking about :)

Summarized and underlined

Just a quick glance at the advantages and disadvantages of external monitors will tell us that The benefits clearly outweigh the negatives . More efficient and comfortable work (but also fun), less time wasted by constantly switching and searching for programs and open windows, fewer errors, less eye strain, the possibility of height adjustment - these are all undeniable advantages. Browse our range of quality refurbished external monitors at truly attractive prices and take your work and entertainment to a new level!

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