Hanging onto my two-screen configuration for all it's worth, yet intrigued by the allure of ultrawides
In the realm of digital workspaces, the age-old question persists: dual monitors or an ultrawide display? This conundrum has been a point of contention for many, especially for those who value productivity and immersive experiences.
For over a decade, author [Name] has been a staunch advocate of dual monitor setups, finding them indispensable for their work and gaming needs. However, a bothersome aspect of this setup is the constant need to crane the neck left and right, a concern that ultrawides aim to address.
The author's discomfort stems from the hard-to-align bezels between monitors in a dual setup, as well as the eye strain caused by the weaker prescription at the sides and near the top, a common issue for those with progressive lenses.
Recently, the author made a change, buying two of the same screens to eliminate these issues. The current setup, a dual 16:9 monitor configuration, has proven beneficial for both work and gaming.
However, the allure of ultrawides is hard to ignore. With advancements in technology and cost-effectiveness, ultrawides offer a seamless screen space and reduced cable clutter, potentially enhancing visual immersion and simplifying the workspace.
Yet, the author is hesitant to switch due to personal factors. The small apartment living space makes larger ultrawides like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 impractical, while the author's reluctance to invest in a single, potentially expensive ultrawide monitor also plays a role.
The author highly recommends the LG 27GP850-B monitors for their performance, praising them for their ability to excel in productivity tasks by allowing users to dedicate a full screen to different apps, reducing window overlap and speeding task switching.
From a cost perspective, ultrawides have become more accessible, with options ranging from budget models around $199 to premium models close to $879. However, dual monitors might still be a more affordable choice if one opts for smaller or less expensive individual monitors.
Additional factors to consider include desk space, ergonomics, connectivity, and the intended use of the setup. For instance, ultrawides often save physical desk space compared to two monitors side by side, while some curved models can reduce the need to move your head extensively, easing eye strain.
On the other hand, dual monitors offer better multitasking and easier window management, a boon for those who frequently switch between applications. However, many games aren't optimized for ultrawides, which can result in black bars or suboptimal pixel distribution.
In summary, if affordability and maximum multitasking productivity are priorities, dual monitors often retain an edge. For an immersive, clutter-free experience with good screen real estate and modern features, ultrawides are increasingly viable, especially if one invests in quality models and manages windows well.
The author, a monitor reviewer, is intrigued by upcoming displays and is considering a switch to a single ultrawide monitor setup. The Samsung ViewFinity, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor optimized for gaming with a 100Hz refresh rate, currently costs $269, making it an attractive option.
As technology advances and costs continue to drop, the decision between dual monitors and ultrawides will become even more nuanced. For now, the author remains resistant to the temptation to switch, finding comfort in the productivity benefits of their dual 27-inch monitors.
The author, despite the advancing technology and cost-effectiveness of ultrawides, remains hesitant to replace their dual 27-inch monitors due to space constraints in their small apartment and financial considerations. On the other hand, the author appreciates the gadgets, such as the LG 27GP850-B monitors and the Samsung ViewFinity ultrawide, for their performance and features that could potentially enhance work and gaming experiences.
