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There may not be anything new about using more than one monitor attached to one computer.  In fact many people already use such setups because the modern graphics card can now accommodate two video outputs.  If you’re considering this setup you should know that it can be very convenient when you have extra information, like working with multiple overlapping documents.  This can allow you to track progress as it happens.

While there are many positives, one major disadvantage is the space that extra monitors may take.  You can compensate for this by using special stands that allow you to mount multiple monitors, but this won’t help if you don’t have enough space.  Also, you need to bear in mind that large, low resolution monitors are not the best decision.

Setting up multiple monitors in Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 is rather easy and should only take a minute.  You can do so by going to control panel >Appearance & Personalization>Display>Screen resolution.  Here you detect your recently attached monitors and arrange them in the order that they actually appear on your desk.  This is useful when moving your mouse back and forth between desk tops/monitors.  Note that if they are horizontally stacked, you can tell that they are arranged as such.

Among other things, dual monitor computers are useful for increasing your productivity while working.  Rather than having to switch back and forth between programs you can quickly look at a different screen.  This could be especially useful if you are spinning articles or doing some other type of tedious work.  In fact, I’m using 2 screens as I write this article right now and let me tell you, it makes a BIG difference in productivity.  I’m able to use my dual monitor system to read previously written articles, while spinning and rewriting the content in a completely different window.  It works great.

But it is not only article writers that use multiple monitor computers.  It is day traders, designers and engineers too.  You may think that guys (and gals) with walls of monitors may look kind of silly, but having multiple monitors means a complete view of the markets that traders may be trying to analyze.  Having more than one monitor can allow for multiple charts, order entry screen and maybe a table-based scanner as well.  Running all three of these on one screen means smaller print and more difficult to read.  The result could cost you money if a reading error is made.  When day trading, a split second can mean thousands of dollars (or more.)

So what is better, a dual or triple monitor setup?  Well when you are assembling your multi-monitor computer, it is important to keep these ideas in mind

1)      Make sure whatever graphics card you end up purchasing supports at least 2 monitors.

2)      You must have a good power supply and cooling system for your computer.  You’ll feel like a real idiot if you spend $600 on video cards, only to burn up your whole system because you were trying to save money on a cheap cooling system.

3)      Vertical configurations SUCK!  Seriously, unless you have a specific reason for using a vertical configuration, stick with a horizontal one.  You’ll be much happier in the long run.

4)      You can nearly always upgrade, so unless you’ve tried 2 monitors before and decided that wasn’t enough, consider starting with two monitors and going from there.  Don’t waste your resources on a huge system that you won’t ever end up using if you don’t have to do so.

Another big advantage of having a multiple monitor computer system is computer.  Laptops are small and make watching the markets considerably more difficult.  Having multiple monitors can give you a bigger viewing surface to track markets as they occur, without the crick in your neck.  There’s even a story about a guy who uses a multiple monitor computer system that is mounted to his ceiling above his bed so he can be in bed and trade futures while relaxing.

Asking why multiple monitors are so great is a lot like asking why you would want to watch a movie in 3D IMAX, when you could watch it on your laptop screen.  Seriously, the difference is unbelievable.  I can honestly say that I enjoy using my multiple monitors more than any other feature in my office because it makes work so much easier.

But in all seriousness, when it comes to trading, multiple monitors just make things simpler and easier.  They give you additional time to analyze the market before you make an important trade.  They also give you an additional opportunity to catch things that you might not have seen if you hadn’t had multiple monitors.  They make a big difference and any serious professional trader should use multiple monitors if they want to be the best in the business.

One mistake a lot of newbies make is using a laptop that isn’t sufficient to handle a multiple monitor system.  Granted DualHead2Go is great, but if you machine isn’t powerful enough to make the system work, then  it is pointless to have multiple monitors hooked up the same computer.  You might lose data because your system simply is not strong enough to handle your multiple monitors.  That means that if your current computer is not upgradeable then you should consider getting a computer that is made especially for trading.  There are lots of companies out there that specialize in these types of systems.  My favorite of which is mult-monitors.com .  Of course you can choice from a wide variety of companies that specialize in multi-monitors systems.

To sum up, buying a multiple monitor computer system is beneficial for many different reasons.  The most obvious tend to be efficiency, but comfort is important as well.  Don’t under estimate the power of multiple monitor system as it could make a huge difference for your business.