Flat Screen Monitors
When you are setting up your home office consider the benefits of having more than one screen for your computer. With todays flat screens taking up less space than a conventional monitor it's very easy to have several screens in your home office. Prices are going down all the time so you can add more as you need them.
Why Have More Screens?
Having several screens is the multi-tasker's solution to the problem of needing to look at more than one document or website at once. With two or more screens you can compare sites, edit documents, do graphics, or work on several aspects of a project at the same time. For example if you need to copy something from one document to another you can just copy and paste it transferring it from a document on one screen to another document on the second screen. And you can still see both documents at the same time, making features like 'track changes' a breeze to use. You keep the original document on one screen and make the alterations on the other. Each screen can act as a 'window' for different tasks and enables you to work more efficiently. With more than one screen you won't have to keep switching between 'tabs' when you want to look at more than one website at a time.
What To Look For
There are two main types of flat screens available - LCD or liquid crystal display and LED or light emitting diode screens. Most screens available today are LCD's, although if you want the latest technology you may want to go for the brighter and much more expensive LED option. These are often standard on high end laptops and notebook computers.
Screen Size
Screens are measured diagonally across from one corner to the other. 17" screens were standard but as prices drop larger screens become more affordable. Now the standard is 19" edging towards 21" with some monitors reaching as much as 30" in a wide screen format. Widescreens are great for watching movies but may not always be appropriate for managing your documents. Remember to try before you buy to make sure that you are getting something that you feel comfortable with. And don't forget to consider your available desk space if you are getting more than one screen.
Color
If you work in graphics the range of color the monitor will display is, as you already know, very important so make sure you check that the color accuracy suits your needs.
Stands
When you are using several screens simultaneously you need to make sure that the screen stands offer you a lot of flexibility. If you are operating as many as five screens, which some people do, you want to be able to adjust not only the tilt but also the height, pivot and swivel of all your screens so that you are using all of them in the most ergonomic fashion possible.
Carrying Case
Make sure that you have a carrying case for at least one screen so that you can take an extra screen along with your laptop. That way when you are working away from your home office you still have the flexibility of two or more screens.