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Ask HN: Ultrawide vs. Dual Monitors

2 points by huangc10 ↗ HN
I'd like to hear what the community thinks about ultrawide vs. dual monitors. I've been using a dual/triple monitor setup for years and am considering the switch to ultrawide. I'd like to see the communities opinions first! Much appreciated.

*Edit, I want to add that my usage is mostly for work/productivity purposes.

11 comments

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johng
I've done both and only use "large" monitors now. Be it ultrawide or large high resolution monitors... I can't stand the bezels and turning my neck larger distances/more often always bothered me. I think this is just one of those personal preferences things though.
huangc10
Agreed. With triple monitors, it was annoying that I had to move my head back and forth. My preference so far has been with dual monitors. How about productivity? About the same?
karmakaze
Same here, I've switched to a single LG 43" 4K display and I won't be going back. It has good P-in-P and P-by-P options for multi-input uses too.
JohnFen
I've used both, and I prefer using multiple monitors over the ultrawides. I've found that multiple monitors gives me much more flexibility, as I can orient them in a manner that's most conducive to the task at hand (for instance, being able to aim one monitor towards visitors to show them things).

But, honestly, my preference is a slight one -- if I have to use an ultrawide instead, that's actually fine.

huangc10
Cool, thanks! I'm actually still keeping my dual monitor setup at work and similar to you, at times I move the mount so I can show co-workers some code or UI.

I'm looking to update my setup at home to maximize productivity. Interesting points you brought up!

neuralRiot
I use both,and i find that both setups have their advantages depending on the intended use, i use an ultrawide in my home studio for music production and video editing, this is great because i can see a long horizontal timeline. At work instead i use 2x24in to view datasheets and schematics side by side.
huangc10
This might be the way I go...
chrisbennet
I use both at once.

Left monitor is a Dell U3818DW 38" curved (3840x1600)

My right monitor Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 27-Inch 4K IPS Monitor (3840 x 2160)

If you price them out, they are are very cheap per day - $4 a day.

huangc10
Interesting. What do you mean by $4/day? In power consumption cost-wise? Never factored that into my decision but very interesting...The Dell U3818DW is on my radar.
chrisbennet
1,629.98 = $1,119.99 + $509.99

$4.46 day = $1,629.98 / 365 days

I was a bit off, but you get the idea. I feel it is a good ROI.

huangc10
haha I see what you mean. I usually keep my monitors for 5 years. I guess if I get the Dell, I can say $1119.99/ (365*5) = ~$0.61. Good idea!