Bigger Displays Make You More Productive

Researchers have once and for all proven that bigger screens make people more productive. It couldn’t have taken a University of Utah research team too long to figure that one out, but the study is a good reminder that tiny notebooks aren’t the right choice for everyone.

The researchers compared how fast users could edit documents and work with spreadsheets using three display setups. The first had a single 18-inch monitor, the second had dual 20-inch monitors and the third had a single 24-inch monitor.  The 24-inch display helped users complete the tasks 52% faster compared to the those on the 18-inch display. Those set up on the dual 20-inch displays were 44% faster than the single display users.

I spent several months using a Sony VAIO SZ series with a 13.3-inch display and found it unbearable to use for 10 or more hours per day. I now use a 15.4-inch MacBook Pro and I really enjoy the extra room for tool bars and the that I don’t have to scroll as much. When I switched I noticed I was able to get a lot more done in the same amount of time. Adding an external display while I’m in my office makes it even easier to zip through my work.

Small notebooks have their place, but if you’re in front of your notebook all day you should consider getting an external display or sticking with a 15.4-inch or larger notebook if you want to maximize your productivity. That being said, I know several people who are very productive on Tablet PCs and small notebooks, but it does take some extra effort such as learning to effectively ‘ink’ with a Tablet or juggle apps efficiently.

Check out more about the study here at the WSJ, via Gadgetell.