How To Build a Dual-Monitor System

Here's a new upselling opportunity for systems builders who are upgrading, replacing or selling new PC systems to clients. With some 17-inch LCDs selling for less than $200, and selected 19-inch models for just $100 more, it's more affordable than ever to put two monitors on a desktop instead of one large screen. The incremental cost is quite modest, and your customers will find that doubling up screen space provides a significant productivity boost.

Dual-screen setups are relatively easy to implement, in part because the latest Windows versions recognize multiple monitors. What's more, modern graphics cards on desktop PCs typically include a standard VGA port and a digital video port--usually a DVI-I port--which can output either digital or analog video signals. Adding a second monitor involves no extra outlays beyond the cost of the second display.

When selecting a pair of monitors, keep in mind that displays of the same size, if not exactly the same make and model, work best. You must be able to position both displays right next to each other and to set them at the same height and viewing angle to create something like a single visual field. So when you select displays for dual-viewing configurations, factor in the width of the display frame around the outside of the LCD itself. The narrower the frame, the easier it will be for your clients' eyes to adjust.

You'll still find that driving a pair of identical LCD monitors--one with digital, the other with analog signals--will produce a slight but noticeable difference in color balance. You may also see a difference in relative sharpness, because digital signals unquestionably work better on digital LCDs than do analog ones. A little tweaking of your displays can correct this.

The Eight Steps

Unless you encounter hardware problems, the process should take only five minutes.

• Determine what kind of cable you'll need. If you have only an extra VGA cable and need a DVI cable, look in the monitor packaging for an adapter.
• Shut down the Windows desktop or notebook PC to which you want to attach the second monitor.
• Position the new monitor next to the old one. After you turn the monitor on, the indicator light should be orange to show the device is powered up, but that there is no PC connection active.
• Power up the desktop or notebook PC, allow Windows to boot, and turn on the first (primary) monitor. The indicator light on the first monitor will change from orange to green. When Windows boots up, it will report that it has discovered new hardware during device enumeration.
• When Windows finishes booting, click on the background of the main monitor and click the Properties menu.
• The Display Properties
• Control Panel program appears in response. Click the Settings tab. Your newly added display appears as a cross-hatched box labeled with the number 2.
• In most cases, you need only click the checkbox that reads "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" to make it work. Be sure to also position the monitor properly with respect to the main monitor.
• Click the Apply button. Then close the Display Properties window. You should be able to move your cursor from your primary window to the new monitor. You'll be able to drag windows over to that screen, taking advantage of the new "double-wide" workspace. You're done!