3 ms·

> So, why do we spend money to display several things at once? Because there's a higher cost to switching windows than just switching where you're looking. Th

> So, why do we spend money to display several things at once? Because there's a higher cost to switching windows than just switching where you're looking. This isn't just a developer / office worker debate, the aviation industry has done it too. Having dedicated displays is almost always better than having to cycle through windows until you find the one you want.

oftenwrong 8y ago
I guess it depends on your usage. Under my tiling setup I usually already know which "workspace" is the one I want, and how to summon it directly with a key combination. No cycling. I find it quicker and easier to change workspace than to turn my head. For me there is one optimal display position, so I always want to be using it. I also might have 10 workspaces, but I don't have 10 displays. In the past I have used a three display setup where the workspace I summon gets pulled to the centre display, swapping with other workspaces, which may be displayed on the peripheral displays. However, I found that I never really liked looking at the peripheral displays while I worked, so I switched to using a single display.
zepolen 8y ago
I've found it slower. I gave up on multiple monitors because I can't carry them around with me and many times I like to work away from the desk. As a result I'd find when I'm on the laptop, my work flow would deteriorate because I'm used to multiple windows rather than the alt tab sequence. So I made the decision to only use a 15" screen for everything, heavily depending on alt tab. As a result I've developed a muscle memory where there is zero thought alt tabbing to any window. This keeps my eyes in the same place - which decreases the tracking/fatigue involved and less context switch. However, using a second monitor does increase productivity when using a monitor behind the laptop for multiple log tails - mostly because 15" is not enough to show that data.

oftenwrong 8y ago

I guess it depends on your usage. Under my tiling setup I usually already know which "workspace" is the one I want, and how to summon it directly with a key combination. No cycling. I find it quicker and easier to change workspace than to turn my head. For me there is one optimal display position, so I always want to be using it. I also might have 10 workspaces, but I don't have 10 displays. In the past I have used a three display setup where the workspace I summon gets pulled to the centre display, swapping with other workspaces, which may be displayed on the peripheral displays. However, I found that I never really liked looking at the peripheral displays while I worked, so I switched to using a single display.

zepolen 8y ago

I've found it slower. I gave up on multiple monitors because I can't carry them around with me and many times I like to work away from the desk. As a result I'd find when I'm on the laptop, my work flow would deteriorate because I'm used to multiple windows rather than the alt tab sequence. So I made the decision to only use a 15" screen for everything, heavily depending on alt tab. As a result I've developed a muscle memory where there is zero thought alt tabbing to any window. This keeps my eyes in the same place - which decreases the tracking/fatigue involved and less context switch. However, using a second monitor does increase productivity when using a monitor behind the laptop for multiple log tails - mostly because 15" is not enough to show that data.