What is the right monitor setup for programming?

Developers
1

I currently have 3 x 23" Dell Monitors that do 1080p and the screen on my laptop which I use for tunes and twitch screens. All my screens are in portrait mode.

  • Do I have enough monitors
  • Should I consider getting 4k monitors?
  • Should I just make my text smaller?
  • Should I have the monitors in Landscape or portrait mode?

I am looking to see what other people have for their setup for programming.

NB: for those who are just going to post every setup is personal and no one can say what is right for me, then this post is not for you :smiley:

Thanks for looking :eyes:

2

I personally like one screen, not multiple. I use a laptop and enjoy any high-quality Retina or Liquid Retina 16:10 display. 16:10 is probably the most critical factor!

If I ever get a monitor, it will be an Apple external one, always paired with my Apple laptop but using an external keyboard and mouse like I did in the past. Yet, it’s not really necessary, but it’s nice to have.

Overall, I find multiple monitors excessive and mostly pushed by jobs and “productivity tips”, not by what I’d really need.

For me, one good screen just makes it easier to focus, and there are fewer surfaces to dust and polish. :slight_smile:

2 Likes
3

thanks for the feedback :grinning_face:

Using one monitor must be intense with the throughput you do. I am guessing a lot of tabs and keyboard shortcuts. I could maybe manage with 2 monitor at a push but I would struggle.

I also use an external mouse (Logitech MX Master 3) and Wireless keyboard (ASDA Super market).

4

have to agree with this. have always used I screen + (bluetooth) mouse. + Desktop and (on the move Laptop) I am too old to cope with more than one screen at a time (and TBH anything new fangled)

5

I am doing the creditnote system for my software and I need several monitors open to show all of the different areas at the same time.

I have seen people on TV just using a laptop on their laptop code and that is something I can never do.

6

you can obviously multi-task :ninja:

1 Like
7

Once you are au fait with the language your coding in, you can code it, compile it and test it all using 1 monitor, this makes me think that you are a rookie in the language you are now coding in, perhaps return to a language that you are au fait with

8

I have a Windows 11 Laptop and a macOS MacBook pro that I use while out and about then when back in the home/office I plug them into a docking station with 2 24" monitors (older monitors)

Works for me for web development and development in general.