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Comment by the_gipsy | Hacker News Reader

External monitor does not necessarily mean multi monitor. I have an external monitor that is big, and has good contrast and refresh rate, but I close the laptop's lid.

Multiple monitors are ergonomically worse than multiple virtual workspaces IMHO - if you can set up keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse gestures.

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I am 100% aboard the single screen, single fullscreen app, almost exclusively keyboard work with lots of x-tabbing.

I really like having a second screen though. I keep my laptop open on the side and use it to display "read only" stuff like a build status, consoles, etc.

A second screen is a nice asset in a work from home with lots of video calls with screen sharing. I like having a screen where I can do things in the background while following what is presented in the call. When I present I like choosing a separate screen where I'll move windows in and out depending on what I want to show. People in my call don't have to see my other windows/notifications/mails/whatever when I switch from one app window to another. And it is way easier to have a dedicated screen than switching (or forgetting to switxh) the shared window.

For screensharing it gives a certain peace of my mind having the call in the peripheral vision. But it's still worse to turn your head than switching workspaces.

For a while I used a single HD 32inch monitor and loved it. I avoided complex windows all over the place. But could lean back in my chair and see everything from a distance.

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