Monitors at Home and Away: Finding the Right Screen for Every Scenario
I recently bought an ultra-wide screen monitor for my work-from-home setup and immediately wished I’d done it sooner (OK, I probably couldn’t have due to space constraints, but hey!). If you’re anything like me, you’ve also spent hours trying to figure out the perfect work setup for both home and on-the-go productivity. With hybrid working now the norm for many of us, switching between a home office setup and a café table has become part of the routine. But have you ever stopped to think about the screens you use and how they impact your work? I have—and I’ve learned a lot about how monitors, big and small, affect everything from productivity to comfort.
Built-in Laptop Screens: Convenient but Limited
Let’s start with the built-in laptop screen. They’re portable, lightweight, and make it easy to work anywhere. But, as much as I appreciated the convenience, they’re not without challenges.
The Good
Portability: Built-in screens are your constant companion. No extra cables, no extra bulk.
Everything in one place: Your camera is usually right at the top, perfectly positioned for your calls.
The Challenges
Screen size: Most laptop screens are between 13" and 15", which can feel cramped, especially if you’re juggling multiple applications. Split-screen on a 13" monitor? Not my favourite…
Brightness and blue light: Many laptops default to high brightness, which can strain your eyes over time. If you’re working in a brightly lit café, you may need to crank it up even further—cue the headache.
Viewing distance: Laptops encourage us to hunch forward, placing the screen closer than it should be. Ideally, your screen should be about an arm’s length away, but that’s tricky when everything is attached to the keyboard.
External Monitors: The Home Office Game-Changer
Whether you prefer a standard widescreen or an ultra-wide screen that stretches across your desk, they can transform your workspace.
Why They’re Amazing
More screen real estate: An external monitor, especially an ultra-wide one, feels like breathing room for your tasks. You can have your emails open on one side and your spreadsheets on the other—no constant tab switching!
Adjustable positioning: You can set the screen to eye level, so no more craning your neck.
Reduced eye strain: Many external monitors come with better brightness, contrast, and blue light filtering than laptops, making those long hours easier on your eyes.
Things to Watch Out For
Webcam placement: If you’re relying on an external monitor, you’ll need to think about where to position your webcam. External cameras can be mounted, but finding the right angle can take some trial and error.
Desk space: Bigger monitors mean bigger desks—or a willingness to sacrifice elbow room!
Adaptation period: Switching back to a smaller laptop screen after working on a spacious external monitor can feel like moving from a mansion to a studio apartment. I’ve found it helps to mentally prepare for a slower workflow when I know I’ll be downsizing for the day.
The Big Screen Debate: Productivity or Motivation?
Does size matter? For monitors, I’d actually argue it does. Here’s why:
Boosted productivity: Studies have shown that larger monitors (or dual-screen setups) can significantly improve efficiency. Having multiple windows visible at once makes multitasking smoother and less mentally taxing.
Motivational push: For me, there’s something inherently motivating about a large, clear screen. It feels like a proper workspace—serious, focused, and professional.
Downside: The danger is getting too attached. When I’ve spent weeks on a big screen, going back to a laptop feels restrictive and sometimes even demotivating.
Navigating the Shift: Big Screens to Small Screens
One of the biggest challenges in hybrid working is transitioning between setups. Here’s what I’ve learned to make it smoother:
Optimise Your Laptop Screen
Use shortcuts to quickly resize windows when multitasking.
Invest in a laptop stand and external keyboard to get the screen to eye level.
Enable night mode or use a blue light filter to reduce strain.
Keep the Essentials Handy
When working on a smaller screen, prioritise the apps or tasks that absolutely need your attention. Move everything else to the background.
Embrace Workflow Adjustments
Accept that you’ll be slower on a smaller screen. Plan your day accordingly—use café time for tasks that require less visual juggling, like writing or answering emails.
Practical Tips for Monitor Comfort
Wherever you’re working, comfort is key. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
Distance matters: Keep your screen about 20-30 inches away from your face. This reduces eye strain and encourages better posture.
Adjust your brightness: Match the screen brightness to your environment. If it’s bright outside, increase the brightness. In dim lighting, reduce it to avoid glare.
Mind your contrast: Higher contrast makes text easier to read. Most monitors have settings to tweak this—play around until it feels right.
Invest in ergonomics: A good chair, a monitor arm, and a keyboard tray can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Your monitor setup can make or break your workday, whether you’re camped out in your home office or squeezing in tasks at your local coffee shop. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the pros and cons of your screens—and being willing to adjust—can help you work smarter, wherever you are.