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Making yourself a better content writer and freelancer involves getting faster when it comes to researching and writing. My primary topics, including HVAC, construction, remodeling, landscaping and chiropractic care, all involve a lot of research. Constantly flipping between my word processor and web browser is extremely time-consuming with one computer monitor. For that reason, I have two monitors connected to my desktop computer. I use one monitor for research and communication, and I use the other monitor for writing and editing. This cuts my per article time in half, which allows me to either work more or have more freetime
 
 

Five Reasons to Use Dual Monitors

1. Research and Write Without Constantly Switching Programs
Multiple monitors, in my opinion, is a must-have for freelance writers. Even if you have a significant amount of base knowledge for your chosen topics, you will still want to double-check that your information is correct. This often means utilizing a web browser, like Chrome, Opera or Microsoft Edge. Having two monitors means that you can research and write at the same time without burying one window over another.

2. Seamlessly Copy and Paste
If you write a lot of targeted articles and blog posts for specific companies, you’ll need to write a Call-to-Action. These typically involve mentioning the client’s phone number. To reduce mistakes, it’s beneficial to copy phone numbers and addresses directly from the client’s website, and dual monitors will allow you to copy and paste the critical information much faster so that you can get your work to your client.

3. Increase Your Productivity
Studies have shown that connecting a second monitor to your computer can increase your productivity by as much as 50 percent. Now, imagine how much work you can accomplish on a per-day basis. The cost of the extra monitor may even pay for itself.

4. Stay Focused
Not having to constantly switch between programs and burying your work will help you stay focused. I recommend keeping all your word processing and editing software in one window and keeping all your Internet research and communications programs, like email and Skype, on your second monitor.

​Choosing Your Dual Monitors

Ideally, you want two matching monitors that are at least 19”. I have found that two 19-inch monitors fit extremely well on a standard, low cost office desk. However, you could probably buy two 21-inch monitors and still be fine with your desk space while being able to see both monitors.

Computer Monitors Under $75

Since you're buying two computer monitors, it's important to keep the individual costs low.  I recommend choosing monitors that are no more than $75 as the total cost will be $150 for both of them.  These monitors are great for beginning and freelance novelists.

Sceptre E165W-1600HC E 16" Screen LED-Lit Monitor

 
The Sceptre E165W-1600HC E 16" Screen LED-Lit Monitor is a 16-inch widescreen monitor that contains 1 VGA port and one HDMI port. It has a maximum resolution of 1366 by 768, which is perfect for viewing documents, webpages, photos and emails. In your downtime, you could even watch a movie.

AOC e970swn 18.5-Inch LED-Lit Monitor

 
The AOC e970swn 18.5-Inch LED-Lit Monitor boasts a maximum resolution of 1366 by 768 and offers 18.5 diagonal inches of viewing space. It also has a standard VGA port, which makes it easy to connect to new and old video cards. This monitor in wall-mounted and perfect for a dual monitor setup.

ASUS VS197D-P 18.5" LED Monitor

 
The ASUS VS197D-P 18.5" LED Monitor boasts a maximum resolution of 1366 by 768, and it contains one D-sub port and a VGA cable. It's important to note that a D-sub port is not a VGA port, and this monitor will need a separate cable.  This monitor can be connected to a desktop or a laptop computer, and it is designed with dual monitors in mind.

Computer Monitors Between $75 and $125

If you have a little bit more money to spare, you can choose two monitors between $75 and $125.  These monitors are great for freelancers and novelists that can afford to spend a little more for more advanced and larger monitors.
 
The 19-inch Monitor SF350 boasts a super slim design and a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080. This monitor contains one D-sub port, which will likely require a separate monitor cable.
 
The Acer 19.5-Inch LED Monitor boasts a 19.5-inch widescreen that’s perfect for freelancing, writing, schoolwork and watching movies or playing video games. It has a maximum resolution of 1600 by 900, and contains DVI and VGA ports for easy connection to your desktop computer or laptop.
 
The ViewSonic VX2252MH 22" 1080p Gaming Monitor has a maximum screen resolution of 1920 by 1080. It contains HDMI, VGA and DVI-D ports which makes connecting this monitor to almost any desktop or laptop extremely easy.