[robotpony]

I have two setups: one large single monitor, and one dual setup.

I had always thought that the multi setup was better, but have found over the years that it's only better at certain things (for me). I've found the single monitor setup better for tasks that need focus. Full screen apps (or nicely tiled sets of apps) for single task work well on one larger monitor. This fits writing, initial coding of modules, visual design, and reading dense material.

The multi monitor setup is great for tasks that require many views, especially collaboration, research, and projects with many reference materials.

I would love a desk that let me switch between the two, or windowing software that made it trivial to get to a focus mode that disabled the extra monitors when I needed extra attention. Those times where focus is important, I find the extra monitors, light, and visual noise distracting more than seems logical.