If you use an external monitor with your MacBook Pro, we recommend vertical placement! The reason is?

It's been 14 or 15 years since I started using Mac with multiple displays.

I've used monitors side by side for both desktops and laptops, but I've never felt comfortable with them.

Perhaps for that reason, the main monitor was used more frequently, and the sub monitor was not used much.

However, the other day, when I was organizing my desk and happened to put my MacBook Pro in front of the monitor, it hit me.

"How about placing a monitor vertically?"

If you try it right away, the long-standing unsatisfactory feeling will be resolved! I understand why.

Vertical arrangement of MacBook and monitor

Connect and install the monitor and MacBook Pro. I connected with an HDMI cable through a hub.

My environment is as follows.

12,980 yen

10,899 yen

Raise the monitor

Raise the monitor and adjust the height so that the MacBook Pro monitor and the external monitor do not overlap.

Aluminum cans (cans containing sweets) at home were just the right height for raising.

Changing the Monitor Arrangement

Arrange the screens vertically using the apple icon in the menu > System Preferences > Display.

Advantages and disadvantages of arranging them vertically

Advantages

・The monitor, keyboard and body are always in a straight line

This is the biggest benefit and the reason why I didn't feel comfortable with it for many years.

When the monitors are placed side by side, the main monitor, keyboard and body are always in line (the main monitor is in front of me), but the sub monitor is out of line with the keyboard and body. (The sub monitor is not in front of me).

I had to turn my eyes and face toward the sub-monitor.

However, if you line up vertically, the two monitors, the keyboard, and your body will be in a straight line, so you can always type or work facing the monitor.

I separate the external monitor into the main monitor (mainly for work) and the MacBook Pro as a sub monitor (mainly for viewing), but after arranging them vertically, I often work on the MacBook Pro monitor. I was.

・Since the eye movement distance is short, there is less fatigue.

When placed side by side, my eyes were tired because there was a considerable distance from edge to edge of the two monitors.

However, when I lined up vertically, the distance my eyes moved became shorter, and I felt that my eyes were less tired.

・It is okay if the width of the desk is narrow

If you place them side by side, you need space for two monitors on the side. But if it's vertical, it's okay if the width is narrow.

Disadvantages

・Need depth

Although it doesn't take up space horizontally, it does take up space vertically. You need a desk with some depth.

・It is necessary to adjust the height of the monitor

You may need to raise and adjust the height of the external monitor so that it does not overlap the MacBook Pro monitor. We recommend using a monitor arm because you can fine-tune the height.

Summary: After arranging the monitors vertically, it feels right!

I never thought it would be so comfortable to have the monitor, keyboard and body always in line.

For example, when writing letters in a notebook, it is difficult to write if the notebook and the body are not in a straight line, or if the notebook is not directly in front of you. In the same way, the monitor, keyboard and body are always in line (in front of you), allowing you to work in a natural posture.

Also, compared to when they were side by side, my eyes were less tired. I often face the monitor for a long time, so I feel that my eyes are less tired and my work efficiency is improving.

If using monitors side by side doesn't feel right and your eyes get tired, why not try using them vertically? I recommend it.

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Photo Ken Dosa

Screenshot: Ken Dosa