I need to run three monitors and it was a nightmare to get resolutions and scaling all correct. Even now, if I undock it might never wake up or have corrupt memory. I also had to shut off the graphics adapter switching capability so it always runs off Nvidia and therefore I have maybe 2 hours battery life in a text editor.

I had the same problems with Dell and Ubuntu ... four years ago. I guess some things don't change.

All OSs have their issues. I use Windows and Ubuntu daily and have had work macbooks. In a lot of cases it does come down to what you are used to, as there are design differences that aren't necessarily worse or better but when you get used to one the other feels janky.

At any rate, in Ubuntu's case things like display support are worse - especially multiple different DPI screens (yes, there are workarounds). UI is less slick in places. Some software is better supported while some have worse support. Things like that.

I've seen this mentioned a few times now on HN as a drawback of Ubuntu. Are multiple monitors really that much of a benefit that so many people use them?

I would run Windows Vista if it was the only OS with multi monitor support. Its absolutely crucial for my productivity.

absolutely. I find a pretty common workflow for me is writing code in one window while having documentation (or a header file) open in another. it's not the end of the world if I have to alt-tab back and forth, but it's much more efficient if I don't have to.

a 24-27" monitor suitable for coding is only $200-300. if you code for money, it seems like a no brainer to just get two.

Crucial.

I've got an entire monitor (really a 55" 4k TV) devoted to all the chat windows and communications I'm running for my team, another 4k monitor that I actually use to code, and then my laptop sits to the side as an auxiliary monitor where I can look things up and what not.

Yes, they are that much of a benefit.

Until this pandemic forced me to make do with one monitor at home, I rarely used the built in screen on my work laptops; I counted on the dual monitors on my desk. The idea of using a laptop display alone is baffling to me.

It is an improvement, but not as much as some people claim. The issue is you need to move your eyes/head too much.

If you have a wide or ultra wide monitor, it is better. Otherwise, a good desktop manager with virtual desktops helps a ton.

I've tried multiple monitors a number of times through the years, and it's only been a net benefit when doing things like streaming and/or presenting via video conference (so you can have a preview monitor / live chat separate).

Other than that, my brain and neck both work a lot better with one large 4K display (currently 27" but I've been thinking about going 32").

I made this switch. After a couple years of a single (but larger) display, I can enthusiastically say I like it much better. I have the Dell UP3216Q.

and this is why I still use two 20-inch 4:3-ratio monitors in portrait mode (combined screen is 2400x1600) -- I can look at each monitor with minimal neck movement and the viewing angle for each half is independent. when i've tried a single, curved ultra-wide I still felt like the outer third on each side was a tilted away too much

I have one horizontal monitor and one vertical one. Code lives on the vertical, everything else on the horizontal.

Install arch i3