Last month, I made the switch to an OLED monitor, grabbing an attractive deal on the Alienware AW3423DWF. The 34" ultrawide OLED display is miles better than my previous 27" flat IPS monitor, but I didn't sell my old monitor. I continue to use it in my workspace for efficient multitasking and as a vertical monitor for specific use cases. I never realized how much a portrait monitor can add to my daily usage, especially when using programs more suited to it. Now that I've experienced it, I don't think I can ever do without one.

Multitasking has never been better

It's a fresh way of working

Although a 34", 21:9 ultrawide monitor lends itself perfectly to multitasking, I just can't pull myself away from the allure of a dual-screen setup, especially when my secondary screen is a vertical one. Using my older monitor in the portrait orientation has opened up a new way of working, where I seamlessly switch between my ultrawide and vertical monitor when writing articles, monitoring my investments, or simply researching ideas as a video plays on the other screen.

Using multiple windows on my ultrawide monitor is one way to go about multitasking, but that isn't my style. It feels much more tedious than using a dedicated screen for additional tasks. I can continue writing articles on the ultrawide while I have other articles and news pieces open on the vertical monitor — I don't need to switch tabs or windows. Keeping track of all my investment apps on the vertical screen while I make updates to my long-running spreadsheet on the ultrawide has become a monthly ritual. A vertical monitor doesn't just add additional screen space to your setup, but also transforms it in ways you might not have anticipated.

Some programs just shine on a portrait monitor

Messages, photos, and even some games

Two horizontal monitors can always enhance productivity, but keeping one of the screens vertical can help look at old programs in a new light. For instance, while I used to switch between windows to check WhatsApp messages, browse Discord updates, and read articles, I've now moved each of these tasks to my vertical monitor. If you're a coder, you'll instantly get me when I say that some things are just meant for a vertical screen. Moreover, I love browsing old photos on Google Photos on a portrait monitor — it feels like a massive version of my phone.

Since I can't turn my ultrawide OLED by 90 degrees, my older monitor remains the only option when I feel like revisiting old games like Icy Tower and some old Pinball games. If you have an old monitor gathering dust, it might be time to add it to your setup and supercharge your workflow.

It's a great space-saver on my 4ft desk

I can delay a desk upgrade for now

There are some real reasons you might want to go vertical when buying a second monitor. If you have a relatively compact desk like mine, a vertically-mounted monitor instead of a horizontal one would feel more at home. It would not only save space on your desk, but also look better visually. On my setup, mounting my older monitor horizontally next to my ultrawide will look downright comical. It would also be pretty hard to move my head around to keep everything in view.

Mounting the second screen vertically solves both of these issues, and saves me the time and expense of buying a bigger desk. My existing 4ft desk is already at its limit with the new ultrawide monitor — using a secondary horizontal monitor is simply not an option.

Your next monitor upgrade should be vertical

The next time you're shaking things up in the display department, consider adding a vertical monitor to your setup. It need not be a new purchase — switch your secondary monitor from horizontal to vertical and try it for a few days. You might be surprised by the positive changes it could bring to your work and gaming sessions. I regret not doing it sooner, so if you were waiting for a sign, this is it.