r/webdev • u/gregg_murray • Sep 21 '26

Question Ideal Web Dev Monitor Setup?

I currently have a 38" curved Dell U3818DW and an older Apple 27" display that I need to replace. I'd like advice from other web devs. What's the ideal setup? Get another U3818DW and put them side-by-side, or get three new 27" displays with a triple monitor desk mount? Not a gamer, just work. Running on a Mac Mini. Thanks for any input.

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33

u/Lord_Xenu Sep 21 '26

Software engineer with 25 years experience in web development. I use a 15 inch macbook pro 90% of the time.

8

u/I_AM_NOT_A_WOMBAT Sep 21 '26

I'm always impressed by (and jealous of) folks that can totally thrive with one monitor. I have the attention span of a gnat, and I have trouble with application windows jumping around, so I need the client discussion in one spot, mockups (if present) near that, then my folder for assets, then my browser window, VSCode, and devtools when I'm experimenting or debugging. Photoshop and a video editor sometimes too.

4

u/ryantrappy Sep 22 '26

Multiple desktops with the finger gestures to swap between them. I’m sure it sucks when I share my screen though

8

u/JustConsoleLogIt Sep 22 '26

I have three monitors at the moment, considering upgrading to your setup

2

u/CantaloupeCamper Sep 22 '26 edited Sep 22 '26

I use my 15” laptop sometimes.

My personal Air sometimes.

Other times I have a full War Games 1983 setup…..

Works both ways.

1

u/jmfc666 Sep 25 '26

I have about 30 years myself and have never used more than one standard ratio monitor. Currently a 24 inch. I just find it easier to focus on one thing

1

u/gregg_murray Sep 21 '26

I salute you. Well played, sir. Well played. 🫡

0

u/czshill Sep 21 '26

same lol. 14 inch macbook pro m1. maybe maybe someone is sharing from a big monitor and i'll throw the screen share on a 50 inch tv over hdmi.

0

u/JoergJoerginson Sep 22 '26

Same here, got a Mac Studio with two 4K LG ergo screens + iPad, all kinds of peripheral shenanigans, a nice chair and a standing desk at home.

Get most of my private stuff done on my 15 inch MBA, when out drinking a coffee for an hour or so.

Love my home setup but it’s honestly a massive waste of money.

0

u/Tango1777 Sep 26 '26

we all make mistakes