The most economical multi-monitor workspace today consists of three LCDs 22" to 24" in size. Once the price of 30" displays falls enough, people can replace three 24" LCDs with two 30" monitors. The resolution will be about the same, but you'll save about 20" in desk space. I think it will look like this: http://www.kevinkane.com/2010/10/7-predictions-for-the-future-of-computers/

Jeff, at the time you wrote this, only about two percent of workstations used multi-monitors. Actually, I don't multi-monitor usage has increased much in six years! Still, I think they'll become more ubiquitous in the future. I think it will pick-up over 7 steps: http://www.kevinkane.com/2010/10/7-predictions-for-the-future-of-computers/

Jeff, looks like I missed a great discussion! I gave my take on the four biggest multi-monitors studies at: http://www.kevinkane.com/2009/08/boost-productivity-52-and-save-2-5-hours-daily-with-multi-monitors/ Though studies suggest that having more screen space enhances productivity, it is challenging to design studies that reliably measure the exact impact. Jakob Neilsen provides thoughtful input on measuring the relationship between productivity and screen size: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/screen-productivity.html Great work! Kevin

Seems I missed a great discussion! Jeff, thanks for hosting. Here's the most up-to-date research on multi-monitors, including photos of the best multi-monitor workspaces: http://www.kevinkane.com/2009/08/boost-productivity-52-and-save-2-5-hours-daily-with-multi-monitors/

Tunji, thanks for capturing this photo of Gates' office and multi-monitors. I wonder what his workspace looks like today, three years later. I think more workspaces will evolve to include multi-monitors like this in the future: http://www.kevinkane.com/2010/10/7-predictions-for-the-future-of-computers/