More people are demanding multi-monitor setups by the day for different reasons — and that’s a great thing. The only challenge is that there are too many types of these monitors, and picking just one might be a little daunting. You can’t purchase every one of them anyway. But you don’t have to worry because we have a full guide that will lead you from where you are to the right triple monitor setup just for you.
Why it's so crucial to know how to choose the right triple monitor setup for your laptop
We already know how important triple-screen laptops are. They make computing work easier, aid complex tasks, increase productivity, boost multitasking, and give the whole computing world a huge positive difference. But can’t we just go to the store and get a screen laptop? Why do you have to care what you choose? Here are seven reasons!
- The screen monitor needs to be compatible with your laptop. If you buy just anyone, you might face compatibility problems.
- You need to check the connectivity. Modern laptops have HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C ports, but not all monitors support these connection options.
- There are different screen sizes, so you must pick which suits you best. Bigger isn’t always better.
- Triple-screen monitors also have specifications such as weight, RAM, energy consumption, refresh rate, etc., so you’ll need to check if they match your preference.
- You must ensure the monitor’s angle suits you so you won’t develop neck strain.
- You also need to choose a screen laptop that pleases the eye. That’s why you can’t just buy anyone.
- Finally, you’d have to ensure the monitor is within your budget, right?
Now that you know why, let’s talk about how.
Here’s how to choose the right triple monitor setup for your laptop
All you need to do here is to follow these ten steps, and you’ll be on your way to the best laptop setup for your needs.
Identify why you need the triple-screen laptop.
The kind of work you plan to do with the screen extender will determine what specifications you should prioritize. So, are you a gamer, video editor, data analyst, streamer, or student?
Check your laptop’s compatibility with a triple-screen laptop
Be sure that your laptop works with an extender in the first place. Some laptops might not be compatible with double displays. So, you need to ensure your laptop can handle multiple displays simultaneously.
Select the monitor based on your specifications.
Consider the monitor's size, resolution, panel type, and refresh rate to streamline your options to those you love.
If you’re a gamer, consider the bezel size.
Consider the bezel size, especially if you plan to use your triple monitor setup for gaming or immersive experiences. Thin bezels can create a more seamless visual experience.
Ensure the monitors can connect to your laptop.
Most modern laptops come equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C ports that can support external monitors, but it doesn't always mean it will match the extender. Additionally, check for built-in USB hubs, which can connect peripherals conveniently.
Confirm the graphics card
You might be wondering: What’s this for? Your laptop's graphics card plays a crucial role in handling multiple monitors. But even if you can't tell, ask if your GPU can support all three screens' combined resolution and the desired refresh rate.
Consider the cable management
Some monitors have too many cables, which could lead to a clustered workspace. Opt for extenders that have a single or two cables for connection. It’ll help if these cables were not too chunky, too. If the cables are too many, ask if it comes with a cable clip or tape.
Consider mounting options
Decide whether you want to mount your monitors on a stand, wall, or desk. Some laptop screen extenders are like backpacks, while others have a stand for more support. Choose which works best for you.
Check the angle/ergonomics
Remember what we said about neck sprains? Don’t be afraid to test the triple-screen laptop on your computer so that you can be sure of the angles. The extender must not be too high or too low. Aim for eye level.
Check back with your pocket
How much do you plan to spend on a monitor screen extender? Prices can vary widely based on monitor specifications and brand. While it's tempting to go for the most advanced monitors, choose options that align with your needs and budget.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).