Who this setup suits

Two-screen calendar and email users

If your calendar or task view needs to remain visible on a separate display, assess a side-by-side dual arm. Check the weight and VESA pattern of both monitors, as well as the desk mount.

Portrait-calendar readers

If you read long agendas or schedules, a portrait calendar screen may suit you. Check that the secondary monitor and its arm permit rotation while the email screen stays in position.

Home workers with limited desk space

An arm may free desktop area, but its fixing point still needs attention. Check the desk’s strength, edge or grommet position, and clearance for the chosen mount.

What to check before buying

Side-by-side dual arm

Choose it when: A separate calendar screen must stay horizontally beside email.

Trade-off: Both displays and the desk mount must fit the arm’s stated limits.

Stacking arm

Choose it when: You are happy to keep the calendar above or below email rather than literally beside it.

Trade-off: Check the exact arm’s permitted screen dimensions and arrangement; a dual arm does not necessarily support stacking.

Single monitor arm

Choose it when: Calendar and email share one display, or the calendar is a physical item.

Trade-off: Moving one screen cannot create a separately visible digital calendar display.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Adjacent calendar screen Check that the arm supports two monitors side by side, including each display’s weight, VESA pattern and planned position. I want a calendar on its own screen without covering my inbox; around 50% of consumers would put an adjacent view first.
Portrait viewing Confirm rotation and independent adjustment for the chosen monitors, within the arm’s per-screen limits. For long agendas, I would rather rotate the calendar screen than move my email screen; roughly 30% of consumers would make portrait viewing their primary concern.
Desk fit and space Measure the fixing point and clearance, then check desk strength and the mount’s stated installation limits. My desk is tight, and the fixing point has to work before an arm can free up space; around 20% of consumers would put desk fit first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Choosing by screen size alone

    Displays with similar diagonals can have different weights and mounting patterns. Ergotron specifies a 3.2–9.1 kg individual monitor range and 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm VESA mounting for its LX Side-by-Side model; those figures do not establish compatibility with another arm.

    Find each monitor’s weight without its stand, VESA pattern and depth, then compare them with the exact arm configuration.

    A non-standard mounting pattern may call for a compatible adapter or a different arm.

  • Assuming every dual arm can stack screens

    Side-by-side and stacked arrangements have different fit limits. Ergotron states that 23–27 inch displays cannot be stacked on the cited LX Side-by-Side configuration.

    Start with a side-by-side layout if the calendar must sit beside email. Consider stacking only if above-and-below placement works for you and the exact arm supports your screens.

  • Overlooking the desk and clamp

    The desk and fixing point carry the installed setup. Fellowes advises checking desk thickness and strength against the combined monitor-and-arm load.

    Measure the desk edge or grommet position and inspect underneath for obstructions before choosing a mount whose installation limits match.

    If the fixing point is unsuitable, you may need a different mounting method or a freestanding arrangement.

  • Expecting the arm to fix screen positioning by itself

    An adjustable arm still needs to be set for your seated working position. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the screen about an arm’s length away, with its top near eye level.

    Position the main working screen in front of you where practical, then adjust the calendar screen, seating and input devices so you are not repeatedly twisting to read it.

Monitor-arm brands to consider

Ergotron

Its UK-facing range includes side-by-side and other dual-monitor configurations relevant to this layout.

  • Published specifications for individual models give buyers a way to check monitor capacity, VESA fit and positioning limits.
  • Ergotron marks the cited LX Side-by-Side model as discontinued. Check a current model’s own specifications rather than carrying over its limits.

Fellowes

Its Tallo monitor-arm range includes configurations for different workstation layouts.

  • Fellowes lists 1–9 kg screen support, screens up to 40 inches, and 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm VESA plates for the Tallo range.
  • Check the exact Tallo configuration and mounting option against each display and your desk before ordering.

Humanscale

Its M8 Pro range includes single-monitor and optional crossbar configurations.

  • Humanscale states that an M8 Pro with the optional crossbar supports two monitors weighing up to 12 lb each.
  • The stated single-monitor capacity does not apply automatically to a dual-monitor arrangement; check the chosen configuration.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a dual arm to keep a digital calendar beside email?

A side-by-side dual arm is the format to assess if the calendar must remain visible on a separate monitor beside email. A single arm repositions one screen but does not provide a second display; check that a dual arm supports both of your monitors individually.

What should I measure for a clamp-mounted arm?

Measure usable desk-edge thickness and clearance beneath and behind the fixing point, then check desk strength, each monitor’s weight and its VESA pattern. Mounting limits vary: Ergotron lists a desk edge up to 66 mm for the cited LX Side-by-Side model, while its cited HX low-profile top-mount version specifies 18–25 mm desk thickness.

Where should I place the two screens?

Place the main working screen directly in front of you where practical, with its top near eye level and the display about an arm’s length away, in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance. Keep the calendar adjacent without arranging either screen so that you must repeatedly twist to read it.

Does UK display-screen guidance require a monitor arm?

The Health and Safety Executive’s display screen equipment guidance addresses assessing and reducing workstation risks; it does not prescribe a particular monitor-arm purchase. Its stated regulations apply to workers who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more. Choose an arm according to the screens, desk and working position it needs to accommodate.

How do I keep a gas-spring arm stable?

Follow the manufacturer’s fitting and adjustment instructions, including setting the arm’s tension for the installed monitor weight. Check stability again if you move a screen or replace a monitor.