Presenters who keep notes visible
Keep slides or a presentation window on one display and speaker notes, reference material or chat on the other. Separate positioning matters most if the two screens need different angles or orientations.
Who is this setup for?
Workers with compact desks
Look for a layout that leaves usable desk space beneath the displays and gives power, video and peripheral leads a practical route. Plan the monitors’ power connections separately.
Monitor owners checking compatibility
Compare each screen’s VESA mounting pattern and weight with the exact mount, then measure the desk edge or grommet hole. These checks are particularly important with older or non-standard displays.
What matters when choosing?
Independently adjustable arms
Choose when: You regularly move the notes display to a different angle or orientation from the presentation display.
Allow for: Clearance behind and beside both moving arms, as well as enough slack in their cables.
Low-profile crossbar
Choose when: The desk is close to a wall and the two screens will usually remain side by side.
Allow for: Less independent movement. StarTech.com specifies narrower tilt and swivel ranges for ARMBARDUOG than for its articulated ARMDUAL2.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning slides and notes | Check whether the screens adjust separately and whether their intended angles and orientations fit without colliding. | I want my notes at a comfortable reading angle without moving the slides every time. Around 40% of consumers put separate screen positioning first. |
| Desk space and cables | Check the mount’s footprint, access to rear ports and cable slack across the intended movement range. | On a compact desk with few sockets, I need room to work and a manageable route for the existing leads. Desk and cable organisation is the primary concern for around 40% of consumers. |
| Monitor and desk fit | Compare each monitor’s VESA pattern and weight with the mount’s limits; measure the desk fixing point. | I need both displays held by a fixing that suits my monitors and desk, rather than relying on screen size alone. Roughly 20% of consumers prioritise this fit check. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by screen size alone
A display can fall within a mount’s stated size range but exceed its per-monitor weight limit or need a different attachment.
Check the VESA pattern and actual weight of each monitor against the exact mount, including any adapter requirements.
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Measuring the screens but not the desk
A thick or obstructed desk edge can prevent clamp installation; a grommet fitting needs a suitable hole and desktop. Rear-facing ports also need clearance.
Measure the proposed fixing point and plan where the power, HDMI, DisplayPort and USB leads will run after installation.
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Expecting cable clips to solve a socket shortage
Cable routing can reduce clutter, but both monitors still need their normal power connections. Leads pulled tight may also restrict adjustment.
Plan socket use separately, then check cable length and slack with the screens in their intended positions.
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Assuming an older model is readily available
Ergotron identifies the LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm 45-245-224 as discontinued, so its specifications should not be taken as proof of current supply.
If considering that part number, check availability and support terms. Compare any replacement model’s mounting and capacity specifications afresh.
Brands to consider
Ergotron
The LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm 45-245-224 is a useful reference when comparing adjustment and mounting specifications.
- Ergotron specifies a 3.2–9.1 kg weight range per monitor for this dual arm.
- Ergotron identifies this part number as discontinued; check availability before treating it as a purchase option.
StarTech.com
Its ARMDUAL2 articulated arms and ARMBARDUOG low-profile crossbar address different screen layouts.
- StarTech.com specifies ARMDUAL2 for two displays up to 32 inches and 8 kg per arm; it describes ARMBARDUOG as suitable for placement close to a wall or partition.
- The formats have different movement ranges and screen-size limits, so check the specifications of the one you intend to buy.
Fellowes
Tallo and Eppa are monitor-arm ranges with different stated load ranges.
- Fellowes lists 1–9 kg screen support for Tallo and 1–8 kg for Eppa.
- Confirm that the selected configuration is a dual mount and check its fixing and adjustment details rather than applying a range-wide figure to every model.
Humanscale
Its monitor-arm configurations warrant a close look when a particular dual-screen arrangement is needed.
- Humanscale specifies optional crossbar support for two monitors up to 12 lb each in the cited M8 Pro configuration.
- Capacity depends on the configuration; check the exact dual mount rather than using a series name as a capacity guide.
ABL
The FSA2 is an option to assess when mounting two relatively heavy, smaller displays.
- Genesys UK lists the ABL FSA2 for two monitors weighing up to 13 kg each.
- Its stated maximum screen size is 24 inches, which matters even when a larger display is within the weight limit.
Joybuy product choices
This Dell dual-monitor stand is a choice to assess for keeping notes beside presentation content. Compare its mounting and adjustment details with your monitors and desk before ordering.
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Dell Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19
For a notes-and-slides layout, check how each screen attaches and whether the stand’s adjustment suits their intended positions.
Confirm the fixing against your desk and leave enough cable slack; the stand does not supply power to either monitor.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose separate arms or a crossbar for slides and notes?
Choose separate arms if the notes and presentation screens need different heights, angles or orientations. A low-profile crossbar is more relevant when the desk is close to a wall and the screens will stay mostly side by side; check the chosen model’s adjustment range.
What should I check on each monitor?
Check its VESA mounting pattern and actual weight against the mount’s per-monitor specifications, and confirm whether an adapter is needed. A screen-size rating alone does not establish compatibility.
How do I check whether a clamp or grommet will fit my desk?
Measure the desk edge for a clamp, or the hole and desktop thickness for a grommet, then compare those measurements with the exact model’s limits. Ergotron specifies a clamp limit of 66 mm desk-edge thickness and a grommet fitting for 8–50 mm holes through desktops up to 76 mm thick for its LX Dual Side-by-Side Arm 45-245-224; other models can differ.
Will a dual monitor stand free up plug sockets?
No: a stand can organise cables but does not replace the power connections required by the monitors. Plan socket use separately and check that mounting leaves access to power and video ports.
Does UK workplace screen guidance affect the layout?
Yes, if this is a work setup: the Health and Safety Executive says UK display screen equipment regulations apply to workers who use screens daily for continuous periods of an hour or more. Its posture guidance places the top of the screen level with the eyes and the screen about an arm’s length away, so check that the chosen mount permits a suitable position for the screens you use.