I don't understand this comment. Let me try to rephrase your viewpoint for a second:
Multiple monitors don't do a thing for me. What is the use of a graphical application running in a part of my visual field that I can't pay attention to?
Not all graphical user interfaces improve productivity through constant user interaction. Some are useful to have in order that they alert you if something happens (like gaim, thunderbird, or an RSS reader). Some are useful because you can switch between threads of thought or work more easily (I always have a dozen Firefox windows because they each represent a stream of thought that was interrupted). And some are useful only once in a while, like reference manuals, and it is worth having them "available" only for those times when you need to switch your attention to them. Just because you can turn your head instead of activating a "switch virtual desktop" command doesn't make it any less of a switch of attention. You may find it easier, but it's still a motor activity.
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I don't understand this comment. Let me try to rephrase your viewpoint for a second:
Multiple monitors don't do a thing for me. What is the use of a graphical application running in a part of my visual field that I can't pay attention to?
Not all graphical user interfaces improve productivity through constant user interaction. Some are useful to have in order that they alert you if something happens (like gaim, thunderbird, or an RSS reader). Some are useful because you can switch between threads of thought or work more easily (I always have a dozen Firefox windows because they each represent a stream of thought that was interrupted). And some are useful only once in a while, like reference manuals, and it is worth having them "available" only for those times when you need to switch your attention to them. Just because you can turn your head instead of activating a "switch virtual desktop" command doesn't make it any less of a switch of attention. You may find it easier, but it's still a motor activity.