Hi everyone, I’ll soon be starting a new job without a fixed office space. I’ll be working remotely and won’t have a setup with multiple monitors or a docking station. I’m considering using an AR or VR headset as a monitor since it might be more convenient than a small 13-inch screen and is highly portable. I’m new to VR and AR and have never used such devices before. Would this idea work well for someone who primarily uses MS Office programs?
In 2 or 3 years, this idea could become very feasible and straightforward to implement. However, currently, it’s probably not worth pursuing.
The most budget-friendly headset available is the Quest, with a few others set to release this year.
I recommend purchasing a Quest but advise against using it right away in your new job. Instead, start by downloading the Virtual Desktop program. Experiment with it to see what functionalities can work best for you. Given your primary use of MS Office programs, using a headset may not offer significant advantages over traditional multiple monitors.
In VR/AR setups, the screens are positioned very close to your eyes but simulate a focus similar to viewing distant objects. This can lead to eye strain, especially during extended use.
Using VR/AR for 40+ hours per week might not be advisable, and it’s worth discussing with an optometrist if you wear glasses, have astigmatism, or any similar conditions.
The Lenovo AR glasses are currently the most developed option for this application, but they typically require a Lenovo laptop to operate, as far as I know. As other users have pointed out, the potential for eye strain makes this less than ideal until improved solutions for issues like vergence accommodation conflicts become available.
It will. Headsets are generally portable and easy to carry, making them suitable for remote work where you might need to move around or work from different locations.
Wonderful idea. AR and VR headsets can create multiple virtual screens, providing the functionality of a multi-monitor setup without the physical space requirements.