Sometimes, it's just the manager that's the problem. I worked for AT&T Labs, and it took years to show to management that having bigger screens meant better work. A manager typing a memo only needs 15", a worker bee looking at lots of code or a big spread sheet can get more done faster or better with a big screen.
This particular problem, outdated managers ignoring better tools for the workers, was fully discussed 3 generations ago, read your Deming: Out of the Crisis
I for one like dual monitors. I use one for useless email, and IM. The other for real work(in between all hands meetings).
I know what you mean. Try explaining to your boss that you can be a lot more productive with multiple monitors.
BTW, Deming is wonderful. In my pantheon he is second only to Ohno.
Large monitors are also very inexpensive these days. I can’t imagine trying to get work done on a 15” monitor. Sure. It could be done, but you’re absolutely right. A larger monitor would likely increase productivity (they don’t call it the Desktop for nothing).
It's a general problem, convincing a manager that a relatively small expenditure for capital equipment can significantly improve employee productivity.
I had a discussion with a manager some years back, where I was consulting to the company for $$$, telling him that a couple hundred bucks for a removable drive would have him a lot of money in terms of my time. His response was "To buy stuff I have to write up a request to senior management justifying the need. Your time is already budgeted. Request denied."