Buying a computer monitor may seem like a simple purchase, but there’s actually many aspects that should be taken into consideration. Whether you need a computer monitor for work, play, or both, finding a monitor with the right features to fit your needs is extremely important. Different monitors come with different capabilities, each one designed with a different purpose. As you may already know, having a monitor that cannot handle your daily activities can be very frustrating, and without the proper display, you may not be experiencing the full potential of your PC. So, what should you look for? This article will aid you in developing a better understanding of what you need in a monitor.
LCD vs LED Monitors and CRT Monitors
“LCD” stands for Liquid Crystal Display, which is a type of display commonly used in television screens, computer monitors, and mobile device screens that relies on liquid crystals to create images along with the use of a backlight. These monitors use cold cathode fluorescent lamps to light the entire display image evenly. LCD monitors tend to be more affordable and are great for those who need to use them for long amounts of time or for basic tasks like checking emails. They also tend to be easier on the eyes.
LED monitors are a type of LCD technology, meaning that they also use liquid crystals to create images, but differ in the way they are lit. “LED” stands for Light-Emitting Diodes, which is what gives LED monitors their light, as opposed to the cold cathode fluorescent lamps in regular LCD monitors. LED monitors tend to have thinner designs with better contrast and color accuracy than other types of monitors. These monitors are often preferred by gamers, video editors, and graphic designers because of their ability to adjust the lighting differently on different parts of the screen to better highlight the image being displayed.
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors are a type of old computer monitor that became obsolete with the invention of LCD monitors. Although these monitors can no longer be purchased new, used CRT monitors can still be found. Some gamers prefer CRT monitors to maintain the authenticity of older games, though the display could never compete with the resolution and image quality of newer monitors.
Panel Types in Monitors
There are many different types of panels used in computer monitors. The main four categories of monitor panel types are Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), Vertical Alignment (VA), and Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED). TN displays are an older panel type, but are still popular because of their lower cost since they are relatively cheap to produce. TN monitors are strong when it comes to refresh rates and low latency, but are lacking in the area of picture quality, color capabilities, and viewing angles. These monitors are good for general usage and some gaming, but are not recommended for activities like photo editing or graphic design.
IPS monitor panels are a step up from TN monitors. They have superior color reproduction and viewing angles, as well as good input lag, refresh rates, and lifespans. Many people consider IPS monitors to be the best type, though they are usually more expensive, have higher power consumption, may have slower response times, and have lower contrast ratios. These monitors are ideal for productivity in the office, as well as for gamers who value the pictures in their games and any other people who need the color benefits.
VA monitors are sometimes considered to be the option between TN and IPS monitors. These monitors are generally preferred by graphic designers and photo editors who need the color reproduction and display capabilities of these monitors and are also great for general use. They are known to have superior image contrast and depth, as well as color reproduction, but are lacking in the areas of response times and viewing angles. Though, the color accuracy and viewing angles are still better than TN monitors. VA monitors are not recommended for fast-paced activities like some gaming. These monitors are typically more affordable than IPS monitors, but still not as affordable as TN monitors.
OLED panels are a newer kind of technology that allows the screen to be brighter and more energy efficient with better viewing angles than other panel types. The OLED technology used in these displays means that the monitor creates its own light, like LED monitors, as opposed to the backlighting in LCD monitors. These monitors are lighter, thinner, and more flexible than other panel types. Because of the superior specs, though, these monitor panels tend to come with a higher price tag, are more susceptible to water damage, and have sometimes a shorter life span.
Screen Resolution
The screen resolution of a computer monitor refers to the amount of pixels that are used to make the image on the screen. The higher the pixel count, the higher quality the display is. 1080p Full High-Definition monitors are considered the standard screen resolution today, and is great for every day, general use and workplace use. A step down from 1080p is 720p, and the next step up from 1080p is 1440p, then 4K after that, which each get more expensive as the resolution improves. With smaller monitors, you can usually get away with lower resolutions, while bigger monitors usually need higher resolutions to reach their full potential. 1080p should normally get the job done, but higher resolutions will give better general viewing experiences when it comes to movies, games, or something like video editing. A 4K monitor paired with a powerful graphics card can produce amazing pictures; there is a limited amount of content that actually takes advantage of 1440p or 4K since 1080p is so standard, though. Typically, higher resolution monitors need higher quality computers that can handle higher frame rates, which is another piece of the puzzle to keep in mind when picking out a computer monitor.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a computer monitor refers to how many times per second the monitor can update with new images, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). Just like with the screen resolution, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image on the screen will be. Most modern computer monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, meaning the image on the display is updated 60 times per second. It can also be thought of as frames per second, where a refresh rate of 60 Hz also means the monitor can display 60 frames per second. Higher refresh rates are ideal for activities like gaming, streaming, watching movies, or anything else where a smooth picture is important. Though, like the screen resolution again, much of the content that we view is designed to operate in the lower refresh rate zones since those are more popular in the average monitor.
Screen Size and Aspect Ratio
The biggest thing to take into consideration when deciding what size monitor is best for you is the space available on your desk. Obviously, no one wants to buy a monitor only to find out that it is too big or too small for their desk. For the average user, a monitor between 24 inches and 27 inches should do the trick. One may need to get two smaller monitors for a dual monitor set-up, or one bigger monitor to do their work sufficiently. Also, remember, smaller screens don’t need as high of screen resolutions to still work fine. The bigger the monitor, the higher the resolution that is necessary in order to have a clear picture. Sizes above 27-inches are usually best for 1440p and 4K resolutions. If your primary use for your monitor is gaming, you may even want to consider sizes like 32 or 34 inch monitors to enhance your experience. These size monitors also offer plenty of space for multiple windows and multi-tasking. Ultrawide monitors do exist, and can be great for productivity, video editing, or watching movies, but do require stronger computers and graphics cards and they take up a ton of space.
Ultrawide computers are typically found with different aspect ratios than the average computer monitor. The aspect ratio of a computer monitor refers to how wide the picture is relative to its height. Most monitors use an aspect ratio of 16:9, though larger, wider monitors can push it to 21:9 or even 32:9. The latter aspect ratios are great for a more cinematic experience, but are not needed for the average PC user.
Curved vs Flat Screens and Touch Screens
The idea of curved vs flat screens is pretty simple and is exactly what it sounds like. Some monitors are flat, while others can be curved inward from side to side. Curved monitors usually allow for a more immersive experience because of the way the monitor changes your perception of the image. These monitors can reduce image distortion and eye strain and are better for ultrawide displays than flat monitors. However, they can be much more pricey than flat monitors, have more issues with glare, and be harder to mount to the wall. Flat screens are usually more affordable and will work better in brighter areas. Flat monitors will work perfectly fine in everyday settings, and even better when paired with a second monitor for a dual monitor set-up. Some monitors can also double as touch screens, meaning they can be controlled with both a mouse and keyboard and your finger. Though, touchscreen monitors will generally be much more expensive than regular monitors, and only serve as an additional option for how you interact with the image on the screen.
Monitor Stands
The stand for your monitor doesn’t affect the image on the screen itself, but it does affect your viewing experience of it. Some stands are non-adjustable, while others allow you to change the height, angle, and orientation of your monitor. Third-party monitor stands can be a great option, but only if your monitor is compatible with it. Having a stand that forces you to strain your neck to see the screen can cause lots of pain, so pay attention to the type of stand your monitor comes with.
Connection Ports
Computer monitors need different kinds of ports in order to connect with the rest of your computer set up. Some come with more, while some come with less. It is important to consider which types of ports you need. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a generally good connector option that is widely supported and pretty affordable. It is the standard when it comes to transmitting high quality video and audio through a single cable connection. DisplayPort is a newer type of connection that is usually found on more expensive monitors with higher end graphics cards. This connection type can allow you to transmit to multiple monitors using only one cable, and is a great choice for anyone planning to use their monitor/monitors for 4K gaming or something like 3D modeling. USB ports are also a plus, since they can allow you to plug in devices directly to the monitor to connect to the PC. They can greatly improve your cable management. USB-C ports are also a great option available if you need to connect another device to your monitor. These ports can output video, audio, data, and power, and can be incredibly versatile.
Overall, there are many things to keep in mind when deciding on the perfect monitor for you. At Blue Oak, we can help give you recommendations, advice, and aid in the purchasing process of your new computer monitors! Plus once you acquire that equipment, we can help optimize your office network and protect your company through one of the several managed and on-demand IT services we provide. From anti-virus protection to data-backup, we have the skill to keep your business technology running smoothly and efficiently.
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