How to choose monitor
For what kind of tasks
The first question to answer when looking for the right model is what is the monitor for? Many monitors are universal, but there are devices that are more suitable for solving specific tasks. Therefore, first think why you need a monitor at all and start your selection from this.
- Monitor for daily office work
- Monitor for home use
- Monitor for gaming
- Monitor for working with graphics
If you plan to edit texts and tables, search for information on websites and communicate in video chats, you do not need advanced specifications at all.
The IPS matrix will provide a good level of brightness and contrast, wide viewing angles vertically and horizontally.
The diagonal of the monitor should not be too large. Options from 21 to 23 inches or from 24 to 26 inches are suitable. 27 inches is the maximum.
With a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels the image will be quite clear.
The integrated webcam and built-in speakers will come in handy for video communication without connecting external equipment.
There are also models designed to solve specific professional tasks. For example, an accountant would benefit from a monitor with an aspect ratio of 21:9, because it is convenient to work with tables with many columns on such a screen.
If your computer is primarily a multifunctional multimedia center that provides ample entertainment options, you need to focus on image quality. Pay attention to models with the following characteristics:
● Matrix - IPS or OLED, these technologies provide a decent level of brightness, contrast and contribute to the transmission of a realistic picture;
● Diagonal - at least 27 inches, but you need to take into account the size of the room and the distance between you and the monitor;
● Resolution - from 1920 × 1080 pixels and higher.
If you want to watch movies, HDR technology support will not be superfluous. Those who love action films and other genres with a lot of action scenes should pay attention to the refresh rate. The higher the better, 144Hz is a good option.
Built-in speakers are a solution that suits those who do not have enough space to place an external speaker system.
There is a separate category - gaming monitors. They can implement special functions for gamers, for example, the ability to display the following on the screen:
● Scope - will come in handy for shooter fans;
● Timer - useful for those who prefer strategies.
There may also be special features for adjusting brightness and contrast, helping to find enemies hiding in the dark and shadows.
The matrix of the gaming monitor can be any, the main thing is the response time. If you prefer games with dynamic scenes, the optimal value of this parameter is 1-2 ms. You can ignore it only if you prefer exclusively turn-based strategies and leisurely quests.
Screen diagonal - from 27 inches. A model with a smaller diagonal should be chosen only if you need to save space in the room.
Resolution ― from 1920×1080 pixels and higher. For large screens, it is advisable to choose 2560×1440 or 3440×1440 pixels.
If you need to process photos, videos, graphics, it is important to pay attention to the realism of color rendering.
How to choose a computer monitor in this case? The best option is an IPS matrix. But it is better if the monitor has undergone special calibration and its characteristics indicate a wide color gamut.
It is advisable to choose a larger diagonal, but take into account the size of the room in which you will work. Since the picture should be clear, it is better to prefer a resolution of 2560 × 1440 or 3440 × 1440 pixels.
The ability to adjust the position of the screen also plays an important role. It is good if it can be tilted, rotated, converted from landscape to portrait orientation and back.
For those who work with graphics, a monitor with a special visor will come in handy, which does not allow sunlight to hit the screen. This will protect against glare, distorting colors and straining the eyes.
What to look for when choosing a monitor
Screen matrix type
The matrix is the screen basis, and the brightness and contrast, energy consumption and other important parameters of the monitor depend on it. The following matrix types are widely used:
| LCD | LED | OLED | QLED | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast | ||||
| Brightness | ||||
| Blur in dynamics | ||||
| Viewing angle | ||||
| Color saturation | ||||
| Image halo | ||||
| Power saving |
Screen resolution
Screen resolution is the number of horizontal pixels multiplied by the number of vertical pixels. The pixel density on the screen and, accordingly, the clarity of the image depend on this parameter.
Other key features
Next, we'll talk about the other key features you should consider when buying a monitor.
- Measured (in Hertz or Hz) how many times per second your screen refreshes the displayed image.
- By increasing the refresh rate, you make frame transitions smoother and improve image quality.
- The default refresh rate is usually 60 Hz.
- Monitors with higher refresh rates are ideal for gaming.
Additional features
Some monitors come with additional useful features and functions that expand the capabilities of the device. Among these are:
Built-in speaker system
a useful addition when there is no possibility to use a separate audio system. However, as a rule, the speakers built into the monitor do not stand out either for their quality or maximum volume. There are few pleasant exceptions, but they exist.
Built-in webcam
allows you to save on purchasing a separate camera, especially if you do not require maximum audio and video quality. Mostly found in a retractable format, with built-in microphones with noise reduction and a built-in speaker system in the monitor body. Sometimes manufacturers install additional control buttons to make conferences more comfortable.
USB ports (USB hub)
for connecting various USB peripherals directly to the ports on the monitor. For the built-in hub to work, the monitor must be connected to a desktop computer via USB Type-A or to a laptop via USB Type-C. A very convenient feature, especially if the system unit is hidden somewhere below.
External space lighting system
an important feature for fans of various RGB backlights and creating a special ambience around the monitor or in the room as a whole. It can be presented in completely different variations and with very different quality and effectiveness of the backlight.
Support for performing "hardware calibration"
a function previously found only in expensive professional solutions. It is open access to a special LUT area of the monitor itself for making all the necessary color rendering adjustments using specialized software (usually from the display manufacturer itself) and supported measuring devices. At the moment, it is present in a wide variety of solutions, including some gaming ones, but the correctness of its operation often leaves much to be desired.
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