These days, a computer monitor is more than just a screen; it’s a way to enter the virtual world. You should buy a good monitor if you’re a skilled designer, a serious gamer, or just someone who likes to surf the web.
You should know what to look for to ensure you get the most for your money since there are many options. Before you go out and buy a good computer monitor, be sure it has the following features:
1. Resolution
The resolution of a screen is the number of individual picture parts or pixels that make up an image. 1080p, which stands for 1920 x 1080 and means “full HD,” is the most common format. You can also get a 4K screen, which will cost more.
More content can fit on a screen with a higher resolution since text and graphics can be smaller. Images and graphics are best worked with at a higher quality.
2. Screen Size
Computer monitors come in a lot of different screen sizes. The short is 17 inches long, and the longer end is 40 inches long. Also, the display’s diameter is the screen size. A larger screen is usually better for a computer, so big monitors are preferred.
However, the expense of a vast computer screen is a drawback. Large computer monitors typically cost more than smaller ones, which is unsurprising. Stick with a medium size to save money if you plan to buy many computer monitors for your business.
3. Panel Type
The panel type impacts color reproduction, viewing angles, and reaction times. Three main types of panels are used:
- In-plane Switching (IPS)
- Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Twisted Nematic (TN)
Graphic design and content creation need accurate color representation. IPS panels are great for these jobs because they have wider viewing angles and better color reproduction.
4. Refresh Rate
If the graphics card’s input rate and the screen’s refresh rate are substantially different, problems like tearing and motion blur will manifest. The refresh rate is the maximum number of Hz a screen can update.
Depending on the work, this rating could decide the number of frames per second (It could impact high-frame-rate video editing or viewing, but gaming is where it’s at.) 75 Hz is comfortable for most non-gaming tasks, and 60 Hz is the minimum you should aim for (because it is what most monitors allow). TN remains the way for ultra-high refresh rates (300 Hz or 360 Hz).
However, with the advent of 240Hz IPS screens, the compromise between utilizing them for gaming and other uses is much smaller than it once was.
5. Response Time
In milliseconds, the response time quantifies how long it takes for a single pixel to change color. Visual distortions like motion blur and “trails” behind moving pictures are less common when response times are lower. The refresh rate and response time must be able to work in tandem. Every 4.17 milliseconds, for instance, a new frame is broadcast to a 240Hz screen (1000/240= 4.17).
The amount of time it takes for a pixel to transition between two different shades of gray is commonly listed by manufacturers as “gray-to-gray” response time. The given figure is only sometimes an accurate average, but the manufacturer’s best guess is based on a series of tests.
Overdrive, an image-sharpening technique, also affects the outcomes of the tests. Overdrive accelerates the rate of color changes by applying more voltage to pixels. Overdrive, when fine-tuned, can reduce trail visibility and ghosting, a subtle double image that appears when moving. It might “overshoot” the desired values and produce additional visual artifacts if this doesn’t happen.
Increasing the level of overdrive can improve the results of gray-to-gray testing, but it can also produce undetectable visual aberrations when calculating the optimal result. Because so many variables impact stated response times, looking to third-party reviewers who can compare reaction times from various brands is helpful.
6. Adaptive Sync Technology
Technologies like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync can help you eliminate screen tearing and blurring. These work because they sync the GPU’s frame rate with the screen’s refresh rate. For players, this is a must-have feature that eliminates input lag and makes gaming more fluid.
7. Connectivity Options
When looking for a computer monitor, it’s also essential to consider the ports. At the very least, every computer screen has a display port. It’s a plug for the connection from the computer to the screen. Computer displays typically have one of three types of ports:
- DisplayPort (DP)
- Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
- High-Definition Multimedia Input (HDMI)
8. Brightness
What are nits or candelas per square meter? They are a way to measure how bright a screen is. Desktop screens usually have a light range of 250 to 350 nits. Typically, HDR-compatible screens have a brightness range of 400 nits to 1,600 nits.
Laptop displays are unique in that they must be legible in various lighting conditions, including solid sunshine; nevertheless, they benefit from increased brightness levels even without HDR capability.
9. Color Accuracy
Media sensitive to color, such as photos or movies, must have its colors reproduced accurately. Look for calibrated or highly rated monitors for the most accurate colors on your screen. You might also discover options for calibrating the device on some displays.
10. HDR Support
Images look more vivid and realistic with the help of High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which improves the display’s contrast and color accuracy. An enhanced viewing experience for multimedia content can be achieved with monitors that offer high dynamic range (HDR), which allows for brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and a broader color gamut.
11. Adjustability
You should expect a height-adjustable stand—typically along a range of 100 to 150 millimeters—with any respectable display. You could use a plastic riser or put it on books, creating more clutter and trouble.
In addition to swivel and tilt, many monitors can also pivot 90 degrees into portrait mode. That is very helpful when using a monitor as an additional display. If you’re doing complex tasks, like photo editing, on a swivel monitor, and you only want to see Slack or Discord, you can turn it away.
Similarly, tilt moves along the vertical axis; this feature helps stand desk users who often need to raise their monitors to eye level.
12. Eye Care Technologies
Spending too much time looking at a digital screen that gives off blue light can tire and hurt your eyes. Blue light filters and flicker-free screens built into some monitors can help keep your eyes healthy while you use a computer for long periods.
Discover the Ideal Monitor to Elevate Your Viewing Experience
Consider the resolution, panel type, refresh rate, reaction time, and networking options when looking for a computer monitor. To get the most out of your computer as a professional user, gamer, or content maker, you must ensure the display you choose has all the necessary features.