What to Look for in a New Computer Monitor?

40 replies
It's time to get a new computer screen. What kind of screen should I get? What should I look for?

I will be using it for the usual IM stuff: Camtasia videos, documents (writing and reading), blog and site development (though I outsource graphic work), etc

I also do a bit of php/perl programming here and there (was a programmer in my past life )

My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.

Any suggestions? What features I need?

TIA!
#computer #screen
  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.
    Learn to use the font size controls. Makes a huge difference.

    For example, right now, hold down the CTRL key (if using a PC), and tap the + key. If that's not enough "enlargement," do it again.

    To return the view to normal size, hit CTRL-0.


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  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    wide screen (19") led monitor.. DELL.
    teach me some php

    Thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author samueljsh
    Ideally you would look for a 21"+ Monitor. LED Displays are fairly cheap nowadays.

    Do not buy a gloss finish LCD, as any lighting near them can cause a sharp reflection/glare in them.

    Once installed/connected, play around with your screen resolution until you find a resolution you are comfortable with. You can also look at settings such as refresh rates, color schemes, etc. to help alleviate strain on the eyes.

    Always make sure the monitor is adjusted for optimal visual contact.

    Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatjc
    One of my professional services is as a Windows Computer Consultant, so I've been specifying systems for over 2 decades. I love ViewSonic monitors.

    Today, you want an LED type monitor (not LCD or CRT). It will give you a higher dynamic range (difference between black and white = more gray tones in between). This is critical, as human vision has something like 100,000:1 or more dynamic range and many old monitors have something like 1,000:1.

    The more expensive ViewSonic LED types advertise 10,000,000:1 dynamic range. They also have all the other goodies people like - even built-in speakers in some models. And the value is there - low price for their excellent features and quality.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      IF this is a fit for you...

      I would not get a monitor. I would look at 2 26" to 40" LCD televisions with PC connections or HDMI if your PC/Laptop has the ports.

      Good luck. And let us know what you decide.

      Joe Mobley
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      • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
        Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

        IF this is a fit for you...

        I would not get a monitor. I would look at 2 26" to 40" LCD televisions with PC connections or HDMI if your PC/Laptop has the ports.

        Good luck. And let us know what you decide.

        Joe Mobley
        What's the advantage of doing that? I've read that anything over 24" actually decreases productivity. Is that true?
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        • Profile picture of the author keyon
          Go to Target and buy this for $500 --

          VIZIO 42" Class 1080p 120Hz LED Smart 3D HDTV

          After having this on my desktop for a couple months, I'll never go back to a traditional-sized computer monitor ever again. You'll need an HDMI input on your computer. Otherwise you can get a new graphics card with HDMI for about $40.

          It might take some experimenting to get the display set up properly, but it's worth the trouble. If you're running Windows, play around with the desktop display settings (try the "HD" options), and also the settings that come with your graphics card. Eventually you'll find something that looks good to you.

          Above all, be sure to sit at least 3 feet away from the screen. Otherwise the image will look horrible no matter what settings you use.
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        • Profile picture of the author keyon
          Originally Posted by Sara Young View Post

          I've read that anything over 24" actually decreases productivity. Is that true?
          Whoever said that must have been smoking something strange

          Once you've moved on to the larger displays, you can then take advantage of cool things like this:

          https://ducksboard.com/
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
          Hello Sara,

          I have not read or heard anything about decreased productivity as size increases. The productivity gains comes with the ability to spread out your work. Do not underestimate this my Young friend. :rolleyes:

          Joe Mobley


          Originally Posted by Sara Young View Post

          What's the advantage of doing that? I've read that anything over 24" actually decreases productivity. Is that true?
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  • Profile picture of the author serryjw
    Do not buy a gloss finish LCD
    I have one of these and it is killing my eyes...what should I buy?
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  • Profile picture of the author thatjc
    Most of my computer clients value their free desk space too much for such huge monitors as 27". Typically the dual monitor users have something like 2-24" or 1 24' and 1-20".

    Also you have to consider if someone will be sitting across the desk from you (guest, client, etc.) and not block them.

    I use 2 monitors, 1-24" & 1-20". Don't use the 2nd monitor every day, but it is very handy for some chores. I work at home and don't see clients there, so no problem with blocking anyone's view.

    My CPA clients very often use 2 or even 3 monitors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Radium
    I would suggest a LED TV with at least Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. The bigger the physical screen size the bigger are the pixels, meaning that text will appear to be larger. I'd recommend from 20" and up. I think the one I'm using is 27". The only downside I can think of with a TV screen is that they twist the colors a bit, but it is not going to be important at all unless you're doing something color sensitive such as color management or video editing.

    If I was to go for a real computer screen, I'd totally go beyond Full HD resolution (2560 x 1440). It's few hundred Euros more pricey and it gives more desktop space but the pixels are smaller. Some might consider it unnecessary, though I constantly run into need of more work area. Multiple smaller Full HD displays isn't a bad idea either.

    Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
    Cool. Thanks everyone.

    I didn't think of going the TV route. What's the advantage for someone like me who doesn't create graphics, watch movies, or play games? (I know - I'm boring )
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  • Profile picture of the author HelgeSverre
    What I would like to have in a computer monitor:
    • It should be able to be pivoted to be in a vertical position( great for coding and reading)
    • It should be FULL HD(1920 x 1080)!
    • Should have DVI and HDMI, and VGA(D-sub) iunputs.
    • Should be able to switch between inputs with one button on the side or bottom
    • Thin Bezel
    • 24" or larger
    • Under 250 USD
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    • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
      Originally Posted by HelgeSverre View Post

      What I would like to have in a computer monitor:
      • It should be able to be pivoted to be in a vertical position( great for coding and reading)
      • It should be FULL HD(1920 x 1080)!
      • Should have DVI and HDMI, and VGA(D-sub) iunputs.
      • Should be able to switch between inputs with one button on the side or bottom
      • Thin Bezel
      • 24" or larger
      • Under 250 USD
      Yes, I definitely want to be able to pivot it to be in a vertical position. Very useful!

      Thanks everyone. This has been extremely helpful.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
    For anyone else reading this thread and wondering why multiple monitors are a good idea, here's a video that explains it:

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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Ya it's hard for me to work on a single monitor... i need dual for work but if you're going 1 screen make sure you go BIG BIG BIG. Just my opinion but it makes things so much easier. And Paul's tip is convenient too if you're only using one monitor
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  • Profile picture of the author jeffsolochek
    Originally Posted by Sara Young View Post

    It's time to get a new computer screen. What kind of screen should I get? What should I look for?

    I will be using it for the usual IM stuff: Camtasia videos, documents (writing and reading), blog and site development (though I outsource graphic work), etc

    I also do a bit of php/perl programming here and there (was a programmer in my past life )

    My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.

    Any suggestions? What features I need?

    TIA!
    Sony makes some of the best monitors. Now another option is to get and use a projector or a large screen TV . I've seen people do this. In fact I know my son does this, uses both as projector and at other times is large screen TV.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Michael,
      This actually zooms the whole browser window, not the font size.
      True. It was just the easiest and most generally useful example. Plus, anyone reading the post could do it quickly, without needing to mess with any software settings.

      In Acrobat's Reader, you can use CTRL-2 to zoom to make the text fit the width of the window. Most email clients have settings that allow you to control the visible font size. Kindles all have font size adjustment built into the reader displays (Tap the 'Aa' icon in the toolbar on the Fire. I forget what it is on the e-ink models.)

      The most common indicator is a lower case 'f'' (for font) as an icon in the interface. If that's not available, it will often be in the 'View' menu.

      Once you get used to using these, screen size becomes less of an issue for many purposes.


      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Mensah
    Originally Posted by Sara Young View Post

    It's time to get a new computer screen. What kind of screen should I get? What should I look for?

    I will be using it for the usual IM stuff: Camtasia videos, documents (writing and reading), blog and site development (though I outsource graphic work), etc

    I also do a bit of php/perl programming here and there (was a programmer in my past life )

    My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.

    Any suggestions? What features I need?

    TIA!
    For me i have a 21inch samsung screen. Because you will be looking at that screen for a long time get a bigger one because your eyes will thank you for it. My screen is ok but I will upgrade to a bigger one soon. I have my screen connected to my laptop so i can dual screen.
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    • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
      thats nice
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    • Profile picture of the author keyon
      Well...it's okay for a computer monitor. All I'm saying is that I think you would love the 42" Vizio. Have you been to a TV store lately? The displays are stunning.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
        Originally Posted by keyon View Post

        Well...it's okay for a computer monitor. All I'm saying is that I think you would love the 42" Vizio. Have you been to a TV store lately? The displays are stunning.
        I have a habit of getting carried away and writing an essay when talking about computer hardware but I will try to keep this one short

        Here's the problem I think you have with using that TV (or most TVs for that matter) as a monitor.

        Dell UltraSharp U2412M Black IPS Panel 24" 8ms Pivot, Swivel & Height Adjustable LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 2,000,000:1 (1000:1) - Newegg.com

        This monitor is 24" and has a resolution of 1920 x 1200.

        The TV you mentioned has a 42" Panel at a resolution of 1980 x 1080.

        So basically, the vizio has less pixels on the screen but they are just stretched out on a 42" panel. So the image will be larger, but not sharper and clearer.

        Now given how a monitor is used, a person sits a lot closer to a monitor than a TV, you would be able to see the distance between pixels and the image wouldn't be bright, crisp and sharp and even when you sit more than 3ft away, a TV simply won't be able to product a clearer image than a monitor. Now start increasing the viewing distance even more, and the TV starts taking the game away but up close the monitor is just superior because of the higher pixel density.

        I am not saying that you can't use a TV as a monitor, you can actually use it very effectively. But I personally used a three 1080p TV setup and I didn't like it one bit. The picture (text, images, colors etc.) lacked the crispness and clarity and compared to a 1080p monitor setup it was just not good enough.

        Don't get me wrong that TV will kick ass when viewed from a distance but up close, a monitor will just have the upper hand in picture quality and clarity.
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        • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
          Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

          I have a habit of getting carried away and writing an essay when talking about computer hardware but I will try to keep this one short

          Here's the problem I think you have with using that TV (or most TVs for that matter) as a monitor.

          Dell UltraSharp U2412M Black IPS Panel 24" 8ms Pivot, Swivel & Height Adjustable LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 2,000,000:1 (1000:1) - Newegg.com

          This monitor is 24" and has a resolution of 1920 x 1200.

          The TV you mentioned has a 42" Panel at a resolution of 1980 x 1080.

          So basically, the vizio has less pixels on the screen but they are just stretched out on a 42" panel. So the image will be larger, but not sharper and clearer.

          Now given how a monitor is used, a person sits a lot closer to a monitor than a TV, you would be able to see the distance between pixels and the image wouldn't be bright, crisp and sharp and even when you sit more than 3ft away, a TV simply won't be able to product a clearer image than a monitor. Now start increasing the viewing distance even more, and the TV starts taking the game away but up close the monitor is just superior because of the higher pixel density.

          I am not saying that you can't use a TV as a monitor, you can actually use it very effectively. But I personally used a three 1080p TV setup and I didn't like it one bit. The picture (text, images, colors etc.) lacked the crispness and clarity and compared to a 1080p monitor setup it was just not good enough.

          Don't get me wrong that TV will kick ass when viewed from a distance but up close, a monitor will just have the upper hand in picture quality and clarity.
          I think it depends on what you want to use it for.

          Personally, I don't watch TV, don't watch movies, and don't play games. I spend around 4 hours a day doing internet marketing and programming. And I'm not interested in sitting 3 feet away from my screen. So it's pretty clear to me I need a monitor.

          Thanks again to everybody who contributed to this thread!
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  • Profile picture of the author Meharis
    Originally Posted by Sara Young View Post

    It's time to get a new computer screen. What kind of screen should I get? What should I look for?

    I will be using it for the usual IM stuff: Camtasia videos, documents (writing and reading), blog and site development (though I outsource graphic work), etc

    I also do a bit of php/perl programming here and there (was a programmer in my past life )

    My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.

    Any suggestions? What features I need?

    TIA!

    As soon as you can, purchase two monitors.
    Working with dual monitors is just great...

    Meharis
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
    I can write an essay about computer monitors but I won't

    I would, however, like to address this:

    My vision is not as great as it used to be and I sometimes wear reading glasses. So reducing eye-strain is important to me.
    I personally use GUNNAR Optiks - Advanced Computer Eyewear, Gaming Glasses, Prescription Eyewear glasses.

    I run an online business and play video games competitively so that means spending hours in front of the computer screens. I use MLG PHANTOM - Advanced Gaming Eyewear, Official Eyewear of Major League Gaming | Gunnar Optiks and they do a great job of reducing eye strain. These are specific for gaming so I would recommend you try out Gunnar's Computer Eye-wear.

    These glasses are a bit on the pricier side ($70-100) but I don't mind paying the price for protecting my eyes.

    Just something you might want to look into
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      What to Look for in a New Computer Monitor?
      A good ipad, ipod, iphone, or android device.

      Just get some good reading glasses cause the eyes start to go in your early 40's.

      It's gong to boil down to who your audience is and what kind of work you're doing.

      For lots of graphics the higher resolution large screens. Otherwise, let the graphics guys do their thing and get what feels right for you.

      I have a laptop which attaches to an old LCD screen for second monitor if needed for extra desktop space (video editing). No need to get too crazy about it. Heck, I'd take in a free (and old) CRT if I didn't need to move so much and be so mobile. Those things are solid and very clear.
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