Do you want to buy a new computer monitor? If so, you’ll need to choose the right model, because not all computer monitors are created equal. And it is that if you take the time to choose the right computer monitor, you will be much more productive when you work and you will have more fun playing
10 + 1 things to consider before buying a monitor
Buying a computer monitor can be as simple or complicated as you want. Although you could buy the first computer monitor you find on the internet or in your nearest store, you will surely make many mistakes that you later regret. So, these are the 12 things you should keep in mind before buying a monitor if you don’t want to make a mistake. Know more about portable bath tub adult.
1. Budget
The first thing you have to take into account before buying a monitor for your computer is to be clear about how much money you are willing to spend. And it is that depending on the type of screen it has, its size, its refresh rate and other characteristics, we can talk about a difference of several hundred euros between a basic monitor and an advanced one.
As a general rule, most of the most basic monitors cost more than €100 and their price increases the more modern they are. But wait! There is something that can help you buy much cheaper monitors and that is to choose a second-hand computer monitor at Cash Converters. Not only can you save up to 40% or 60% of the original price, but you will also have a 2-year guarantee and the satisfaction of helping the environment. You might be interested in squirrel proof bird feeders.
2. Screen type
One of the most important things to consider when buying a monitor is the type of screen it has. Depending on whether it is LCD, IPS or even Oled , we will have different features such as viewing angle, contrast or refresh rate that are limited or enhanced by these technologies.
Our recommendation is that you research what features each of these types of monitors have, but if you don’t want to, here’s a quick rundown. LCD screens are cheaper and offer a better refresh rate (maximum fps, ideal for gaming) while IPS offer better image quality (ideal for working or watching series). In any case, what we recommend is that you use a monitor for your computer and forget the idea of using a television screen.
3. Size
The second thing to consider before buying a computer monitor is how big we want it to be. Keep in mind that just like TVs, monitor sizes are measured in inches , so having a TV as a reference helps you get an idea of what you need.
The most common to work with are monitors between 14” and 18”, if, on the other hand, what you want is a computer to play with, monitors between 22” and 24” are the most suitable. There are even larger monitors, such as 27” and 32” designed for both gaming and ample work space. Learn more about slush maker.
4. Aspect ratio
Now that we know how to choose a monitor based on its screen type and size, it’s time to take into account its aspect ratio. But what is this? If we talk to you about terms like “sixteen ninths” or “panoramic”, the current film and television format will surely come to mind. Well, for monitors it is the same, and that is that the aspect ratio refers to the relationship between the height and the width of the screen.
Most monitors on the market have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio , which would make monitors wider than they are tall. Older models have a 4:3 aspect ratio , which is square. Finally, the most modern monitors are incorporating 21:9 ultra-wide formats , designed for those who want to have a single large screen, instead of two.
5. Resolution
As with televisions, properly choosing the resolution of our monitor will help us not only to play and watch series better, but also to work smoothly. When we talk about resolution we refer to the total number of pixels of a computer monitor, being able to find monitors with resolutions from Full HD, to 2k, 4K and 8K.
It is important that you know that the resolution and the size of the screen are related , in such a way that if we buy a large screen with a low resolution, it will look strange or even bad. If you are not sure what screen resolution you should choose, you can be guided by the following that we are going to tell you.
- Monitors between 14” and 18” (Full HD)
- Monitors between 22” and 24” (2K)
- Monitors between 27” and 32” (4K)
6. Connections
Another thing to consider when buying a computer monitor is the ports and connections. In addition to the cable that goes from the device to the power, monitors have a series of video inputs, with VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP being the most common.
To know what type of connections you need, you should look at what connections your desktop or laptop has. To do this, you can look at them directly on the sides or on the back, or look in the product’s technical data sheet. Don’t worry if they don’t match exactly, as there are adapters between different formats , although each of these have limitations in terms of resolution and refresh rate.
In general, DisplayPort (DP) is the best, as it supports 3840 x 2160 (4K) at 60 frames per second. HDMI is also a good option, thanks to the availability of cables and the possibility of carrying audio signals as well. DVI can normally only do 1920×1200, although DVI-D is capable of higher resolutions. Old school VGA should be used as a last resort as it is an analog signal.
7. Refresh rate
Whether you play with the computer from time to time, or if you are a gamer, the refresh rate is one of the monitor’s features that you should not lose sight of. Don’t you know what it means? Don’t worry, we’ll explain it to you.
Refresh rate refers to the number of times a computer’s images are updated per second . That is, a computer monitor with a refresh rate of 144 Hz refreshes 144 times per second, while a computer monitor with a refresh rate of 60 Hz refreshes 60 times per second. This means that no matter how much you’re gaming at 120fps, if your monitor is only 60Hz, the most you’ll see is 60 frames per second.
8. Frame size
If you are one of those people who are bothered by the frame of the television, perhaps you should look at the frame of your monitor before buying it. And it is that although it may not seem like it, far from aesthetics, the frame of the screens can take us out of that state of immersion and concentration in which we sink when we are focused in front of the computer.
In general, the screens barely have a centimeter or two of frame , but this can be really annoying for many users. When you should take the frame into account is when you want to have two monitors placed side by side , since the frame will break the continuity of the image.
9. Straight or curved screen
You may not know it, but there are monitors with slightly inward curved screens. These types of monitors, especially designed for gamers , offer a completely different gaming experience. And it is that in addition to being more immersive, curved screens present more uniform colors and can even help reduce visual fatigue.
However, curved screens are much more expensive than flat ones . And if you’re working on a project with a lot of straight lines, a curved screen can be more of a problem than a help.
10. Blue protection
If for your work or for your leisure you spend hours and hours in front of the computer every day, this interests you a lot. Did you know that there are monitors that help your eyes get less tired by reducing the blue tones of the images? This technology is known as Low Blue Light or Eye-Care and it consists of what we have just explained to you. This technology is already incorporated in most monitors, but it never hurts to actively seek it in pursuit of our visual health.
11. Bonus Features
There are many other features to consider when buying a monitor, but if we were to explain them all, it would never end. And it is that each monitor is a world and reading all the technical specifications well is almost an obligation. But as a final piece of advice, we are going to leave you with some slightly more special features that are worth looking at if you come across them.
- touch screen interface
- adjustable height
- Built-in USB hub
- integrated speakers
- SD card slot
- Hardware vertical sync (FreeSync and G-Sync)
And so far our guide with tips to keep in mind when buying a monitor for the computer. We hope we have helped you find the right model for your needs and remember , at Cash Converters you can find them at a much lower price! So don’t hesitate to give one of the many monitors we have waiting for you a second chance.