What’s the most important thing about a PC? Someone will say the processor, someone will name the video card, some start assembling with the purchase of an expensive motherboard. However, it is the monitor that is the face of the computer. A lot depends on this black rectangle: eye comfort, correct color reproduction, pleasure while playing and watching movies.
Monitors can be conditionally divided into several classes: budget, “for work and study”, gaming, professional and portable. The choice of display is a way of compromising between picture quality, speed of work and financial capabilities. Today we will look at the main characteristics of monitors and discuss the key points of choice.
Display size
It is more correct to start choosing a monitor with the type of matrix, but, as with TVs, users are more concerned with the diagonal, which in extreme cases can reach 55 inches.
- 19-22 inches – budget office models, often assembled on the basis of a TN matrix. For home use, they are rarely taken. Have the lowest cost.
- 24 inches is one of the most popular diagonals. It is appreciated for its versatility, a wide range of models and an affordable price. Most of these monitors have Full HD resolution and are based on IPS or VA.
- 27 inches is a common option, especially loved by gamers and professionals alike. The optimal resolution is 2K (QHD), but they are more expensive than the base models in Full HD.
- 29 inches – found only in ultra-wide models, which have become more and more popular lately.
- 32 inches – the need for upsizing came with 4K (UHD) resolution. This diagonal scales it optimally, and the monitor still fits comfortably on the table. The spread in the cost of such devices is gigantic.
- 34 inches is the most common diagonal for ultra-wide models with UWQHD resolution (3440×1440). Ideal for full immersion in modern games and movies, especially in curved design.
- 43 and 49 inches – the so-called Double Full HD and Double 2K-monitors (not to be confused
with ultra-wide), which fully replace two combined displays. Optimal for video editing.
Portable monitors with a diagonal of 15.6 inches go separately. They have a built-in rechargeable battery and are designed for use outside the home and office. They are connected to tablets, smartphones, consoles. The high price for this size is due to its mobility
and excellent technical characteristics.
Aspect ratio
In terms of aspect ratio, the market has gradually put everything in its place. “Squares” 5: 4 and 4: 3 have retired, and today the television ratio of 16: 9 and the cinematic ratio of 21: 9 “reigns”. Fans of 16:10 models should hurry up – every year they are released less and less.
The unexpected takeoff of the 21: 9 aspect ratios can be attributed to several reasons.
- Convenience: when performing some tasks (coding, video editing, tables), they have become really irreplaceable.
- Perseverance of LG, which strongly promoted them to the market and won the interest of both users and other manufacturers.
- Thanks to the competitive price, they managed to firmly occupy their niche.
- Increase the effect of presence in modern games and films.
There is also a fly in the ointment – old games and movies do not support such a ratio
and come with black stripes on the sides.
Curved screen
Curved matrices have been a fiasco in the television industry, but in monitors such a solution is in demand, providing the maximum visual immersion in games and movies. At least that’s what marketers say. The smaller the radius of curvature, the greater the bend. Typical values are 1500R and 1800R.
However, these screens are not suitable for everyone. For work, for example, with drawings and 3D models, you should not take them due to the noticeable distortion of perspective. Media content looks great on such monitors.
Screen coverage
The display cover is glossy and matte. Glossy models have a lot of glares, but have better color rendition. However, today they are rare. Matte screens are more difficult: here you have a semi-glossy, semi-matte, and even nano-textured coating. The problem with such monitors is a possible crystalline effect, the severity of which can only be assessed by a personal inspection of the device being switched on.