A computer monitor is often an underestimated peripheral. However, you spend most of your time looking at the monitor. If you purchase a low-quality monitor, it can make your work less efficient and might even harm your eyesight and neck area. Since the majority of your work is based on using a monitor, it is crucial to invest in a good one. Make sure your monitor is large enough to make reading effortless and be comfortable to look at.
Resolution
A computer’s resolution is dictated by the number of pixels a monitor uses to display an image. A monitor will have a resolution consisting of two numbers. Typically, resolutions would be 1920×1080. In this case, the monitor displays 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. Higher-level computer monitor resolutions have a greater capacity to display crisper images and more information on the monitor. It should be noted that a higher resolution results in making everything on the screen smaller. However, these elements are scaled and optimally adjusted.
Video input
Some examples of video inputs available on the market are VGA, DVI, and HDMI. Overall, it is a great idea to match connectors available on your computer. However, adapters and cables can be purchased and adopted for any of these inputs. So far, the best video input is DisplayPort since it supports a resolution of 3840×2160. HDMI video input is also an excellent choice since it has a wide range of available cables and can carry audio signals. At the lower end, DVI can only accommodate 1920×1200. But the DVI-D has the capacity for higher resolutions. VGA is from old-school technology and utilizes an analogue signal. It typically doesn’t have the clarity of the other video inputs.
Price
Like other computer parts and accessories, you get the quality you pay for when purchasing a monitor. An entry-level 1920×1080 24-inch monitor without tons of features can be purchased for $150. At the higher end, a top-level 32-inch monitor that utilizes 4K resolution and adjustable height can cost up to $500. Overall, larger screens and higher resolutions drive up the final cost. The resolution will have a considerable impact on the price aside from the screen size. There is a vast difference between a 27-inch 1080 P monitor than a 27-inch 4K monitor. In the former, you will be shelling out $200 while the latter costs around $500.
Features
The following are some of the features currently available in monitors:
- Touchscreen
- Curved display
- Height adjustment
- Built-in USB hub
- Speakers
- SD card slot
- Hi refresh rates
Vertical sync
Extra features mean a higher price. Features such as hardware and vertical sync and high refresh rates are exclusive options for the gaming niche.
If you require additional space but don’t want a huge monitor, there is the option of a dual display set up. A majority of computers can support a multi-display setup. It can have two displays out-of-the-box. It is a great way to maximize the space you have. Overall, it is cheaper to have two smaller displays instead of a single high-capacity one.
Conclusion
It is crucial to invest in a good monitor. More than any other computer peripheral, it is the monitor you will use most of the time. It should be ergonomic and display crisp and bright images. Technology has evolved over the years offering state-of-the-art options at every price range.