I use computers A LOT. I generally have 100+ tabs open in my browser and between 2 and 10 other apps open at the same time. For years I have had 2 * 24" monitors side by side - but they are a bit dated now, so I've been looking to replace them.. But things have gotten difficult!
Computer monitor technology has come a long way in the last 10-15 years. I can remember using CRT monitors that were HUGE and heavy. When flat screens came along it was a great day indeed.. But my screens haven't moved on much from those early days. I have a Samsung monitors that is over 10 years old and a Benq monitor that's about 3 years old. Neither of them are particularly good compared to even the average ones that most people have in their homes.. And I actually need better than average to do good photo, video and audio work.
So I've been researching the options for replacing them and it's quite complicated. I have several decisions to make regarding the technology options, screen size and other factors that all effect the pricing significantly. To make matters worse, there isn't a single shop in the city near me that actually has large monitors on display - so I will have to order one/two and test it/them and then maybe send them back if they aren't great.
Things to consider
My monitors are 1080p resolution, which is the same as standard TVs. It's good enough for casual use, but for a 'power user', more resolution is needed. More resolution means more screen space and more ability to look at more things at once.
4K is currently the option that gives the most space on screen.. a 4K screen has 4 times the number of pixels of a 1080p screen, so it can either be huge or maybe a smaller size but with enhanced image quality due to having a massive number of pixels crammed into a small space. But 4K screens are quite pricey and worse than that, they really need a top-end graphics card in the computer to be able to run 3D software and games on them. I don't play games a huge amount, but I do sometimes and I wouldn't want to lose the ability to play games just because I upgraded the screen. I think it will be possible to play games in a window on a larger screen, so maybe this isn't such a problem. Graphics cards are currently pretty hard to find and the two biggest computer shops near me have ZERO in stock, because crypto miners are buying them all up in vast numbers!
The other option is to buy a non 4K screen, that's bigger than 1080p.
Then there's the issue of the type of panel in the screen. IPS is the form that is meant to give the best colour representation, which is important when working with images and video. I am not a professional digital artist, but I do make images and videos - and sometimes for clients, so it would be good to have an IPS screen. Unfortunately, that also boosts the price.
Then there's the refresh rate (the speed at which the screen image is refreshed) - with lower numbers (in milliseconds) being better. If the refresh rate is too high (as with flatscreen TVs) then photo editing and gaming is hard to do because there can be a lag between moving the mouse and seeing the change on the screen. There can also be a 'ghosting' effect created (residual images).
Additionally, there's also the size/shape of the screen to consider. Some screens are HUGE - at over 50".. While the standard is 27" currently. So I could maybe get two 27" screens side by side, or one big one. There are also now the super wide screens that are one single panel that is as wide as two standard screens side by side! These are great for gaming, but they don't come in IPS as far as I am aware.
Unfortunately, these screens tend to be curved - which is no good for me as I need a flat screen for photo editing etc.
Screens I have considered
I am trying to keep the price as low as possible - so I have started with the best 'bang for buck' options.
The Acer et430 is a 43" 4K IPS panel that is VERY cheap in one store in Britain currently:
I nearly ordered one, except then I watched some youtube videos where people were complaining that it suffers from ghosting really badly.
So then I looked at LG's equivalent model, which is quite a lot more expensive.. And then found people also complaining about ghosting.
Then I looked at Philip's similar model and found the same thing!
All of these screens have some people complaining about them and some saying they are great. Since I can't demo them, I am kind of stuck.
There's also the option of running two Acer Predator's side by side. The Predator is said by many to the be the best gaming monitor currently available and since it comes in two versions - one with IPS and one without - it would be possible to have all the benefits of the different configurations at the same time. But they are PRICEY..
What do you think?
Do you have any tips? I'm mostly all ears! ;)
Wishing you well,
Ura Soul
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