How to choose a monitor for a computer?

Let's start with the most simple and obvious issue - screen size. The larger its diagonal, the more comfortable it is to work, watch movies and play games. In many ways, this statement is true, but there is a limit to everything: do not forget that the monitor is not a TV. And you will not sit 4 metres from him, but only 40 cm.

Models with a diagonal of 19" can be called more of a low-cost option, the peak of their popularity has passed. Today, 22" is considered the best solution. But monitors with a screen size of 24" are mainly intended for demanding users (designers, film enthusiasts, etc.). For everyday work with text or surfing the Internet, this size may turn out to be redundant - it’s not very convenient when, while reading, you also have to turn your head to read the entire row.

In order for the image to be of high quality, you should look at screens with a more “advanced” matrix. The choice will depend on the purpose for which the monitor is bought: work, study, games, multimedia, etc. There are several types of matrices, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. This point is worth considering in more detail.

Types of monitors: what are the differences between matrices

• TN + Film. The most common and running matrix. Due to its low cost, it is installed in most low-cost monitors that will appeal to not too demanding users. A monitor with such a screen is suitable for watching movies, and due to the low response time, it will perform well in games. Alas, the image quality and viewing angles leave much to be desired. If you need a monitor for everyday tasks and games, but do not want or have the opportunity to spend money on more modern solutions, then this may be a good option.
• *VA (MVA, PVA, Super MVA, Super PVA). This matrix is a cross between a relatively simple and affordable TN on the one hand, and high-quality and expensive IPS on the other. Colour reproduction is much better than TN, including black reproduction. The viewing angles of the screen reach excellent 178 degrees, which will allow you to comfortably watch a movie at once by several users on one monitor. The main disadvantage is the long response time, especially with MVA matrices, which makes monitors based on them not a very good choice for dynamic video games.

Monitors with IPS and MVA/VA matrices provide a higher quality image, but at the same time they are more expensive than the classic TN + film

• IPS family. One of the most expensive and high-quality technologies that provides the best colour reproduction, but at the same time has a rather long response time and a high price. IPS-matrix screens are an excellent choice for professionals who value image quality and realistic colour reproduction, and a long response time is not critical. Good for designers, artists, video editors and anyone who works with graphics. The most popular in the family are the following options.
• EIPS. The technology is designed to popularize IPS-based monitors. The use of cheaper backlight lamps has significantly reduced the final cost of devices. Viewing angles are increased, and the response time is reduced to 5 ms, which makes such monitors not only a relatively affordable solution for work, but also a good option for computer games and comfortable video viewing. Among all solutions based on IPS technology, this one, perhaps, boasts the best combination of price / quality.
• PIPS. One of the most advanced options in the IPS technology family. Provides the best colour reproduction, and the colour depth is 30 bits. Also perfect for professionals working with graphics.
• S-IPS. Boasts all the benefits of the original technology, as well as reduced response time and increased contrast. Today it is considered obsolete and is gradually leaving the market.

What screen resolution to choose?

A clear example of the difference between the most popular resolutions

The larger the screen size, the higher its working resolution and the more it loads the video adapter. This is especially true for games and high-definition video playback. Optimal today is 1920x1080 pixels (FullHD). It is convenient to play and watch movies on such a device, but for a high-quality and smooth picture, you should also take care of a performant graphics card, which will be able to produce a high frame rate without losing quality.

The resolution of 1366x768 provides comfortable HD video playback, and 1920x1200 is mainly used in models with a screen size of 24". Please note that all monitors are usually designed to be used at native resolution, since changing it can lead to a significant deterioration in picture quality.

If you decide to distribute the picture on three monitors, then you can not do without a tandem of 2 or 3 video cards in SLI (Nvidia) or Crossfire (Radeon) mode. Also, some monitors support 3D mode, which can immerse you in the thick of things with the help of special 3D glasses. Let's pay attention to one more important point: to watch movies and games in stereoscopic mode, it is necessary that both the monitor and the graphics card support 3D.

What is the aspect ratio of a monitor?

The aspect ratio of the screen is the ratio of the width of an image to its height. The following options are commonly used:

• 5:4 and 4:3 are more suitable for work;
• 16:9 is the most suitable option for gaming and watching videos;
• 16:10 – allows you to comfortably work and browse the Internet.

The most optimal solution, perhaps, will be the so-called "widescreen" monitors with a ratio of 16:10 and 16:9. They are well suited for both work and play, and thanks to the large diagonal, watching movies in HD resolution will be a real pleasure. It is difficult to distinguish between models with a ratio of 16:9 and 16:10 by eye, but the main difference is the absence of black bars in 16:10 at the top and bottom of the screen when watching movies.

Response time, contrast and screen coverage

The reaction time is the speed with which the elementary dot of the matrix switches from black to light state. In fact, too high a reaction time leads to a blurring effect in dynamic scenes. This parameter is especially important when choosing a monitor for games - the value should be less than 5 ms. But at the same time, it is unlikely that during normal office work or surfing the Internet, the user will be able to replace the difference between the matrix at a speed of 5 and 15 ms.

Dell U2312HM - 23" FullHD E-IPS Monitor

The contrast level characterizes the ratio between the brightness of the lightest and darkest point of the screen. The parameter is quite problematic both due to the technological difficulties of production, and due to the fact that different manufacturers use different measurement methods. What can be advised: do not confuse this indicator with dynamic contrast - these are different things; comparing the contrast of different matrices is not entirely correct; the 8000:1 ratio tends to have more to do with marketing than technical features of the device. An acceptable value for orientation is 400:1.

Screen coverage is more of a matter of taste, but you should not miss this option, as it affects the comfort of working at the monitor. The matte solution is notable for the absence of glare from external light sources and a minimal “mirror effect”, which allows you to work near a window or outdoors. But because of the anti-reflective coating, the colours look duller.

Gloss boasts a bright and rich colour reproduction - the difference is noticeable even to the "naked eye". But sun glare can make the workflow uncomfortable. The anti-glare coating noticeably improves the situation, while maintaining the original advantages of a glossy solution, but only if you look at the monitor directly, since any deviation to the side exposes the “mirror base”.

How to connect a monitor: determine the necessary interfaces

There are several main connection interfaces. The most running and inexpensive models are equipped with DVI and VGA ports. The best of them is DVI, which is more advanced than its predecessor. Many modern video cards no longer have VGA in their arsenal, and in this case, to connect a monitor, you will have to use a DVI-VGA adapter, which usually comes with a video accelerator.

The presence of an HDMI port is a characteristic feature of more expensive models. The interface can transmit high resolution images. If you have a game console or a multimedia player at home, then you can easily connect them via an HDMI cable to a monitor and use the latter instead of a TV. The same can be done with any device that has an HDMI output. If the monitor has built-in speakers, the HDMI interface will also transmit sound.

Another interface that has recently begun to appear in various devices is DisplayPort. By the principle of operation, it is similar to HDMI, its only difference is faster data transfer (10.8Gbps versus 10.2Gbps for HDMI). The interface is the most perfect for today, its presence on the monitor and graphics card is a significant plus, but rather in the future.

Additional features of modern monitors

Following the fashion, many solutions boast a touch screen, which supports the ability to enter information using finger touches, as is done in smartphones and tablet computers. You need to immediately decide how comfortable it will be for you to sit in front of the monitor and keep your hands on weight all the time in order to be able to flip through the photos with your fingers. On the other hand, in combination with a convenient swivel stand, such a solution can be very functional, as it will allow you to choose the most convenient screen placement.

27" monitor with built-in TV tuner and remote control — the device can easily replace the TV (model: LG 27MA53D)

The built-in presence sensor automatically puts the screen into sleep mode in the absence of the user and wakes up when he returns. According to the manufacturers, this allows you to reduce power consumption by almost 50%, but only during those periods of time when the user leaves the monitor on and leaves.

A TV tuner will allow the monitor to perform the functions of a TV as well, eliminating the need to buy two devices. This can be a good solution for cramped living conditions or for those people who simply do not need a TV as a separate device. On the market there are both models with the ability to receive digital ( DVB-T and DVB-T2), as well as analogue or cable TV broadcasting.

The built -in USB hub can simplify the connection of peripheral devices. Personal computers, unlike laptops, are not equipped with a separate card reader at all, but the card reader can be in the monitor. The presence of a built -in webcam or speakers will save the user from having to buy these devices separately.

What is the result?

An perfect option for everyday tasks and "toys" will be an average monitor with a TN matrix, a DVI port and a fairly large diagonal. In conjunction with a fast graphics card, you get a good workhorse that can please not too sophisticated users with acceptable image quality and fast response time, which gamers will like.

If you need a monitor with better colour reproduction, then it is better to look at solutions based on IPS or MVA / PVA matrix. In return, you will receive maximum quality and pleasure from work. So, the model based on E-IPS is a little more expensive than the running TN, but it offers more "delicious" features in the form of improved colour reproduction and increased viewing angles.