Hardware Fusion Primary Logo

7 Crucial Features to Look For When Buying a Monitor

When buying a new monitor, either a monitor for your home office or for your business, there are several factors to consider to find the right one for your needs. More and more users are in the market for a PC monitor these days and it can be difficult to select the right one. That’s why our IT team has put together this guide for buying a monitor.

There are many monitors and brands that are for professional use and every monitor has its own display specs and features. Whether upgrading to a new PC monitor or searching for a second display, our guide will help you select the best monitor for your work.

What is a Monitor?

A monitor is a device that displays information from a computer. It consists of a display unit, circuitry, and an enclosure. The display unit is the actual screen of the monitor, which can be either flat or curved. The circuitry is responsible for receiving the signal from the computer and translating it into images on the screen. The enclosure houses the display unit and circuitry and protects them from damage. A monitor is a technology that every small business needs, and it’s important to find one that both meets your business requirements and stays within budget.

workplace monitor

3 Things to Consider Before Shopping for Monitors

1. Budget

Determine the budget for your monitor before you even begin to shop for a new monitor. Many monitors can be expensive and may not necessarily come with all the features you need. It is important to determine how much you are wanting to spend before even shopping for a monitor so that you make the most sound purchase possible. If you are looking to purchase more than one monitor, it is helpful to browse monitor deals as well so that you can get more for your money.

2. Purpose

Most users have a key purpose for their monitors and it is important to have that purpose defined before rushing to buy the latest and greatest monitor. Keep an eye on the monitor features as each has its own characteristics.

Screen resolution and other display settings should also play a big factor in your decision to purchase a new monitor. Considering that 70 percent of adults report eye strain, you should select a monitor that not only has your budget in mind but your health as well.

3. Monitor Features

There are several important features to look for when choosing a monitor. You won’t need all the latest and greatest features but you still want to make sure that the computer fits your needs while still fitting in your budget.

While the vast selection of modern monitors can be overwhelming, the following list of features will help you determine what features are right for you.

7 Crucial Features to Look for When Buying a Monitor

Here are the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new monitor:

1. The right size

The size of the monitor is one of the most important factors to consider to ensure that it fits comfortably in your desk space. In general, monitors range in size from 15 inches to 27 inches.

If you have a very compact workspace, it is better to opt for a smaller screen size that will fit comfortably in your space rather than getting a large screen size that can restrict your space and make it feel cramped. You may also want to consider purchasing a portable monitor if you are frequently on the go for work.

Before you begin shopping for your monitor, measure your desk space so that you can make the most space-efficient choice based on your needs. While larger monitors may seem like an ideal direction, the extra screen real estate does not matter if you are uncomfortable or crammed in your workspace

2. High resolution

The resolution is the number of pixels that the monitor can display. A higher resolution means a higher detail on your display, and it’s especially important if you’ll be using the monitor for gaming or watching movies. Most monitors have a resolution of 1920 x 1080, but you can find models with a higher or lower resolution.

3. High refresh rate

The refresh rate is the number of times per second that the monitor can refresh the image. A higher rate means that the image will be smoother, and it’s especially important for gamers who need a responsive and smooth gaming experience. Most monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, but you can find models with a higher rate like many gaming monitors.

4. Quick response time

The response time is the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. A lower response time means that the image will be less blurry, and it’s especially important for gamers who need a responsive and smooth gaming experience. Most monitors have a response time of 5 ms or less, but you can find models with a lower response time.

5. The right connectivity ports

The connectivity refers to the ports that the monitors support. You’ll want to make sure that the monitor has the right ports for your needs, such as HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort. Most monitors have multiple ports so that you can connect multiple devices at once. Port Placement is also something to consider as it may determine how you set up your new display and workspace.

It is important to pay attention to the types of ports on the monitors as well as to the docking station, laptop, or PC so that you can ensure that you can connect your device to the ports available on the monitors. While there are connectors and adapters for this, they can cause connectivity issues and sometimes make it more difficult to have organized cable management in a workspace.

6. Reasonable price

The price is an important factor to consider, but it’s not the most important factor. You’ll want to find a monitor that fits your budget, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality or features for a lower price but you still want to make sure that you are only paying for what you need. While high-end monitors or a curved screen may be a nice touch, you don’t necessarily need those for a well-functioning workspace.

To keep your price in check, focus on the aspects that matter such as screen space, ergonomic features, and display settings.

7. Integrated Web Cam

An integrated webcam is a feature that is becoming more popular in monitors. This can be helpful if you use video conferencing for work or school as it eliminates the need for an external webcam. It’s also a convenient way to take pictures or videos of yourself without having to set up a separate, external camera.

6 Different Monitor Types To Know

LED monitor (monitor types)

There are three main types of computer monitors currently on the market: LCD, LED, and OLED.

1. LCD Monitors

LCD (liquid-crystal display) monitors are the most common type of monitor and use a backlight to illuminate the screen. This type of monitor is generally less expensive than LED monitors and is available in a variety of sizes and resolutions.

2. LED Monitors

LED (light-emitting diode) monitors are a type of LCD monitor that uses LEDs instead of a fluorescent backlight to illuminate the screen. This results in a brighter and more energy-efficient monitor. LED monitors are available in a variety of sizes, resolutions, and technologies, such as IPS panels and TN monitors.

3. OLED Monitors

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) monitors are a newer type of monitor that uses organic LEDs to create images on the screen. OLED screens are thinner, lighter, and provide better image quality than other types of monitors. However, they are also more expensive than other types of monitors.

4. IPS Monitors

If you need a monitor for gaming or other high-demand activities, you will want to consider an IPS, or in-plane switching, monitor. An IPS monitor is a type of monitor that gives you the best image quality and color reproduction. They are more expensive than other types of monitors, but they are worth it if you need a good-quality picture.

5. Curved Screen Monitors

Curved screen monitors are another option for a monitor. Curved monitors provide a wider field of view and can reduce eye strain. A curved monitor is much more immersive than flat screen monitors.

6. Touchscreen Monitors

Touchscreen monitors are becoming more popular, as they allow you to interact with your computer in a more natural way. However, they are also more expensive and require special hardware and software.

Final thoughts on purchasing a new monitor

When shopping for a new monitor, it’s important to consider the size, resolution, refresh rate, response time, connectivity, and price. The most important factors are the size of the monitor and the resolution.

Make sure to choose a monitor that is large enough to comfortably view and has a high resolution so that you can see all of the detail. We at DOS understand that selecting new monitors for your business can be tricky. That’s why we are here to help with our IT support services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size monitor should I buy?

The size of the monitor is one of the most important factors to consider. You’ll want to make sure that the monitor is large enough to comfortably view, but not so large that it’s inconvenient or difficult to position on your desk. In general, monitors range in size from 15 inches to 27 inches.

What resolution for a monitor is best?

The resolution can be determined by what you are doing on your monitor. Graphic designers would need a better resolution than someone focusing on data entry because that is the work that is called for.
Unless you are intending using the monitor for processes that rely on a graphics card, such as design and video editing, the standard resolution should be enough. Most monitors have a resolution of 1920 x 1080, but you can find models with a higher or lower resolution.

What are the best specs for a gaming monitor?

The best specs for a gaming monitor vary depending on your needs, but in general, you’ll want to look for a large monitor with a high resolution and a high refresh rate. You may also want to consider a monitor with a lower response time for an even smoother gaming experience. May gaming monitors also are ultrawide monitors or curved screens to help reduce eye strain, even when being used for long hours.

Can I use my TV as a computer monitor?

Yes, you can use your TV as a computer monitor, but it’s not ideal. TVs generally have a lower resolution than monitors, and they may not have the right ports for connecting to your computer. In addition, the image on a TV may be less sharp and clear than on a monitor.

Do I need a high-end monitor for work?

It depends on what you’ll be using the monitor for. If you need to see small details or require color accuracy and better image quality for work such as video editing or even for playing games, then you’ll want a high-end monitor. However, if you need a basic monitor for general use, then you don’t need to spend extra for a high-end model.

What is a professional monitor?

A professional monitor is designed with creative ideas in mind. You may use a business or gaming display in multimedia work. Pro monitors are usually calibrated to provide optimal color accuracy – a crucial requirement for creative professionals of any skill level. Professional monitors typically use an IPS panel that provides uniform colors and wide viewing angles. IPS screens are not only available for professional monitors, they are also found in business and gaming monitors.

Amber Briggs

Amber Briggs

Amber Briggs has served 8 years in a corporate IT role. She assists users in troubleshooting hardware and software, implementing and maintaining network hardware and software, and writes process documentation for end-users and other company members. Amber has previously worked as a Junior Systems Admin for many companies, including Doctors Making Housecalls, Carillon Assisted Living, and Custom Communications Inc. She also has experience working as a Technical Support Agent at Citrix. She holds a degree in professional writing and is currently studying computer science and information studies at Houston Community College. Amber has many hobbies outside of work, including art and graphic design, surfing, gardening, gym, video games, going to the gym, and skateboarding.

Get Our Expertise Delivered

To keep up-to-date with the latest and greatest WGM updates.

Table of Contents

Stay Updated

Get Our Expertise Delivered

Join our mailing list and receive the latest insights, strategies, and tips straight to your inbox.