How to Choose a Monitor That’s Right For You

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that monitors are the most important pieces of hardware equipment in anyone’s computer setup. This would definitely explain why more and more people are investing in not just one, but multiple monitors for increased productivity, ergonomic comfort, and seamless functionality. 

Typically you’ll need to have several applications open at once, whether it is for programming and developing, networking and communicating, gaming and streaming or learning and creating. 

It is therefore essential that your monitor has the necessary specifications to support your activities, whilst also fulfilling your expectations when it comes to portability, size, and budget. In the following guide, we have covered everything you should keep in mind when purchasing a first, second or even third monitor, so that you can find a monitor that is compatible with you and your lifestyle.

What Different Types of Monitors Are Out There?

With so many different types of monitors out there, deciding which one is right for you can be overwhelming. There are particular features, however, that can have a massive influence over your choice depending on what you are looking for. Arriving at a decision, therefore, will be much easier after these considerations: 

External Monitors vs Portable Monitors

An external monitor is your typical stand-alone monitor, complete with cables and a stand. Whilst they are perfect as a first monitor, a portable monitor is the preferred option if you need a second or third display screen. 

If you have limited desk space, or you expect to be traveling and/or moving around with your laptop regularly, then a portable monitor is the ideal way for you to work comfortably within a smaller space or whilst you’re out on the road. It doesn’t need additional cables or even a stand, since it is simply clipped or magnetically attached to your main screen. With a portable monitor, you’re no longer restricted to a specific location, and you can be as productive as you want wherever you go. 

Curved vs Flat Screen Monitors

Whether you should purchase a curved screen or a flat-screen monitor will depend on what you intend to use it for. A curved screen offers an incredibly immersive experience, since the display completely surrounds your peripheral vision. It also means that curved screens are a brilliant way to filter out distractions, since nothing else can appear in your line of vision. 

From an ergonomic perspective, however, a curved screen may not be particularly comfortable as you will have to turn your head more to see each part of the display. What’s more, they are prone to glare because of their shape. A flat-screen monitor, on the other hand, is much more ergonomically comfortable. They also tend to require less space, so if you are limited in that regard then it may be the preferred option.

Touchscreen vs Traditional Screen

A touchscreen monitor offers easier navigation. In comparison to a trackpad or a mouse device, it is a simpler way to manage, launch and shift between applications. It is for this reason that they are a brilliant option for graphic designers and digital artists, because of how easy it is to use them for sketching. 

Their batteries do drain quickly, however, which isn’t an issue with traditional screens. A traditional screen is also more lightweight, and unlike a touchscreen one it can be used in direct sunlight. 

What Size Monitor Should I Get?

When it comes to purchasing a monitor, many people assume that the bigger it is the better. This isn’t always true, however, and the size of the monitor you should get will depend on various factors such as your lifestyle, expectations, and requirements. 

For example, these are some instances where you may not require a larger screen:

• Working – With more and more of us engaging in hybrid working or working from home, maintaining productiveness and performance in this environment can be challenging. Portable monitors are an amazing solution for increased productivity and efficiency. If you’re going to be traveling or moving around, then a smaller monitor might actually be preferable.  

• Learning – For learning, you usually just need a monitor to read materials, watch lectures or record your notes. As a student, flexibility and portability is important so that you can study in your home, accommodation, library, classroom or even the park. Whilst a larger monitor may come in the way, a smaller monitor can be easily packed and taken around. 

Here are a couple of cases where you may benefit from a larger screen, especially where precision is required:

• Gaming – When it comes to gaming, a larger screen will ensure that you can observe every detail of the game and play to the best of your ability. With their sophisticated stories and incredible graphics, games have never been more immersive or entertaining. A larger screen will allow you to enjoy every moment of your gameplay.

• Creating – Whether you are pursuing digital art, music production, or graphic design, having a working home studio is essential. Since attention to detail is so important, a large screen will give you the space you need to create without any restrictions or limitations. 

What to Look For in a Monitor: Other Considerations

Portability

In the midst of our hectic routines and packed schedules, it’s more important than ever that we make the most of our time whenever we can. A portable monitor, such as the Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels, provides you with the flexibility and ease you need to do just that and work from any place and at any time. 

Two Or Three Screens?

Whether you are gaming, streaming, working, learning, or creating, it is likely that you will almost always be multi-tasking. The flexibility and functionality offered by a second monitor is unparalleled, enabling you to allocate different activities to different screens. For an even more seamless experience, however, you may want to consider a third screen. If your activities demand a lot of your time and attention, then something like the Trio Max by Mobile Pixels may be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Budget

If you’re not especially particular about the specifications, then a stand-alone monitor can be purchased for as little as $300. If you intend to use it for something like gaming or creating, however, then you will want to carefully review the specifications. A second monitor for those purposes will easily set you back by more than $1000. Portable monitors, on the other hand, tend to be significantly cheaper whilst still offering sophisticated specifications, with the additional bonuses of being portable and compact.

Technical Specifications

Following are some of the technical specifications you may want to keep in mind:

• Resolution – Standard resolutions are 4K UHD, Quad HD, and Full HD.
• Screen Refresh Rate – For comfort’s sake, the minimum should be 60Hz. Some of the highest rates, however, are in the region of 300Hz to 360Hz.
• Contrast – Typically, anything over 1,000:1 will do, although1,400:1 tends to be the most comfortable.
• Brightness – That can range from 250 nits (candelas per square meter) or as high as 1,600 nits.
• Calibration – Calibration options should include choices for different color gamuts, color temperatures, and gamma curves. 

Consider A Portable Monitor For Your Next Monitor

Whether it is for work, studying, entertainment or gaming, a dual monitor has become a standard necessity for anyone who is using their computer on a regular basis. The advantages they offer are unparalleled, and once you have taken the leap and converted to a dual monitor set-up it is impossible to go back. A dual monitor, essentially, doubles the usability of your computer and optimizes user experience, productivity, and efficiency. 

With these benefits in mind, it is easy to see why the demand for this versatile solution has never been higher. In this article, we have outlined everything you should keep in mind prior to purchasing a monitor. If you’ve never considered it before, you should definitely think about investing in a portable monitor. They offer everything that a standard monitor has to offer, with additional benefits such as affordability, portability, and convenience.