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The 5 Key Components of a Monitor

Preface

Throughout the post, I placed links to Amazon.com, but if you're Canadian (like me) don't worry; I made a list of the corresponding links to Amazon.ca at the bottom of the article. Also, I've stated this on the website, but when those links get used, I do get paid a small percentage of the revenue that comes from the sale (full disclosure in biography).


Intro

Hey guys! So, recently, I bought a monitor (well, my parents bought it). This one to be exact: the BenQ GW2283. I transitioned to a laptop-monitor setup, from just using my laptop before. To be honest, it feel like a pretty big improvement; now I get 26.5 inches of screen to work with instead of just the 14 from my laptop. While researching about which monitor I should get for myself, I learned quite a bit about monitors; so why not share that information with all of you. Also, if you want to check out my first attempt at a video review of a monitor (or really anything for that matter), here is the YouTube video review below.



So, I'll simplify what to look for in monitors down to 5 key qualities:

1. Price

2. Ports

3. Display Panel

4. Screen Resolution

5. Warranty / Condition



1. The Price

So, first I'll talk about the price. For many people, this might be the most important factor when buying the monitor. Generally, monitors cost North of 100 USD, but there are some exceptions such as this Samsung monitor (pictured above) - which currently sells for 92.98 USD on Amazon.com. This monitor is not a bad buy for the price, but there are some downsides. These include: the panel type (TN), lack of the VESA mounting option, and the slightly large surrounding bezels. Now, none of these are a huge issue for me, but the deal-breaker for me would actually be the lack of an HDMI port (which I'll talk more about in the section 2).


My point is that even if the price is a big factor in the decision, the trade-offs should be considered as well. For example, someone sees this monitor and buys it on a whim. A few days later, it arrives at his doorstep. He goes to connect it to his laptop. Uh oh, he doesn't have a VGA port on his laptop! Okay, there are ways to get around this, like by buying a HDMI to VGA adapter or a USB Type C to VGA adapter, but if you're going this route, you should at least be aware beforehand. So, basically what I'm saying is do your research before you buy.


Lastly, if you really want the best bang for your buck, there is actually a certain time of the year where monitors are the most affordable. According to www.displayninja.com, that time is during January and February as that's when "manufacturers are restocking their supplies" . They recommend considering holding off on buying a monitor until the Christmas holidays. This isn't surprising because around this time of year, many 'tech' devices go on sale. This applies regardless of your budget, as it's not just the "cheap" monitors that go on sale. Many people are in need of a monitor more urgently, or perhaps some like me, don't want to wait that long. For those people, they can look for the occasional sale (I got mine for 10 CAD off), but if the Christmas holidays are just around the corner, I'd recommend waiting and keeping your eyes out for those 'Door-buster' deals.



2. Ports

As most people know, a monitor (or any display for that matter) can be connected to a laptop/computer in many ways. The 'standard' for most newer displays is now HDMI, and the one for premium 'top-of-the-line" monitors is USB Type C, but there are still some monitors being sold without any these ports (such as the Samsung in section 1), which is way it is important to check the specifications of the monitor before buying it. If the ports aren't listed, search the model number on Google, and if they don't state the model number either, don't buy it from that site/seller!


The four most common type of connection ports on monitors are VGA (video graphics array - introduced 1987), DVI (digital visual interface - 2000), HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface - 2002), DisplayPort (2006) and USB Type C (2016).


VGA ports and DVI ports are similar in the sense that they both can't carry audio. That means you need... you guessed it! More cables - audio cables to be specific.

There are different types of DVI types and they are found in some monitors. Their main downside is their complexity and that their max resolution is capped at 1920 × 1200 (still good enough for FHD).

The only reason I'd recommend buying a monitor with these ports is if your computer/laptop doesn't support other types (quite rare) or if you find a really good deal on a monitor with them (and you are willing to buy an adapter if necessary). You should also remember that, even with a VGA to HDMI adapter, the sound will not carry through, so think carefully which ports you want in your next monitor.


The other three types of connection ports are all capable of carrying audio. HDMI is the most common and my preferred/recommended connection type as well. This is because since it is found in many devices, it probably won't go obsolete any time soon. This also applies to USB Type C; it is starting to become the new norm. The thing with USB Type C ports is that the monitors with them are quite expensive. The Acer H277HU monitor shown above costs around 460 USD and is considered a budget monitor with USB Type C. Although many premium laptops only have USB Type C ports now, USB hubs and adapters should also be considered (for other connection types like HDMI). The last thing I want to mention is to also consider also how many ports the monitor has. For example, the monitor I got has 2 HDMI ports. Therefore, I was able to connect both my PS3 (yes, I know it's old), and my laptop at the same time. Now, I can switch between the two in a few clicks instead of having to fumble with the cable every time; even budget monitors can have a convenient port selection. So, my advice would be to try and stick with an HDMI connection unless you want to splurge on a monitor with USB Type C (and the device you're going to connect supports it).


I didn't get into a lot of details about connection ports because I was trying to keep it simple and therefore only scratched the surface. When talking about these, things can get mess and complex, confusing many people... self-included.



3. Display Panel

Most people don't know (or frankly even care much about) the 'nitty gritty' of display panels save some hardcore tech enthusiasts. One thing people do tend to care about is the size of the monitor and panel itself; so don't overlook it! Make sure you take out a tape measure and check if the monitor will comfortably fit on your desk before clicking "Place Order".


There are 3 main types of display panels: TN (twisted nematic), VA (vertical alignment), and IPS (in-plane switching) panels (and PLS by Samsung, but that's very similar to IPS, but supposedly better). IPS panels tend to be the most expensive of the bunch but that doesn't mean it's not found on budget monitors (the monitor I got has an IPS panel). Above is a picture of the AOC 24V2H, one of the most affordable IPS monitors on Amazon.com. I won't get into the mechanics of how the technology of each type works, but instead, I'll highlight the pros and cons of each and who should buy which.


So, firstly, TN panels are the least expensive to manufacture and generally have higher refresh rates and response times than IPS, therefore are appealing to those on a tighter budget as well as gamers. Although some brands like Asus have started to push the limits of IPS panels to make them more appealing for gaming, comparable TN panels are generally more affordable. The main downsides of TN panels are poor viewing angles and bad colour (yes, that's how Canadian's spell "colour") reproduction. Therefore, TN panels might not be ideal for those who plan to use this for photo/video editing, or those who need good viewing angles (perhaps due to a multi-monitor setup).


IPS panels on the other hand, have much better viewing angles, and superior colour reproduction. This might be good for creative professionals. For gamers, not so much. As, I've mentioned before IPS panels are not as 'fast' as TN panels, so gamers using them will likely be at a disadvantage. Another thing to note is that IPS panels, unlike TN panels, have poor black levels. Also, having a refresh rate above 60hz is only needed (recommended by me), if you are getting FPS higher than 60 (or are planning to), because or else the extra price is not really worth it; if you're getting say 40 FPS, it will look similar on a 60hz monitor and a 240hz monitor.


Lastly, VA panels are the middle-ground between IPS and TN panels. VA panels can get as costly, and sometimes even costlier than IPS panels and generally have better refresh rates, better contrast ratios, and black levels than IPS. Where TN panels fall behind is response times; they have the worst response times of the three and therefore might not be the best for gamers either. For gamers, it is also important to check if the monitor has AMD FreeSync (if you have an AMD GPU) as that would also make game play much smoother.



4. Screen Resolution

By far, the most common way to measure screen resolution is PPI or pixels per inch. Most people think that a higher resolution means that the monitor is better. Now, this isn't necessarily wrong, but it is important to understand what differentiates a higher resolution from a lower one. Put simply, the higher the resolution, the finer and sharper everything appears on the screen, and the more screen 'real estate' you get to work with. The most common resolution (at the time of writing) is FHD (full high definition) which is 1920 × 1080. In my opinion, this is the resolution most people should be looking for unless they are looking for a monitor larger than 24 inches.


Higher resolutions are also desirable for gamers, because they get an advantage if they see more of their surroundings. A problem arises if there is too high a resolution on a comparatively small screen. This usually isn't a problem with most displays as most manufacturers are smart enough not to make that mistake. For most users, I would recommend a PPI of 90 to 110 on their monitor (mine is 102). Emphasis on monitor because you sit further away (or at least you should) from your monitor, than your laptop; and you are generally even closer to your phone than to your laptop. The three screens I look at the most during my day are these exact three: my phone, my laptop, and my monitor. They all have the same resolution: FHD - 1920 × 1080 pixels, but since PPI is a measure of density, my phone has a much greater PPI compared to the other two. My phone (6 inches) has a PPI of about 367, compared to 157 on my laptop (14 inches) and 102 on my monitor (21.5 inches). Pixels are harder to make out if you are further away, so this actually works out perfectly.


Keeping that FHD resolution on larger screen sizes (>24 inches) might be desirable for some, but the only real advantage over having the same resolution on a smaller screen would be a larger image. To really use that extra screen space, you'll need a higher PPI. A good example is the Acer EB321HQU (pictured above) which is relatively well-priced 31.5" monitor with a WQHD (wide quad high definition) resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels. This means that its PPI is about 93, which is respectable. That's not to say that monitors like the HP 27es or 27er which are 27 inches but have an FHD resolution are bad by any means, but their PPI is around 82 which means that individual pixels might be more prominent when closer to the monitor as well, which would mean a slightly 'grainy' display if you're up close to it. You can check the the PPI of a display with this website: https://www.designcompaniesranked.com/resources/is-this-retina/


Lastly, it is important to know that the higher the resolution, the more processing power required to power it. This becomes especially important when considering 4K or even 8K displays. That is why you should make sure that you're graphics card can handle those screen resolutions (via Google search). These monitors provide a lot of space when editing and the images are much sharper (given that Windows can scale everything properly), so these might be attractive to content creators who perhaps edit 4K video. The monitor above is the Phillips 276E8VJSB which has a 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution in a 27 inch screen. The PPI of this (163) is way over my previously recommended range of 90 to 110, but it might be a good buy for some creative professionals who are really looking for sharp images when editing. Gamers tend to prefer a higher refresh rate and response time over higher resolutions though. To even think about getting a 8K (7680 × 4320) monitor is absurd for most people. This resolution is new, and is slowly making its way into TVs. 8K monitors might only be suitable for content creators who want to see 4K video in 'real scale' while editing, or gamers who have absolutely the top of the line gaming equipment and thousands of dollars to spend on a monitor. An example of an 8K monitor is this 32 inch Dell UltraSharp UP3218K (shown below)




5. Condition / Warranty

Although this is last on the list, it is still an important thing to look at when buying a monitor, especially when buying online. You should know if the monitor you're buying is new, used, open-box, or refurbished. If the seller is trying to hide this information from you, odds are they're trying to scam you. Generally speaking, with most reputable marketplaces like Amazon, Best Buy, Staples etc. you can't really go wrong, but you should make sure to check if they are fulfilled by them; for example, many sellers sell on Best Buy's website / marketplace, but are not directly affiliated with Best Buy. You need to be more careful when on sites which are slightly less reliable like eBay. You should make sure that either the seller accepts returns (and preferably they pay the shipping back) and/or eBay fulfills the purchase. That will ensure that even if you don't get the right product, or the product at all, you'll get your money back.


To be honest, I almost got scammed on eBay twice before getting this monitor (from Canada Computers), but luckily both items were fulfilled by eBay so nothing bad happened. Both times, the deal was 'too good to be true' and I was aware that it was likely a scam, but tried it anyways... just in case (only because it was fulfilled by eBay though!). Also, when buying refurbished always make sure that it is from a reputable seller, who preferably is open about the refurbishment process. On the contrary, buying used can be risky, and I wouldn't recommend doing so from any shady websites, but if it's from eBay, it is probably okay, as long as the seller's ratings are good (>98%) and they have plenty of good reviews. If it's fulfilled by eBay (or they accept returns), you could take a chance with a new seller too, if you'd like.


This brings me to my last point: a warranty on any tech is always good because it gives some piece of mind, as long as you don't have to pay too much for it. So, I would recommend against paying separately for a warranty (unless you get a great deal), but instead, if you're considering similar monitors, to look for which has a better warranty. Of course, having a warranty doesn't mean you can treat your monitor like thrash, it just means that you have a safety net in case something happens; my BenQ warranty card states I "must pay any shipping charges, export taxes, custom duties, and taxes" if I send the monitor to get repaired. So, treat it like it doesn't have a warranty (but still keep everything you need for the warranty - like the receipt - safe).


Other things to perhaps consider

I think I've covered all of the main things about monitors above, but there are some other things to maybe look at as well. I'll go over them briefly. Firstly, if you have a multi-monitor setup, or want some flexibility with the monitor, VESA (video electronics standards association) compatibility is probably important to you. Many monitors such as the first one mentioned in this article don't have that, so be sure to check the specs.


Other things to consider are the speakers of the monitor and the brightness. The latter is rarely a problem, but if you're working in a room with a lot of sunshine, a higher brightness will probably be better for you. Speakers aren't always included in monitors and when they are, often are pretty bad (like in my one). This can easily be fixed with external speakers or headphones, but if for whatever reason, speakers are a must, you might want to spend a premium for a monitor with a decent set of them.


Conclusion

Ultimately, this is only a guide aimed towards informing you a bit more about your choices in the vast world of monitors. Not every monitor is perfect for everyone. In the end, it is you who needs to decide what monitor will be best for your own needs.



Amazon.ca links:

Samsung S22D300NY not on Amazon.ca but, similarly priced Acer - https://amzn.to/2xBGxRj

HDMI to VGA Adapter - https://amzn.to/3cwq6Ev

USB C to HDMI + VGA Adapter - https://amzn.to/34OvnVo

Acer H277HU not on Amazon.ca, but similarly priced Phillips - https://amzn.to/3cKEyZR

AOC 27V2H (24V2H was unavailable at the time of writing - https://amzn.to/2RU7yGn

Acer EB321HQU not on Amazon.ca, another Acer QHD - https://amzn.to/2VpoXZS

Phillips 276E8VJSB not on Amazon.ca, another Phillips 4K - https://amzn.to/2VJEmTt and a more affordably Asus 4K too - https://amzn.to/2XThzHQ

Dell UltraSharp UP3218K - https://amzn.to/2KnAN09


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