Throughout our comparisons we have talked about computers on several occasions, but probably the most important peripheral to enjoy our equipment is a good monitor.
Even if you have a laptop, since it is normal that you use it at home some days, others at the office and others on the go, but if you are going to spend hours and hours in a work area, you will greatly appreciate having a decent monitor.
Today I show you four little tricks to get the purchase right. First of all, we are going to differentiate between different types of uses:
– Gaming monitors to play with the computer or by connecting a game console.
– Monitors for productivity where image quality is relatively important, for example to see the numbers of an Excel table
– Monitors for general use that includes watching movies.
– Monitors for creative professionals who need accurate color and image quality.
The first thing is screen technology
Although there are some models with an OLED panel like the most expensive TVs, the reality is that there are three types of panels, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
– TN-type panels shine for their response and update speed, making them interesting to play. On the downside, they offer lower image quality, worse colors and viewing angles. This technology is usually present in cheap models.
– IPS panels have the best image quality, standing out for their color reproduction and viewing angles, that is, they can see the screen even if they are on your side.
– In the middle, the VA panels have their brightness and contrast as their strong point. Their image quality is inferior to the VA and they are not fast like the TN.
Only the last two are also present on televisions, which gives us an idea that in any case they are a good option for the level of detail.
Diagonal and resolution
The combination between diagonal and resolution is identical to that of televisions, that is, it is not worth saying the size or that it is 4K, if not that they are related. So that we understand each other, the resolution is what marks the limit of the amount of information that we can access without using the scroll bars, something that in certain jobs is very important. In the case of watching a video, it is necessary to see the details well.
A reminder that never hurts: the size of a monitor is determined by the diagonal and in inches and one inch is 2.54 centimeters.
– If we want a 24-inch monitor, then a Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 points) is a good option.
– If we want a 27-inch monitor, better bet on a QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 points).
– From 29 – 32 inches, it is better to go for 4K monitors, which offer a level of detail similar to that of most current televisions.
Aspect ratio
This point is essential for anyone who wants a monitor to work with. And it is that the ultra-panoramic ones grow in width to offer the same information as in two or three screens, but only with one.
Although the panoramic ones are still the most common models, the ultra-panoramic ones will allow us to work more comfortably with several open windows. In this sense, these types of monitors usually integrate a split mode that divides the screen into several differentiated spaces in which to execute different tasks.
What difference one from another? While the standard ones have a resolution of 16:9, the ultra-wide ones are around 21:9, that is, much wider.
And to play?
In addition to all of the above, if you have a computer with a graphics card to play or you are going to connect the console to it, then take a look at its technical sheet and look for:
– The refresh rate, which is the images per second that the monitor in question is capable of reproducing, a parameter that is measured in hertz. The higher the refresh rate, the more fluid and smooth the movement will be. The ideal today for competitive games is that it be at least 144 Hz.
– The response time, the lower, the better. This parameter quantifies the time required for a panel pixel to change the color it is emitting. Otherwise, you can ruin the sharpness by producing motion blur or halos. Ideally, it should be 1 ms.
– That it is compatible with your graphics card in terms of adaptive refresh technology, that is, that it has either NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync.
Some brushstrokes for creatives
The monitors for design, photography, video… are high-end, generally with a good diagonal, 4K resolution and they are not exactly cheap. The queen technology is IPS precisely because of its color accuracy and viewing angle, with good contrast and brightness.
Regarding color accuracy, it is interesting that it is a 10-bit screen, with 100% sRGB and Rec.709 colorimetry. sRGB is more than enough for photos that are going to end up on the web or just purple on a monitor. If you want to print your work, better a monitor with Adobe RPG (better clarity and color correction).
And since this type of professional works with many peripherals, it is essential that they have a wide variety of ports: HDMI, Displayport, DVI or even USB-C.
From here, for any type of monitor it is interesting that it has a design with the thinnest edges possible, the option of hanging it on the wall, ergonomics, having speakers or a webcam… but all this is in the background.
Recommended models with good value for money
Ultra-wide for productivity:
This is my personal monitor and it’s a great candidate for anyone who works at home writing.
What do I like the most about him? Which is an ultra-panoramic almost 70 centimeters wide, specifically it integrates a 29-inch IPS panel and a QHD resolution, more than enough to be able to have several windows open and work with quality if we work with texts.
Two extras that come in handy for the issue of having a good posture is that it is adjustable in height and rotation. In addition, you can get it for less than 200 euros, a very attractive price.
Monitor para gamers: Samsung Odyssey G5
If you are gamers, the Samsung Odyssey are some of the most reliable monitors. For tight budgets you have the G3, for those who can afford it, the G9 with a diagonal of 49″ and a price of a thousand euros and right in the middle, the Samsung Odyssey G5.
This monitor with an IPS panel with a 27-inch diagonal and QHD resolution has weapons to play such as a 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time and is compatible with G-Sync, a combo that offers a great experience without leaving us behind. pastureland. It can be yours for about 400 euros.
General purpose monitor – watch videos: Samsung Smart Monitor M7
Samsung has some of the most curious monitors for those people who watch movies and series on their monitors, it is the smart line, which have the particularity of coming with a remote control, an interface from which to install streaming applications and speakers, so they work like a TV.
The model chosen is the M7 Smart Monitor with a 32-inch VA panel and 4K resolution, which is also perfect for people who need good image quality and details, for example to appreciate numbers in Excel.
This model is normally around 350 euros
Monitor for creatives:
Huawei Mateview
I have already anticipated that these types of monitors are quite expensive, but within this segment, the Huawei MateView shines in terms of value for money. For starters, it has a beautiful and functional design with a height-adjustable base that can rotate. It also has speakers, a smart bar to configure it and a good collection of ports. Come on, it is a monitor that does not skimp on details.
But its screen is a delight, it is of the IPS type, with a 28.2″ diagonal and 4K resolution, being compatible with color ranges such as 98% DCI-P3 (typical value) / 100% sRGB for greater precision and high dynamic range. It is a magnificent candidate for editing and its price is 449 euros.
I want a cheap monitor for general use: Xiaomi Mi Desktop
I know that I usually talk about cutting-edge technology and curiosities, but many times people ask me about a star quality: the price, or what is the same, that we want cheap devices that work well. So today we close with a brand that is already a classic in these matters, Xiaomi and its Mi Desktop.
Although its launch price was 229 euros, it can normally be found for around 140 – 150 euros and at that price you get a peripheral with an elegant design with almost no borders, adjustable in inclination and the best, a 27-inch Full HD IPS panel. If you need an affordable monitor that can be used for a bit of everything or simply to have on your home computer, it is the ideal candidate.
