Why ultrawide monitors shouldn’t be the default choice for productivity – my buying advice instead

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ZDNET Highlights

• Shopping for a new computer monitor can be overwhelming with all the metrics and jargon.
• To clear up the confusion, I recommended focusing on three features: size, panel type, and refresh rate.
• I will provide several monitor recommendations for both Windows and macOS machines.

So you’ve just bought your ideal laptop or desktop, and you want a new monitor to go along with it. what do you choose? If you’ve started shopping, you’ve probably already noticed the overwhelming amount of options. Some promise bright colors with HDR, others emphasize high refresh rates, and then there are ultra-wide curved screens.

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This could be information overload. Luckily, I’m here to help. This guide will detail the main factors to consider and come up with some recommendations to point you in the right direction, including my current favorite monitor.

The three most important factors to consider are:

• size/resolution
• panel type
• refresh rate

Let’s break them down.

1. Size and resolution

I consider the size of the monitor to be the most important aspect of it, as it sets the stage for every other feature. A large screen gives you plenty of space, making tasks like video editing much easier. but not big Always Better, because larger displays take up a lot of space. For example, Samsung odyssey neo g9 There’s a massive 57-inch ultrawide that looks incredible, but its sheer size makes it impractical for a small home office.

Monitors come in a variety of dimensions, but standard sizes start at 24 inches, then go up to 27 inches, and then 32 inches. Once you go above 32 inches you will start to see a significant increase in prices.

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Resolution is measured in PPI or pixels per inch. PPI measures the density of individual pixels on a display and how sharp and detailed an image appears. The more pixels condensed, the more detailed the on-screen image will be.

I recommend a 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 1440p. These specifications are the “Goldilocks” standard – not too big, not too small, while still providing clear views at an affordable price. Higher resolutions will increase the price, while lower resolutions will be cheaper.

This is one of my personal favorites that I use daily Acer Nitro 27-inchI bought it primarily for its lightning-fast 180Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, ideal features for gaming. Right now, it’s on sale for $189 at Best Buy.

2. Panel Type

Panel type refers to the display technology producing visual output. Although there are many options, I will focus on the three most common options.

VA, or vertical alignment monitors are known for high contrast ratios, producing bright colors and deep blacks. Some models, such as Kurui E2412F Has a contrast ratio of 3,000:1. However, they are some of the cheapest displays on the market, with some models prone to dimming.

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IPS, or in-plane switching, monitors are a favorite choice of professionals and gamers due to their excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and fast refresh rates. Most of the laptops and monitors we reviewed have IPS panels. acer nitro 27 The one mentioned above is one of these monitors. The downside of IPS screens is a lower contrast ratio and less vivid colors than OLED.

OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, monitors are great, providing superior visual fidelity. They have rich colors, wide viewing angles, deep contrast, and fast response times. Because OLEDs are the best, they are also the most expensive; However, technology has become so good that there are affordable options.

I recommend a gorgeous OLED monitor Alienware 34 QD-OLEDIf I had the room, I would own this monitor immediately. It’s a large, ultrawide screen that sports a wide Quad HD resolution (3,440 x 1,440 pixels) and a refresh rate of 240Hz. The visual output is nothing short of incredible. Plus, the large size provides plenty of workspace.

Review: Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

But $799It’s not cheap, but it’s a solid investment from a brand that’s been in business for decades. For gamers and creative people, this is the 34-inch monitor I recommend the most. Check out my full review for my experience testing it.

3. Refresh Rate

Finally, refresh rate refers to how often the monitor updates images on the screen, which is measured in hertz (Hz). For a normal user, 60Hz is perfectly fine. However, power users, creators, and gamers will want a higher refresh rate like 90Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz. Just keep in mind that those numbers will put you in premium pricing territory.

Apple’s Studio Display The Mac is a great high-end choice for users, especially creatives working with high-fidelity video, photo editing, animation, and design applications.

Review: Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Display features a 27-inch, 5K resolution panel, providing high-quality visuals. Its image quality, coupled with its six-speaker system, makes it arguably perfect for professionals on Mac.

This affordable 27-inch monitor from KTC offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a variety of use cases. It’s an IPS panel with a few different resolution options, but the QHD configuration is a solid choice for most people.

4. Additional Recommendations

In addition to these three main points, also consider ergonomics. A good ergonomic monitor will have an adjustable hinge, allowing you to rotate, tilt, raise, or lower the screen to improve comfort.

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There are also smart displays, which are like a mix between a smart TV and a monitor. They come with their own remote and can be connected to your computer as well as standalone displays for streaming services and other apps.