Computer Monitor Buying Guide
Are you looking to buy a large computer monitor? If yes, 27-inch monitor is an excellent option to go with. The only bit of concern is that if you just compare the specifications of such monitors, you cannot decipher much. It is necessary to understand what you should consider and what you should ignore when choosing such a monitor.
Once you know the factors to consider while comparing such monitors, it is easy for you to make the right buying decision. Today our computer monitor buying guide will help you understand more about these factors and help you choose a 27-inch computer monitor from various options available.
Type Of Display
The parameter which matters the most while comparing such monitors is the display type on offer. It has a significant influence on the efficiency and usage of the monitor.
Did you know that you have four different display types available? We will go into the details of all these display types to help you understand more about them. Once you go through these descriptions, it will become easier for you to choose one.
LED Monitors
LED displays, as the name itself suggests, consist of light-emitting diodes. These replace the fluorescent lens present in the LCD. When you compare the fluorescent lens with LEDs, you will realize that LEDs are brighter. Also, they are more efficient as well, and therefore the power consumption is on the lower side. Both these factors ensure that the life span of LED displays is much higher at around 50,000 hours. It is one of the prime reasons why you should go for LED displays.
Another advantage of LED displays is that they are much thinner and lighter. It is because LEDs are much more compact than fluorescent lamps. It means that the installation is equally easy as well. Thus, when you're looking for a 27-inch computer monitor, you cannot ignore LED displays.
LCD Monitors
LCD stands for liquid crystal display. They have been around since the 1990s. They consist of a fluorescent lens that emits the light onto the screen. The life span of such a display is up to 30,000 hours. However, as compared to LEDs, they are thick and heavy. One disadvantage of these displays is that there are seldom any monitor models that display 4K resolution. That is why, if that is your requirement, you have no other option but to go with LED monitors.
The advantage of LCD monitors, however, is that they are much more affordable as compared to LEDs. That is why; people on a budget often go for LCD monitors.
IPS Monitors
IPS monitors are an excellent option for you if need ones that can provide deeper black. They are suitable for gaming, photo editing as well as graphics work. The viewing angle of these monitors is on the higher side. You need to keep in mind that if you need higher refresh rates, you have to go with more expensive ones. The entry-level IPS monitors have lower response times and, therefore, might not be suitable for heavy-duty gaming.
Touchscreen Monitors
These monitors are a new entrant. Our smartphone touchscreen is the inspiration behind their invention. You need to look at the application first. If you're buying the monitor for gaming, touchscreen monitors are not of great use. They require more power and have a lower life span. However, if you're buying a 27-inch computer monitor for general use, the touchscreen might be a good idea since it would make the monitor multipurpose. Thus, whether you go for touchscreen monitors or not depends on your use.
When you're looking for a 27-inch computer monitor, these are the options to consider. Depending on your use and your budget, you can choose between these four options easily.
Screen Resolution
The display clarity of the monitor depends on the reproduction of screen resolution. The higher the pixel density of the monitor, the higher will be the resolution. If you want to go into the details of the resolution, simply choose a good monitor, you can go with 1920 x 1080. It is also known as 1080p. Going with the monitor of this resolution can help you enjoy the HD clarity.
When you go with the 2560 x 1440 monitor, the pixel density will be higher by 33%. As a result, visual reproduction will be more accurate, as well. However, the best option which you have is the monitors which have a resolution double that of 1080p. These have a resolution of 4K and support Blu-ray clarity and vivid colors. They also display every small detail. They are expensive as well.
You need to choose the monitor depending on the pixel density and the budget which you have.
Connectivity Options
One factor which often gets overlooked when buying a 27-inch monitor is the number of ports available. You have to not just look at the number of connectivity ports on offer but the type as well. We will go into the details of different types of ports and what they do. Depending on this, it will be easier for you to choose the 27-inch computer monitor.
Display Ports
DisplayPort is, of course, the port that connects the display with CPU. Currently, the latest version available is DisplayPort 1.4. It can display 4K resolution pictures as well. In addition to that, it supports up to 120 Hz of the refresh rate. Due to this reason, if your monitor has DisplayPort 1.4, there will be no lag at all.
HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface. The latest HDMI port available is 2.0. It supports 4K pictures and has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. If you want to connect any external device to your computer monitor or even your television, this is the port which you should use. There are various types of HDMI cables available these days, which means that procuring one will not be a problem.
DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. It is an old port that works similar to HDMI. However, it can support only 1920 x 1080p. On the flip side, the refresh rate which it can support is 144 Hz. These days most of the modern gadgets have an HDMI port, or you can easily find USB to HDMI converter as well. If you have that option, it is better to use an HDMI connector rather than a DVI. It will support higher resolutions and more data transfer. Keeping these factors in mind, you have to give priority to DVI.
VGA stands for video graphics array. It is another legacy technology. If you have an older display which you need to connect with the newer ones, then only this port is useful. Otherwise, it is just a legacy port.
The USB port is a universal port of connectivity. It is available on various devices, including the monitor. That is why, if the computer monitor which you are buying has one, that is undoubtedly an advantage. Now that you are aware of the ports and their applications, it is essential to find out which one you need the most. Accordingly, when comparing the monitors, you need to look at the port configuration available and then take a call.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the measure of the dimensions of the monitor. The reason why aspect ratio is so important is that it determines the resolutions which the monitor can support. We will share a few examples below to help you understand why aspect ratio matters.
The monitors with an aspect ratio of 4:1 can support a resolution of 1080p, 1440p, and 2K and 16:9 can support 720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K, 5K, 8K. As you can see, the aspect ratio has a significant impact on the resolution which the monitor can support. So, you should consider this factor while purchasing the 27-inch monitor.
When buying it for gaming, it is better to go with the monitor that can support 4K resolution. It will ensure that you can get Blu-ray clarity while playing games. It will provide you with an advantage over the gamers using ordinary monitors.
Refresh Rates
The higher the refresh rate of the monitor, the lower will be the lag. The better will be the response time. That is why, when buying a monitor, you cannot ignore the refresh rate of the monitor.
The refresh rate is measured in hertz. The rating refers to the number of frames displayed per second on the computer monitor. If the response rate is 60 Hz, it can display 60 frames in a single second. If the response rate is 144 Hz, it can display 144 frames in a second. Similarly, if the response rate is 240 Hz, it can display 240 frames per second.
One thing which you need to keep in mind is that the higher the refresh rate, the higher will be the cost of the monitor. In addition to that, you have to take into account the capacity of the CPU as well. Only when the CPU, as well as the connecting cable, can support that refresh rate, you can go ahead with that monitor. Otherwise, it is a good idea to go with the monitor which is compatible with the CPU and the connecting cable.
Shape Of Computer Monitors
When you're looking for a 27-inch computer monitor, there are two shape options available. You might be thinking, how come the monitors are available in different shapes? Check them out!
Ultrawide Monitors
Ultra-wide monitors are entirely flat in screen shape. They are highly productive, as well. However, the viewing angle can suffer depending on the monitor type which you are using. If you want to use them for regular business applications as well as day-to-day use, there will not be any problem. However, if you're going to use for gaming, the next option on our list will serve you better.
Curved Monitors
The curved display technology was first incorporated into televisions. It was around 2014. However, these days large curved monitors are available as well. As the name is itself suggests, they are curved towards the user. The advantage of such monitors is that the viewing angle is excellent. Also, they provide better depth as well. Due to this very reason, if you are indulging in real-time gaming or heavy-duty gaming, the monitors will fit your needs.
You should consider the lifespan of such monitors. It is slightly less as compared to the ultra-wide monitors. Also, they are much expensive than flat display monitors. Keeping this factor in mind, you can decide whether the curved monitor will be perfect for you or not.
Budget
Once you have shortlisted a handful of options, your choice will be dependent on this factor. If the budget which you have is stringent, you will have no other choice but to go with a monitor with lower resolution and ultra-wide monitor rather than the curved one. You might have to compromise on extra connectivity options as well. That is why; you need to keep your budget in mind.
Since you're buying a computer monitor, it means that you have a particular use in mind. You need to ensure that the budget should not be so stringent that the monitor does not fulfil that application. Thus, the budget is only one of the factors while choosing such a monitor. It should not be the only factor.
Instead of getting confused between the different computer monitors available, you have to compare them on these seven parameters. Once you do so, it will be easy for you to choose the right one. Also, our computer monitor buying guide above will ensure that you need not get into the jargon or the other specifications of the monitor. You just need to compare them on these seven parameters, and choosing the right one need not take a lot of time or be very complicated.
