Because of covid19, people from around the world were forced to work from home. There are definitely a lot of perks in working from home, but if you don’t have a suitable computer set up at home, it can be challenging. One of the most important, yet not prioritized, components of a computer is the monitor.
Here are several reasons why you should take a closer look at your monitor, and if it’s time for an upgrade:
Is it space-saving?
Vertical monitors are marketed as space-saving monitors. They’re great for jobs that require writing or reading blocks and blocks of text, such as programmers and coders, writers, editors, researchers, lawyers, and so on.
Sometimes, you can’t consider a space-saving monitor because you’re prioritizing monitor size. And that’s okay.
Is it big enough?
While most people can work on 19-inch to 24-inch monitors perfectly fine, some jobs require bigger space. For example, if your work is in the creative industry (graphic design, animation, video editing, and other similar industries), you’ll need as much space as you can. Also check working from home.
If you plan on using two or more monitors for your work setup, then the size of your monitor may not be such a big deal. You can always extend your work space if you have multiple monitors.
Is it functional?
If you buy a curved monitor, will it be productive for you? Or are the angles just distract you from work?
If you work on your computer, but then use the same computer for gaming during your off days from work, would the monitor be enough to handle both tasks properly?
Is the refresh rate of your monitor enough? Measured in Hertz (Hz), the refresh rate refers to the number of times per second the monitor is able to draw a new image. If your monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz (which is typical for most gaming), it means the monitor is refreshing the image 144 times per second.
Is it right for you?
What’s right for Jane could be wrong for you. If a friend recommends that a particular monitor is THE BEST monitor in the world, take this with a grain of salt. It’s not because your friend is lying; it’s just that the reason why you use the computer may be very different from how your friend uses his/hers.
For example, if you need a monitor that can show accurate colors as close to the original picture, you should consider getting a monitor with an IPS panel and 178-degree wide viewing angle that is known to produce high color accuracy. These monitor specifications are widely sought after by professional photographers since they are able to edit colors accurately.
Other factors you should consider for your work-from-home PC monitor:
Of course, your budget will also be a major consideration. Even if you’ve found the perfect monitor for your needs, it may not fit your original budget. If this is the case, you may have to sacrifice one feature to bring down the cost and meet your budget.
Other things to look for include:
- Resolution – The job you do dictates the best resolution you need. For example, General graphic design is suitable for 1360 x 768. Advanced 3D modelling requires 1920 x 1080 (HD) resolution or higher, while video editing can be smoother with a 3840 x 3160 (4K) resolution.
- Video Input – You have several options like VGA, HDMI, DVI, and Displayport, but it is best to match it with the connectors you already have on your computer. Many experts recommend DisplayPort, which supports 3840 x 2160 (4K) at 60 frames per second. But HDMI is more widely available.
- Built-in functions – Do you need a built-in speaker? Built-in USB hub or SD card slot? And other cool functionalities? These are definitely great to have, but you can do without. If you’re trying to fit important features within your budget, then some of these functions can be dropped. If you have an unlimited budget, then I say, go for it!
- Technologies – If you need specific technologies such as V-sync (to fix screen tearing on gaming and video content), or FreeSync (to adjust the rate at which frames are transmitted to monitors) can all help in how your display works during a game or while editing a massive video.
Do you need a monitor that can be adjusted as needed? Or how about a monitor with a touchscreen interface? These are options that are more of a personal preference, but they’re good to know so you could include or remove them on your “must-have list” before buying. Also check improve work performance.
Even if you’re working from home, you should still consider investing in a proper workstation. A functional computer and suitable monitor encourages productivity and in turn, creates a less stressful environment for you.