Need Help Picking an External Monitor for Home Use!

monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 18:02
Last edited 02/09/2019 - 18:03

Hi guys,

I'm looking for an external monitor to connect my laptop to as the main display. I will be looking to use HDMI as the cable. It's mainly for productive use, but I'm also looking for something above 60 hz if possible for light gaming (FPS), and 1920 by 1080 is good enough for me (no need for 4K and all). Colour quality should be decent but don't require anything too extravagant as I don't do colour-sensitive work. I'm also not sure what the deal with IPS/LED is, so please advise me on that.

I have set a loose budget around 100$, but am able to push it. If possible, the monitor should be of good enough quality for me not to replace it too soon, as I also plan to use it with a desktop rig I build in the future.

I'm mainly posting here as I have no idea what to consider in a monitor since there's a lot of features that I don't know how to judge, so I'll answer your guys' questions if need be.

Thanks all!

Electrical & Electronics Computer Peripheral LCD Monitor

Comments

  • spackbace on 02/09/2019 - 18:08

    LG 22MK400H-B 22in FHD 75Hz FreeSync TN LED Monitor
    $105.40 shipped

    $131.75 for 24"

    $174.25 for 27"

    If this will be the monitor for a desktop rig later, I'd really recommend spending the extra for 27" now

    • monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 20:14

      Looks good, just interested - any reason why I'd get this monitor over other models?

      And will I be able to use this Freesync monitor if I were to get a PC that uses a Nvidia GPU?

      • spackbace on 02/09/2019 - 20:17
        +1

        I just chose the cheapest 1080p I could find tbh!

        • monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 21:16

          Ah I see, it seems like the monitor market is quite saturated and there isn't a consensus on a select few good models are there?

  • BOGOF on 02/09/2019 - 18:29

    Make sure it's waterproof

    • juicebox12 on 02/09/2019 - 19:20

      Wow! Such schwacking!

      many masto.

      grate ejac!

    • monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 20:09

      Will make sure of it, cheers

  • teardrops21 on 02/09/2019 - 19:45

    TL;DR just buy a smaller one that you can pick up yourself

    • monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 21:15

      What do you mean by a smaller one?

  • Kurohayabusa on 02/09/2019 - 21:30
    +1

    TN = cheap, fast pixel response times (i.e. less motion blur). However narrow range of viewing angles, average colour reproduction. Ideal for budget gaming, not so great for watching movies or colour sensitive work. Sounds like it could be ideal for you.

    VA = great contrast ratios, decent viewing angles, good colour reproduction. However slow response times makes moving objects looks blurry. Good if you mostly spend time watching movies in a darkened room.

    IPS = Best colour reproduction, best view angles. However, expensive (pretty much nothing near your budget) and only average pixel response time. The top end models are starting to really improve on that last point though, so for those with bottomless pockets it's the closest thing you can get to no compromise experience.

    In terms of refresh rates, 75Hz is not much of an upgrade from 60, but you'll definetly notice the jump to 120hz or 144hz. If you have the money for it, better off spending it to upgrade refresh rates rather than upgrading from TN to IPS for marginally better colours.

    Word of advice though, a monitor is probably the most important part of the user experience. You spend 99% of the time on a computer staring at the screen, maybe 50% using the mouse/trackpad and even less with the keyboard. On top of that, monitors don't really wear out or need to be replaced that often. If you can, spending a bit more on your monitor is always worth it. So if you're thinking of spending extra to get g-sync or freesync monitors, you might as well spend a bit more and futureproof yourself

    (of course if you just need something to get you by while saving up for a desktop, just get some dirt cheap or second hand TN panel that does the bare minimum, or just stick with the laptop screen for a bit longer)

    • monkeyoutlet on 02/09/2019 - 21:52

      Yeah I agree with straight up getting a good quality monitor and it's not a necessity to me right now anyway.

      What sort of budget am I looking if I wanted to get a good quality IPS monitor (though nothing too extravagant)? And what about 144 Hz on top of that?

      It seems like there are too many options to choose from and I wouldn't know which to look for.

      Thanks for the help!

      • dcep on 03/09/2019 - 14:26

        What sort of budget am I looking if I wanted to get a good quality IPS monitor (though nothing too extravagant)? And what about 144 Hz on top of that?

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/481175

  • dcep on 03/09/2019 - 14:24

    at 100 , just get the cheapest you can find from local shop with 3yrs warranty

    https://www.umart.com.au/Lenovo-V21-10-20-7in-FHD-TN-Monitor…

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