Monitor buying guide (mega-thread)

For some people (and I mean many), 1080p resolution just doesn't cut it on a 27-inch screen—it ends up looking pixelated and grainy to them.

But honestly, the best move is to go find a 27" 1080p monitor in person and check it out for yourself; what looks fine to one person might be a dealbreaker for someone else.

Actually, I think the real headache with low resolution shows up more in text than it does when you're watching videos or playing games. Though, if you're just doing standard office work, does it even really matter whether things look perfectly smooth or not?

I’m currently using a Dell UltraSharp 32, which has a slightly higher pixel density—about 91 ppi compared to 81—and honestly, I don't find it bothersome at all. Besides, if you end up mounting the monitor on a wall, it'll likely be far enough away from your eyes that the difference won't even be noticeable compared to having it right on your desk.

Here is a little trick: try sitting back from your current monitor at the distance suggested by this calculator: https://www.designcompaniesranked.co...s-this-retina/ to see what the effective density would feel like if it were 81 ppi, and then you can decide for yourself if it actually bugs you.

Hey everyone,
I’m hunting for a used monitor for my $200
. I came across an AOC M2470SWH, 23.6 inches.

Is this actually worth $187
?
Thanks.
I play some Dota here and there. I just need something that isn't dim and can handle a few games.
Also, it better not be worse than that white Siemens one.🙂

And it’s definitely worth it, provided everything is functioning correctly.

Timothy Kim60 said:It’s worth it if it actually works correctly.

Is the 24E1Q any better for $283
?
Or should I just grab that used one?

New is new, obviously.

Hey there, I’m looking for some advice and a quick comparison between these two laptops.
My usage is pretty basic—just office work, browsing the web, watching YouTube, and movies. I don't play games at all.
Regarding the graphics: it's got a Ryzen 5 3500 u with integrated AMD Radeon Veg 8. In your opinion, should be enough to handle these monitors?

I don't really care if the screen is 22" or 24", as weird as that might sound. I've been working on a 12-year-old 19" 4:3 MVA HP monitor until now, so anything will feel plenty large to me. I'm not exactly someone who needs massive amounts of screen real estate.😁

To be honest, I'm mostly wondering if the Samsung is actually a better choice overall, even if I set aside the fact that it has a larger display.

Don't waste your money on a 22" monitor when you can get a 24" for the exact same price.

Check out one of these instead:

https://www.nabava.net/search.php?q=LF24T450FQUXEN
https://www.nabava.net/search.php?q=E2420HS

If you want a better ergonomic stand, go with the Samsung. If you prefer an extra year of warranty coverage, stick with the Dell.

That Samsung with the pivot feature looks like it could be a really solid monitor for my setup, thanks for the suggestion!👍

Timothy Kim60 said:Don't waste money on a 22" when you can get a 24" for the exact same price.

Check out one of these instead:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=LF24T450FQUXEN
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=E2420HS

The edge with Samsung is the ergonomic stand; the edge with Dell is a year longer warranty.

Did anyone mention it's 75Hz IPS and comes with built-in speakers? $333

It costs a bit more, but maybe go with this DELL S2421H.

I’ve been staring at that Dell lately too.😁

Does it actually make any sense financially to pick up that Dell for $67 more than what the Samsung costs?

On paper, the specs are basically identical. Is there some kind of build quality difference with the Dell that justifies the jump?

I'm letting go of an AOC C24G1 IPS 75Hz, 21.5" for $200. It’s still got a 36-month warranty—bought it last summer, maybe late July or August.

Aaron Evans2 said:I'm selling an AOC C24G1 IPS 75Hz, 21.5" for $200. It’s got a 36-month warranty and was bought around July or August last year.

I need a 24" monitor.

Nathan White8 🙂

Some people claim Dell has better picture quality, even though it's priced the same as the AOC. I ruled out Samsung because it lacks speakers. As long as there are built-in speakers, I don't care which brand they are.
If anyone has a used one for sale, make me an offer. 🙂

Hey! I need some honest opinions on this monitor

I’m looking at this for Photoshop work and maybe some light, low-spec gaming every now and then.
My absolute top priority is that it doesn't absolutely murder my eyes.
Right now I'm stuck using this ancient LG, and it's killing my vision like I've been staring directly into a welding torch all day...

Michael Adams said:Hey there! I'd love to get some thoughts on this monitor

I'm looking for something for Photoshop work and maybe some light, low-spec gaming every now and then.
My biggest priority is making sure it doesn't absolutely wreck my eyes.
Right now, I'm stuck using this ancient LG that makes my eyes feel like they've been through a heavy-duty welding session...

I'm not quite following you there; isn't it true that every monitor comes with brightness controls? It's not like that feature is set in stone, right?🤷

So, I finally made it out to the local big-box store today—it feels so good to actually walk through those doors again after being stuck inside during the three-month lockdown! I spent some time browsing the monitor aisles, but honestly, I walked away feeling pretty let down by what they had in stock...
I was on the hunt for something specific, like a 32'' display that’s strictly 2160p with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a completely flat screen.
Every time I thought I found something that checked those boxes, it turned out to be either just 1440p or one of those curved screens, which just wasn't what I was looking for, so yeah, it was a bit of a bummer...
I’ve always been the type who needs to see a monitor in person before dropping any money on it; I really don't trust myself to just go flying blind with an online order without seeing the panel first.
For me, the sheer image quality is everything. I’m not really a PC gamer, so all that high-refresh-rate gaming gear doesn't mean much to me since I usually just stick to playing on my PS5 hooked up to the TV.
I just love sitting back and getting lost in beautiful, vibrant videos and rich colors, you know? So, if anyone has some solid advice on what I should look for or what specs to prioritize, I’m all ears...
I think I'm leaning toward picking up a Samsung, though, mostly because I've been using their TVs and monitors for ages and have always been happy with them.

Hey everyone, how's it going?

So, I'm looking for some advice on what my next move should be here. 😁

Basically, my kids managed to mess up my current AOC C24G1 monitor. They didn't totally smash it, but they definitely started causing damage, and now I'm stuck wondering what my options actually look like and how much everything might cost.

I'm wondering if it's even worth trying to fix it. I was thinking about taking it to a local repair shop, maybe one over in Chicago, but honestly, after hearing so many horror stories lately about service quality, I’m kind of hesitant to even bring it in there...

If a repair isn't worth the money, should I just grab a new one that's identical to this? It seems like it would be $33 cheaper than what I paid for it just two years ago. Or maybe there's something better out there right now within a similar $533 price range? I noticed Best Buy offers some discounts if you pay cash. 🤷

If I need to put together a new build, I think there's a thread somewhere from when you guys helped me spec out my PC two years ago. I'll try to dig that up and list my current tower specs. Luckily, the PC itself is still running great and hasn't been touched by the kids! 😁

It’s probably not even worth fixing—you'll end up paying half what the actual device costs anyway, I guess.

Aaron Evans2 said:It probably isn't worth fixing, honestly. They'll charge you so much that it ends up being half the price of a brand-new unit anyway.

I guess I feel the same way about it not being worth it. It seems like everywhere you go, people just tell you to buy a new TV because you get that manufacturer warranty. Plus, I was looking at a similar model from two years ago, and it looks like it cost almost the same as it does today. Is it actually possible that prices haven't really dropped at all? Maybe I'm just imagining things, but it feels weird.🤷 😁

It’s certainly possible, though prices have definitely climbed for certain components 😁

We aren't in those days of massive technological leaps anymore, where you could just toss something out after three years because it was obsolete...

At this point, I’d suggest weighing your options: is it more cost-effective to invest in a new unit, or would paying a premium for a high-quality repair actually save you money in the long run?