Navigating the Display Maze: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Screen

In today's world, we rely on screens to get through our days, whether for work, school, or entertainment. The demand for monitors has stayed the same as the world increasingly moves online, but with so many choices on the market, it can take time to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we'll explain the differences between different monitor types so you can decide on your next purchase.

Types of Displays

LEDs, LCDs, and OLEDs are the three main types of monitors.

LED: Among the most common types of monitors on the market are LED monitors. LED displays produce images with light-emitting diodes available in various sizes and resolutions. The prices for LED displays vary according to their features and specifications, but they are generally more affordable.

LCD: A LCD monitor uses liquid crystal display technology to display images in various sizes, resolutions, and refresh rates compared to an LED monitor. LCD monitors are also more expensive.

OLED: The most expensive type of monitor on the market is the OLED monitor. As an alternative to all three types of monitors, OLED monitors have the best image quality thanks to their use of organic light-emitting diodes. They are also the thinnest and lightest, ideal for portable computers.

User-specific monitors

Different users have different needs, and there are a variety of monitors on the market to meet those needs.

Gaming Monitors: The best gaming monitors have high refresh rates, low input lag, and specific features such as FreeSync or G-Sync that reduce screen tearing. If you're a competitive gamer, you need a gaming monitor. Professional Monitors: Professionals such as graphic designers and video editors use these monitors. A professional monitor is worth the investment if colour accuracy or resolution is essential to your work. Casual Monitors: A casual monitor is usually used for general purposes. It doesn't have a high refresh rate or the resolution of a gaming or professional monitor. But it is more affordable. A casual monitor is a good choice for email, web browsing, and general purposes.

Monitor Buying Tips

Several factors should be taken into consideration when buying a monitor, including:

1. Use (gaming, professional, or general): If you plan on gaming, you'll want to find a monitor with a high refresh rate and a low response time. Additionally, some gamers prefer monitors with large screens for better viewing. For professional use, you should look for a monitor with an IPS panel. IPS panels offer:
   • Viewing angles and colour accuracy are the best.
   • Design work can be accomplished with them.
   • The editing of photos.
   • The editing of videos.

Choosing a monitor that balances features and price is the best way to find one that will meet your needs. Full HD monitors are good options for general purposes, as they provide good image quality at an affordable price.

2. Size: Four standard monitor sizes are 21-inch, 23-inch, 24-inch, and 27-inch. A smaller monitor is usually all you need if you use it for everyday tasks like browsing the internet and checking email. In contrast, you'll need a larger monitor to edit videos or play games.
3. Resolution: Monitor pixels are Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K (3840x2160). Full HD is an excellent choice if you use your monitor for general purposes. You will, however, need a 4K monitor if you plan on using it for demanding tasks like video games or gaming experiences.
4. Refresh Rate: A monitor's refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means a smoother appearance, but it also uses more power. 60 Hz and 144 Hz are the most common refresh rates.
5. Response Time: In response times, milliseconds (ms) measure how long a pixel changes colour between two colours. The most common response times are 5 and 8 ms. Image quality should have a low response time but also consume more power.
6. Viewing Angles: A viewing angle refers to the angle at which the image on the screen can be seen clearly, normally 160° and 178°. A wider viewing angle equals better image quality but consumes more power.
7. Power Consumption: Typical monitor power consumption levels, are between 15 and 25 watts (W), measured in watts (W). A monitor's power consumption is the amount of power it consumes when turned on. Higher power consumption means a higher electricity bill, but it also means a higher image quality.
8. Panel tech: A monitor can have TN, IPS, or VA panels. TN panels are the most commonly used type of monitor as they provide the best image quality and response times but have poor viewing angles and colour accuracy.

   Monitors with IPS panels have good image quality, quick response time, and better viewing angles. However, they are more expensive than monitors with TN panels.

   Monitors with VA panels are the third-most-popular monitor type. Although they offer good image quality and a wide viewing angle, they provide a slow response time.

9. Connectivity: VGA, HDMI, and DVI are the three most common connector types. The most common connector type is HDMI, which is compatible with most devices. The second most common connector type is DVI, consistent with most devices. Only some devices are compatible with VGA, the third most common type.
10. RAM: A monitor's random access memory (RAM) is another essential factor. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and comes in three different sizes: 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB. RAM is essential for two reasons:
    • RAM is used to store the images displayed on the screen.
    • A monitor's RAM stores the data it processes.
    • A high RAM level will result in higher image quality and smoother performance.
11. Monitor Price: Several computer monitors range from a few hundred to over twelve thousand dirhams. The most expensive monitors tend to be the best quality, but you can save money by getting a quality monitor at a lower price.

Brands to consider when buying a monitor

There are many brands from which you can buy monitors. Here are a few of the more popular brands:

1. Acer: Acer is a well-known Taiwanese brand for its high-quality displays. Their monitors are available in various sizes and resolutions, from entry-level to professional. Acer's displays are known for their excellent colour accuracy and brightness, making them popular among graphic designers, photographers, and gamers.
2. Apple: The displays produced by Apple are known for their exceptional colour accuracy and high resolution, which makes them a perfect choice for editing videos and photos. Furthermore, Apple's displays are renowned for their sleek design, complementing their other products, including the MacBook and iMac.
3. Asus: For both professional and personal use, Asus produces high-quality displays. Many sizes and resolutions are available on their displays, and some models feature high refresh rates to ensure smooth gameplay. The displays from Asus are also known for their excellent build quality and durability.
4. Dell: Among Dell's products are high-quality displays designed for personal and professional use. Dell's displays are available in various sizes and resolutions, with some models featuring high refresh rates and G-Sync technology for smooth gaming. Aside from their excellent colour accuracy and build quality, Dell's displays are also popular.
5. Elista: There are several high-quality displays available from Elista. In addition to their sleek design and excellent value for money, Elista's shows have high refresh rates and come in various sizes and resolutions. Elista's displays are also available in multiple sizes and resolutions.
6. HP: HP produces a wide range of high-quality displays that can be used for personal or professional use. The displays come in various sizes and resolutions; some come with touchscreens for a more significant interaction. Additionally, HP's displays are highly regarded for their colour accuracy and build quality.
7. LG: The displays produced by LG are of high quality and can be used for personal and professional use. As well as offering a variety of sizes and resolutions, LG's displays are also known for their excellent colour accuracy and sleek design. Some models feature ultrawide screens and curved displays to create an immersive viewing experience.
8. Lenovo: Displays from Lenovo are high-quality and suitable for personal and professional use. Lenovo's displays are available in various sizes and resolutions, with some models featuring touchscreens and stylus support for increased interactivity. They are also famous for their robust build quality and durability.
9. Samsung: A range of high-quality displays are produced by Samsung for both personal and professional use by the company. In addition to their wide selection of sizes and resolutions, Samsung's displays are also known for their sleek design and excellent value for money. Some models feature curved screens and QLED technology for exceptional colour accuracy.
10. Xcess View: A high-quality display at an affordable price is produced by Xcess View. In addition to their wide range of sizes and resolutions, Xcess View's displays are also known for their excellent value for money and durability. Some models feature ultrawide screens and curved screens for an immersive experience.

Power consumption, panel type, connectivity, RAM, and price are all crucial factors to consider when choosing a monitor. Among the most popular brands to buy monitors are Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, Elista, HP, LG, Lenovo, Samsung, and Xcess View. All of these brands will affect the overall performance and quality of the monitor.