Hi, I'm a novelist and I spend a lot of time looking at a screen. I mean a lot of time! I've been working with a laptop for years but it's not doing my neck any favours so am going to use a desktop as well. So looking for advice - would a 24" be fine and a 27" too big for my purposes? Because it's basically just for word processing and researching the net I don't need gamer type specs so was hoping to get something (refurbished is fine) for $200 or less. tia Phil
Advice on monitor for writer
phil170258 on 01/04/2020 - 16:33
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Just monitor this site for any deals. Screen out those that do not meet your requirements. Most deals display the saving amount, so you will know if your getting a good deal.
P.s. inside for too long..
It's 'you're' not 'your' - sorry, can't help myself! :)
I'm in the middle of a humanities PhD, so I do plenty of writing myself.
24" is ample. Any more than this and you'll be having to reduce the size of the window to maintain a reasonable width. I use 24" and I often only use half the screen for my word processor anyway, which is plenty.
The biggest factor is actually just getting the screen set up right. There's plenty of guides online, but get the top of the monitor at eye level or slightly below, and get desk and chair height adjusted as necessary. Makes a big difference. (To get the monitor at the right height you'll either need a third-party mount attached to the wall or the desk, or a bunch of thick books to raise the monitor if you're just using the stand it comes with.)
Sorry to hijack, can someone rec a 24inch monitor that has very thin bezel, looking to run two monitors side by side with little frame interference. I guess my budget would be no more than $500 each, the less the better. Not really needing to run anything special / games / 4k videos etc yet.
https://www.umart.com.au/AOC-23-8in-FHD-60Hz-Frameless-Monit… if you want something cheap and basic. No special features apart from being slim and having a AH-IPS display for better viewing angles.
Height adjustment is also a good feature to have too — if you don't have a VESA mount setup, consider getting a business type monitor such as Viewsonic VG2448 which has a nicer stand that allows for height adjust, 90 degree pivot and 40 degree tilt. This is handy if you are setting up a sit stand desk.
much appreciated for your comment, will def look into it, thanks
If you can, find a monitor that has an aspect ratio of 16:10. Most monitors these days have aspect ratios of 16:9. With 16:10 you'll have much more vertical real estate, which is very handy when it comes to productivity/office work/typing.
Macbooks have aspect ratios of 16:10 I think if you want to compare in store to other laptops (i.e. compare aspect ratio difference).
Honestly, a 24" would be perfectly fine for your needs.
I haven't seen them personally, but the Dell Ultrasharp's have a very good rep.
There are a fair few on the second hand market.