Ideal monitor setup

[lovelace]

Discuss: What is the ideal monitor resolution and size for general use

I've come to the conclusion that 4k is not a great choice for most people at lower monitor sizes when accounting for scaling.

1440p or even 1080p is better in these instances when accounting for expense, user experience, etc.

There doesn't seem to be a consensus on the internet. That is why I propose the 8K-TV-as-monitor setup.

Spoiler

 

[ビンス]

I use a single 32" 1080p@60Hz monitor, I'd like to upgrade to a 32" 1440p@144Hz but I can't justify spending $300 - $400 on a monitor for a slightly higher res and maybe some more colors. If it breaks I def will though.

I'm also considering getting a CRT for gaming. I don't have anywhere to put one atm but certainly if I move I'll consider it more seriously. They're objectively better for gaming. See this vid for more on the subject:


View: https://youtu.be/7A7gjSaDaYw?si=7PebGW5ZsokEva24

 

[StoicCabal]

Working in tech, having two monitors is nice, especially for working on one, and having something playing on the other. If I'm really focused on work, I have documentation setup on the second with my work on my primary monitor. Both are curved and attached to monitor arms, so I can configure and reconfigure how they're arrayed as much as I like. I considered adding extra monitors, but I can never really think of many cases in which a 3rd or 4th really adds any more value for the cost.

Also heavily considered picking up a CRT, but I also plan to get into building recreations of 90s and 00s computer rigs for retro gaming and software dev.

 

[lovelace]

I'm also considering getting a CRT for gaming. I don't have anywhere to put one atm but certainly if I move I'll consider it more seriously. They're objectively better for gaming.
View: https://youtu.be/7A7gjSaDaYw?si=7PebGW5ZsokEva24

We must think alike. I grew up CRT gaming and I can affirm that gaming on a LCD monitor has never felt the same.

 

[LostintheCycle]

Well, to verge into futuristic territory...

I want a 1:1 or 4:3 monitor with a B&W no-backlit e-paper screen at >10Hz. 10Hz would feel sluggish for regular use, but I think would be fine for typing, reading documents, and terminal, which is most of what I do. I spend a fair bit of time at the computer, it's miraculous I don't have glasses yet, but I still want to take care of my eyes.

 

[lovelace]

Well, to verge into futuristic territory...

View attachment 91028
I want a 1:1 or 4:3 monitor with a B&W no-backlit e-paper screen at >10Hz. 10Hz would feel sluggish for regular use, but I think would be fine for typing, reading documents, and terminal, which is most of what I do. I spend a fair bit of time at the computer, it's miraculous I don't have glasses yet, but I still want to take care of my eyes.

You may be interested in the Boox Mirror ePaper monitor.

I saw it in a "productivity desk setup" video from a guy who is a self-identifying digital minimalist.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if2iwbiwHmA

 

[Ceramic Man]

I wish for a "gaming" monitor that outputs a high resolution at 4:3. I love CRT monitors, but modern programs just aren't designed for them, sadly.

 

[ビンス]

I wish for a "gaming" monitor that outputs a high resolution at 4:3. I love CRT monitors, but modern programs just aren't designed for them, sadly.

Some CRT monitors are higher res than 4K at 4:3. You should take a look around.

 

[ビンス]

Some CRT monitors are higher res than 4K at 4:3. You should take a look around.

Sorry - this is wrong, not sure what I was thinking.

There are quite high res CRTs, though. You can get close to 1440p @ 85Hz or more. Here's an example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266680024111

 

[oracle]

21" DELL P1130 SONY Trinitron High-End CRT Monitor | Japan | WinDAS Calibrated! | eBay

As far as Sony CRTs go, these were the most advanced 21" Trinitron Aperture Grille models. Earlier this year, monitor had rear casing removed for dust cleaning. Overall very vivid and lively picture with great colors.

www.ebay.com

$799 ...... feels bad.
My grandfather had a computer repair business in the late 90s and said he threw away and scrapped countless CRTs when they closed. I could be swimming in CRTs right now.. but thats life.

 

[StoicCabal]

Dunno if there are still any, but you can usually yeet some CRTs off universities, schools, and medical clinics. They usually have tons in storage that they don't really want anymore, but forgot they had in the first place.

Worked in computer repair at the university I studied at circa 2016, they had a warehouse full of old monitors both LCD and CRT, would've taken a bunch if I had the space then.

 

[Ceramic Man]

Sorry - this is wrong, not sure what I was thinking.

There are quite high res CRTs, though. You can get close to 1440p @ 85Hz or more. Here's an example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266680024111

That is true, although the "problems" of CRTs (namely, size and power consumption) are still there, and I don't desire to spend much money on something that will inevitably degrade and is impossible to replace with a currently-manufactured equivalent. It seems that the days of CRTs are numbered; I don't want to waste a lifespan on web browsing, or whatever.

 

[PraxHeadroom]

This is the ideal monitor setup.
Unfortunately I don't have the space for this so I'll have to settle with a Thinkpad and a second 1080p monitor (plus a CRT for my 486 setup).

 

[Cammell]

4k 144Hz between 30 and 35 inches wide monitor

 

[Chuffed]

HDR and OLED tech has been cool to see over the last decade (monitors, phones and TVs). I prefer those features over 4K, high refresh, or curved screens - comes down to individual needs as some of you have stated!

 

[vulonkaaz]

i have 16:9 720p display next to 16:10 900p display, never felt like i needed more, i need more desk space tho

 

[mesaprotector]

My hot take is that nobody needs more than maybe 2 screens for leisure activities (gaming, movies, chatting, etc.). The only reason 1 isn't enough is because plenty of fullscreen applications can't be paused - so a second, smaller screen off to the side for messaging people and looking up help is a decent idea. It's better than having to do that stuff on a phone.

For work, sure, go wild. Some jobs will require you have like 40 things open at once. You can live the Neil Breen life:

Anything above 4k is a gimmick, and I believe people who say they can see 300+Hz but I personally really can't. I can tell the difference between 60 and 120 if I really pay attention, and it's not a huge difference.

Wish there were more options than just RGB. I'm convinced staring at three specific wavelengths of light, even if we can't consciously tell the difference, can't be good for our brains.

 

[andreixyz]

Two 3440x1440 Ultra wide 34" monitors stacked.

 

[splashy]

my ideal setup would be: a crt as the primary monitor and either an lcd or another crt as the secondary. crts are great for... basically anything due to their low as fuck latency, versatility (you get to choose between a high refresh rate, a high resolution, or a comprimise between the two.) and under the right conditions, great dynamic range. i'll post my old setup that was basically this if i can find a relevant pic.

 

[lovelace]

i'll post my old setup that was basically this if i can find a relevant pic.

Please do.