If you’re planning to create a PC setup, you should get a monitor for your screen.
See, I’m saying this both as a tech expert and a user of this device.
That’s because monitors excel in many technical features.
But they’re still extremely user-friendly.
Continue reading to discover:
- 9 practical reasons why you need a monitor for a PC.
- 3 of the best monitors you can get for less than $300.
- Why using a monitor is better than using a TV for your computer display.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why you need a monitor for a PC – 9 reasons
#1: It’s the easiest electronic visual display to work with
You can only operate a PC if it’s connected to an electronic visual display.
Or in other words, any form of technological screen, including:
- TVs.
- Monitors.
- Projectors.
- VR headset.
And out of all electronic visual displays, monitors are the easiest to set up with a PC.
See, to connect a monitor to your computer, all you need to do is:
Step 1: Turn ON your PC.
Step 2: Plug your monitor into its power source.
Step 3: Connect your PC and monitor using the appropriate cable.
And in just 3 steps, you’re done.
Now, compare this to the process you’d need to do to set up your PC with a TV, for example:
Step 1: Turn ON the PC.
Step 2: Turn the TV ON as well.
Step 3: Connect the 2 devices using the appropriate cable.
Step 4: Change the TV’s input source.
See, the process of connecting monitors to the PC is much easier and shorter.
So if you want an easy and smooth connection between your PC and screen…
I highly recommend that you buy a monitor for your computer’s display.
You might also want to know: 7 Steps To Use Alexa as a Speaker for a PC
#2: Monitors have a fast response time
PC monitors have a faster response time than other electronic visual displays.
“What’s that?”
Simply speaking, it’s the time it takes for the pixels on a screen to change from 1 color to another.
See, PC monitors usually have a response time of 5-10 milliseconds. While TVs have around 15-20 ms.
Now, if you’re thinking…
“But why does that matter?”
Well, if your device has a slow response time, you’ll often see ghosting on your screen.
Or in other words, the colors of the previous frame will remain on your display. Even if the screen has already switched images.
Now, this effect is usually more evident if you’re a video editor or gamer.
But ghosting will still affect your PC experience, even if you’re just using it for work or coding.
For example, if your display has a slow response time and you’re scrolling through a document…
You’ll likely witness your screen dimming when you scroll down or up too fast.
Still unsure of what ghosting looks like? Watch this video that shows examples of this effect:
See, ghosting can be distracting and stressful when you frequently use your PC.
That said, if you want to avoid this happening on your screen or to see it less…
You should go for a monitor instead of other display types.
#3: Monitors have minimal input lag
The time it takes for your PC to execute a command from any button you press is called the input lag.
And naturally, the lower this lag is, the better it’ll be for your experience.
On that note…
It’s worth noting that monitors have the lowest input lags out of all electronic displays out there.
Bear in mind, though, that the input lag of each monitor still differs from each other.
For example, this 24.5” HDR gaming monitor from ASUS only has 1.6 ms of input lag at its max refresh rate.
While this 32” 4K UHD LED monitor from LG has 9.0 ms of lag at its maximum Hz.
However, it’s still worth noting that these 2 monitors have lower input lags than TVs. Because the average television usually has 15 ms of input delay.
With that said, if you’re like me, who hates waiting for my PC to do simple commands…
Then you should grab a monitor for your computer. Because they’re your best choice if you want a PC that responds fast and reliably to your requests.
#4: You have more resolution choices
Electronic visual displays like TVs and projectors usually have limited resolutions.
To be specific, TV models are available in these choices:
- 4K.
- 8K.
- 720p.
- 1080p.
And projectors, on the other hand, are sold in these resolutions:
- 4K.
- HD.
- XGA.
- WXGA.
See, your resolution choices with these devices are limited to only a handful.
However, with monitors, you won’t encounter this type of problem. That’s because they have varying resolutions that come with their diverse sizes.
For example, on top of the resolutions, I listed above…
You can also have a monitor that has 3440 x 1440 pixels. And you can also get 1 that’s in 5120 x 2160p.
See, these resolutions aren’t available in TVs, VR headsets, or projectors. That’s because these devices are usually in uniform ratios. While PC monitors aren’t stuck to a certain dimension.
As a result, you have more resolution choices with monitors. So you can freely choose which ones your eyes feel most comfortable with. Or you can also go for those that fit your budget.
#5: Monitors are for interactivity
Another reason why you need a monitor for your PC is that they’re designed for interactivity.
On the flip side…
Other display choices for your computer are generally meant for viewing only.
With that, monitors are bound to last long even when you interact with them daily.
While other displays like TVs can start to have longer input lag when you interact with them often.
So if your primary purpose for your PC is for:
- Work.
- Editing.
- Writing.
- Gaming.
Or any activities that need you to interact with your computer regularly…
It’s best to buy a monitor for your PC.
#6: The size of monitors is perfect for computers
While there are also small TVs available on the market…
It’s worth noting that they’re usually not as developed as the models that are in bigger sizes.
That’s because consumers are constantly going for bigger TVs. So companies focus most of their resources on improving their wider models.
With that in mind, a monitor is the best choice for getting a perfect display for your PC.
See, this device is primarily built for computer use. So naturally, its size makes your eyes comfortable when using your PC.
Moreover, there are also monitors with 4K resolution that are only 24” wide. While this picture quality only exists on TVs sizes 32-inches and bigger.
For this reason, you should get a monitor for your PC if you plan to use it on a desk or at close distances.
You might also be interested: 3 Easy Ways To Control Smart Home From PC (How-To)
#7: Monitors have a higher pixel density
As mentioned earlier, some 4K monitors are only 24” wide. And having a high resolution in such small sizes results in a higher pixel density.
“What’s that?”
This refers to the number of pixels in an area of a screen. Which is usually measured in PPI (pixels-per-inch).
Note: In other cases, this is also measured in pixels-per-centimeters (PPCM).
Now, the higher the PPI, the harder it’ll be to distinguish pixels from each other. Therefore the picture quality also becomes better.
So if you want to enjoy a high-quality display even if your screen is only an arm away…
You should go for a monitor for your PC.
#8: Monitors have more accurate colors
If you’re someone who edits a lot or simply appreciates colors in general…
Then you should use PC monitors. Because they display colors more accurately than other screens.
And if you’re wondering why…
That’s because, as I said earlier, the pixel density of monitors is usually higher.
And as a result, more pixels project light making the overall color of the display more accurate.
#9: Monitors are more affordable than you think
Part of the reason why people think twice about getting monitors for a PC is…
They tend to be pricier than alternatives like small TVs.
But tell you what, PC monitors are more affordable than you think.
And to prove this, I’ll show you…
My top 3 PC monitors for under $300
24” 1080p LED monitor by Sceptre ($130)
With its slim profile and built-in adjustable mount…
You won’t even realize that this monitor is only for $130.
But of course, this device’s sleek design isn’t the only good thing about it.
Because its display also has:
- Anti-flicker.
- 75 Hz refresh rate.
- Fast response time.
Moreover, it also has built-in speakers that are rare in other monitors.
So if you’re on a budget yet, you want an easy-to-set-up display for your computer…
I highly recommend this monitor from Sceptre.
SAMSUNG 23.5” Curved Computer Monitor ($160)
When it comes to high-quality displays, of course, I have to mention Samsung.
So accordingly, there’s also a monitor from this top-tier brand on this list.
See, for only $160, you’ll get a curved LED monitor that’s not only comfortable for the eyes. But also gives you a more immersive viewing experience.
On top of that, its design also doesn’t disappoint. Because its 0.5-inch thin frame will add a modern touch to your PC setup.
Moreover, being a Samsung device…
This monitor also has an eco-saving mode that reduces energy consumption.
Plus, it also has an eye-saver option that optimizes your viewing comfort. So you don’t have to worry about straining your eyes significantly while using your PC.
LG 32” Full HD Monitor ($250)
Now, if you’re someone who prefers using bigger screens…
Then this 32-inch monitor from LG may just be the perfect choice for you.
See, for only $250, you’ll get a full HD, 1080p display with the IPS technology that:
- Shortens response times.
- Improves color reproduction.
- Lets you view the screen from most angles.
On top of that, this device is also wall-mountable. So you’ll have the freedom to lift it from your desk and hang it on your wall to save space.
Is it possible to use a PC without a monitor?
It’s possible to use a PC without a monitor. As mentioned earlier, you can also use other devices like TVs or projectors as the screen of your PC.
However, it’s worth noting that out of all electronic visual displays you can use…
Monitors are still your best option for your PC. Because compared to other devices, they have:
- Higher pixel-density.
- Better color accuracy.
- Faster response time.
Plus, monitors also have lower input lag, so you’ll be able to use your PC more efficiently.