Curved Monitor - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
If you're a serious PC gamer, you know how important immersion is: Every game is more fun when the sights and sounds take over. And when it comes to monitor, there's no better way to immerse yourself in a gaming world than with a curved monitor.
Curved monitors are like standard widescreen monitors, but each side bends slightly, effectively creating a curve that mirrors the curvature of your eyes. Curved monitors are designed to take advantage of your peripheral vision so you can see more of the screen at once, making gaming more immersive.
If you're ready to take the plunge and pick up a curved monitor, you've got a lot of decisions to make, so read on for our top tips on choosing the ideal curved monitor.
Curved Monitors vs. Flat Screen Monitors
Beyond their basic look, curved monitors differ in a few key ways from traditional flat-panel monitors. Here’ is what you need to know.
Curved monitors are designed to fit the shape of the human eye. If you sit in the right spot, the curved sides can be helpful for peripheral vision...a big plus for serious gamers who need a better field of view on their favorite first-person shooters. As curved monitors are more expensive to manufacture, they are definitely more expensive than their flat panel counterparts, but they often support high resolutions and can reduce glare in situations where lighting is problematic.
Flat screen monitors are the gold standard of computer screens. Most are energy efficient and will last practically forever. Flat screen monitors are more affordable than curved ones, but in theory, they require your eyes to move a lot more. Many flat-panel monitors only support up to 1920 x 1080 resolution (also known as 1080p), which is great for broadcast TV but not sharp enough for serious work. High resolution flat screen monitors are some of the best options available.
Widescreen vs. Ultra Wide Monitors
To further complicate matters, there are two different types of curved monitors available: widescreen and ultra wide screen. Here are the key differences to know.
Widescreen monitors are mostly built with a 16 x 9 aspect ratio, also known as widescreen. The widescreen format is the accepted standard for broadcast television and streaming media. Widescreen models are common and the most affordable.
Ultrawide monitors are built with a 21 x 9 aspect ratio, sometimes called CinemaScope, and have more screen real estate than traditional widescreen monitors. Ultra wide monitors are perfect for situations where a wider panoramic view is needed. If you're a gamer, or work with multiple documents at once, the extra space is incredibly useful. Unfortunately, luxury doesn't come cheap. Ultra-wide screen monitors are typically 30% to 40% more expensive than similarly sized traditional monitors.
Curved Monitor Features to Consider
Confused by all the technical jargon surrounding curved monitors? Here are the specs that matter most.
- Screen Size :
The size of your monitor will have the biggest impact on your experience with it. Curved monitors range in size from 22 to 40 inches, measured diagonally. The screen size of the monitor also plays a big role in the price, so if you need a giant curved screen, be prepared to pay more.
- Resolution :
The resolution of a monitor is the number of pixels it can display and is usually represented by a set of dimensions. For example, a standard high-definition monitor typically has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Higher resolutions like 3840 x 2160 (also known as 4K) produce sharper, clearer images, so it's worth buying the monitor you want. higher resolution than can be afforded.
- Refresh Rate :
The refresh rate of a monitor is the frequency with which the screen itself shows a new image. This translates into how smoothly the computer handles mouse and keyboard input, as well as graphical changes on the screen. For most daily tasks, a 60Hz refresh rate is fine, but if you're an experienced gamer, you'll want a monitor that supports a rate closer to 240Hz.
- Connectivity :
Some monitors include a set of ports to connect other devices. For example, some monitors include three or four-port USB hubs to help you connect peripherals like a hard drive, mouse, or keyboard. Others have built-in speakers that also include headphone jacks, so you can plug right in to enjoy sound through headphones. Having extra ports around is always handy, so be sure to include them in your planned setup, if possible.
Tips
Never use chemical spray cleaners to clean your curved monitor. All monitor screens are delicate and susceptible to damage if they come into contact with too much liquid. What's worse, many spray cleaners use harsh chemicals like ammonia, which can permanently damage a screen. For further cleaning, spray a small amount of water mixed with vinegar on the microfiber cloth and gently wipe the screen. Never spray any liquid directly onto a monitor and avoid harsh cleaning chemicals at all costs.
Adjust the height of your monitor to avoid a sore back. For ideal ergonomics, your monitor should be positioned so that your eyes align with the center of the screen without you having to tilt your neck up or down. A monitor at the wrong height can cause short-term back pain and long-term posture problems. Take the time to position the monitor at the proper height.
Take some time to adjust the color settings when you first set up your monitor. All monitors have built-in settings that allow you to change things like brightness, tint, or color saturation. While most monitors look pretty good right out of the box, tweaking the settings will give you a much better picture, adjusting to the lighting conditions in the room. As soon as the monitor is in place, take the time to change the settings to your liking.
FAQ
Que. Can I use a curved monitor as a TV?
Ans. Yes, but you... will need a sound solution. Most curved monitors have HDMI inputs, which are the standard for connecting cable boxes, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes, and just about any other content source you can think of. However, most monitors don't include built-in speakers, and built-in speakers don't usually sound amazing anyway. If you plan to use a curved monitor for watching TV and movies, plan for audio by either connecting a sound bar or a set of quality computer speakers.
Que. Do curved monitors require any special cables or software to use?
Ans. No. Like most monitors, curved monitors are designed to be "plug and play," so you can start using one as soon as you've plugged it into your computer and a power outlet.
Que. Can I mount a curved monitor to a wall or monitor stand?
Ans. Yes. Most curved monitors are VESA compatible, which means they adhere to the same mounting standards as traditional models. When comparing different curved monitors, pay attention to the VESA size each one uses, and if you plan to mount your own, buy a VESA mount that is compatible with the VESA dimensions of that monitor.
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