Reply to: Good monitor recommendations

[ladymuck]

For anyone thinking about the Dell monitor and its KVM function. You don't have to install Dell Display Manager on all connected devices. Just on one, ideally your primary device.

Once it's installed, find the file ddm.exe and copy it to any device(s) you want to connect to the monitor.

It runs without any installation and you get full KVM use. If you can set it to run on start up, that's most useful. I also found making sure I've set a shortcut key sequence to switch between inputs makes the process easier. There's about a 2 second delay while it switches

[ladymuck]

Just heard about these. Seem to have proper KVM functionality rather than software driven, like the Dell, which requires an install on all connected devices.

Gigabyte launches pair of 27-inch M-Series KVM gaming monitors - Monitors - News - HEXUS.net

[Hobosapien]

I go all wooshy headed and nauseous at dodgy frame rates so, other than for streaming TV, I won't use a PC attached to a TV screen.

That'll be the hypnotoad using interlaced frames.

[ladymuck]

Try connecting it to a 4K TV/monitor while at the store too then.

IIRC 30hz will be ok for mostly static work but anything more extensive than mouse movement will be borderline unusable depending how sentitive to movement issues you are.

I go all wooshy headed and nauseous at dodgy frame rates so, other than for streaming TV, I won't use a PC attached to a TV screen.

[Hobosapien]

Really useful post, thanks. Hadn't thought about taking the laptop into a store and trying it out as you suggest.

Have since found out that the laptop has one hdmi 1.4b port supporting up to 4k @30 Hz

Try connecting it to a 4K TV/monitor while at the store too then.

IIRC 30hz will be ok for mostly static work but anything more extensive than mouse movement will be borderline unusable depending how sentitive to movement issues you are.

[Rearden Metal]

You're limited by the video output(s) on the laptop unless using some sort of usb to video convertor. Ideally need displayport/mini-displayport or HDMI 2 for higher than 1080 HD at usable refresh rates.

You can connect using whatever output is available (and the appropriate cable if need to convert between formats for whatever inputs the monitor has) and get some sort of picture but it may be lower res and lower refresh rate than optimal so the image may be too unusable or irritating depending how the display handles what it is getting fed and the options to play around with it in the monitor settings.

You should be able to gauge the capabilities of the laptop via the user manual as they will give a max res/refresh rate for any outputs based on what specs they provide, then you just need to find out if the laptop is the basic or enhanced spec. The client should be able to assist if not easy to determine via software access or model number.

One option (if currently allowed) would be to take the laptop to PC World or other computer shop in the area and try plugging it into their fancy monitors to see how it copes and what type of cable would be needed. Another option is to buy the monitor and return under distance selling regs if not compatible.

Really useful post, thanks. Hadn't thought about taking the laptop into a store and trying it out as you suggest.

Have since found out that the laptop has one hdmi 1.4b port supporting up to 4k @30 Hz

[Hobosapien]

But will a monitor like that work with a laptop with an average graphics card?

Tempted just to opt for 1080p since this will just be used for work.

You're limited by the video output(s) on the laptop unless using some sort of usb to video convertor. Ideally need displayport/mini-displayport or HDMI 2 for higher than 1080 HD at usable refresh rates.

You can connect using whatever output is available (and the appropriate cable if need to convert between formats for whatever inputs the monitor has) and get some sort of picture but it may be lower res and lower refresh rate than optimal so the image may be too unusable or irritating depending how the display handles what it is getting fed and the options to play around with it in the monitor settings.

You should be able to gauge the capabilities of the laptop via the user manual as they will give a max res/refresh rate for any outputs based on what specs they provide, then you just need to find out if the laptop is the basic or enhanced spec. The client should be able to assist if not easy to determine via software access or model number.

One option (if currently allowed) would be to take the laptop to PC World or other computer shop in the area and try plugging it into their fancy monitors to see how it copes and what type of cable would be needed. Another option is to buy the monitor and return under distance selling regs if not compatible.

[Rearden Metal]

36” is uncommon, most are 34” at quad HD resolution, or 32 inch at 4K resolution. Highly recommend 32” at 4K, avoid quad HD. Due to the higher pixel density at 4K, you can get more on screen e.g on a 32inch at 4K, I can fit 3 windows at 1080p equivalent. I was surprised how much more I could fit on screen due to pixel density, as before buying , I just measured the window sizes on my 1080p 24”, and assumed they would take the same physical space.


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

But will a monitor like that work with a laptop with an average graphics card?

Tempted just to opt for 1080p since this will just be used for work.

[caffeine man]

36” is uncommon, most are 34” at quad HD resolution, or 32 inch at 4K resolution. Highly recommend 32” at 4K, avoid quad HD. Due to the higher pixel density at 4K, you can get more on screen e.g on a 32inch at 4K, I can fit 3 windows at 1080p equivalent. I was surprised how much more I could fit on screen due to pixel density, as before buying , I just measured the window sizes on my 1080p 24”, and assumed they would take the same physical space.


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

[Rearden Metal]

I don't know what graphics adapter my work laptop has - viewing system settings is disabled! If it doesnt support 4k or qhd (or whatever resoluition monitor I'm getting) will the monitor still be usable or won't it work at all?

[Scruff]

Shut the door!!! Next you'll be telling me the Rolex my co has invested in looks good on my wrist...

Worlds gone mad I tell ye....

I have two, as redundant Analog NTP devices.

[quackhandle]

+1 for Dell, have a look on Amazon I got a further 30 notes off the price for a 24" Ultra jobby just for prime only members.

And also check on their own interwebs site they have deals all the time, punting out slightly older stock at reduced prices.

qh

[Rearden Metal]

I've just bought a Dell U2720Q recently, 4k with USB C and all the fancy colour stuff. Not cheap at around £500 but well worth it. Wish I'd done it ages ago.
Whilst I don't do web work I write software and the resolution and colour are a big step up.

Not sure how big they go but can recommend them.

Steve

Thanks Steve, looks good.

For a TV to look sharp you need to check it is 4:4:4 chroma, otherwise the text will be blurred even a 4K one.

That's the difference between a monitor and a TV.

You have been warned!

TV ratios don't really work for monitor usage. You want something wide, but not too high. See this tread: https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...-monitors.html

I bought, as recommended, a Dell U3419W. I've no regrets. You don't need two monitors with this one.

and that's the other part of my question answered. I had no idea. Thanks.

[NotAllThere]

I need a decent monitor for doing web ui work so something with enough real estate - I guess 36"? Don't want to have 2 screens.

It seens cheaper to just buy a tv than a dedicated monitor. Any reason I shouldn't do just that?

TV ratios don't really work for monitor usage. You want something wide, but not too high. See this tread: https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...-monitors.html

I bought, as recommended, a Dell U3419W. I've no regrets. You don't need two monitors with this one.

[DimPrawn]

Warning sockies.. That's gonna work

I shout at the bastards.