Less than 200USD PC Monitor or TV
April 3, 2017 3:16 PM Subscribe
I'm in the market for a new monitor or smart TV that can function as a monitor only. There are too many options for the bare-bones version I want, so I thought AskMe could help narrow the choices down.
Used for solo-gaming and running a DAW. Current monitor (23") is a little small for watching movies with 2 or more people. I want a small size upgrade so its easy to read subtitles etc. from 4'-6' away.
~200USD
27" to 32"
1080p is fine, no need for higher resolutions.
I don't care about having a Smart TV but if there is a good deal on a Smart TV that also functions as a monitor that would be fine. I imagine there are a lot of sales on out-of-date Smart TVs.
I'm in Seattle if that matters.
Used for solo-gaming and running a DAW. Current monitor (23") is a little small for watching movies with 2 or more people. I want a small size upgrade so its easy to read subtitles etc. from 4'-6' away.
~200USD
27" to 32"
1080p is fine, no need for higher resolutions.
I don't care about having a Smart TV but if there is a good deal on a Smart TV that also functions as a monitor that would be fine. I imagine there are a lot of sales on out-of-date Smart TVs.
I'm in Seattle if that matters.
I use three 24" Asus VS series monitors based on the Wire Cutter's recommendation that I've been very happy with. That led us to get a pair of 25"s for my wife's home office (the same VS series) that she really likes.
I imagine the 27" VS panels are pretty good for the price too.
Also, you could probably get another pair of 23"-24" monitors for that budget. As I said, that's what I use both for work and gaming (on a stand I rigged up using TV wall mounts). I have played games on all three using AMD's eyefinity but the frame-rate was a little low and I got nauseous. I think one is connected to the other but it's still handy to have my music app, a browser window, my voiceapp (usually Teakspeak), and sometimes the CPU and GPU monitoring apps up on the other screens.
The Wire Cutter gives really good advice but their 27" recommendation is 1440p and the price of even their budget panel blows up your budget. It's still worthwhile to read the article though as it will help you know what to look for.
posted by VTX at 3:58 PM on April 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
I imagine the 27" VS panels are pretty good for the price too.
Also, you could probably get another pair of 23"-24" monitors for that budget. As I said, that's what I use both for work and gaming (on a stand I rigged up using TV wall mounts). I have played games on all three using AMD's eyefinity but the frame-rate was a little low and I got nauseous. I think one is connected to the other but it's still handy to have my music app, a browser window, my voiceapp (usually Teakspeak), and sometimes the CPU and GPU monitoring apps up on the other screens.
The Wire Cutter gives really good advice but their 27" recommendation is 1440p and the price of even their budget panel blows up your budget. It's still worthwhile to read the article though as it will help you know what to look for.
posted by VTX at 3:58 PM on April 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Yeah 500 is too much for me. Any insight into what specific specs to look at in budget monitors?
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:11 PM on April 3, 2017
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:11 PM on April 3, 2017
Best answer: Any insight into what specific specs to look at in budget monitors?
If you're viewing things from a moderate distance (which I assume you are from the watching movies comment), you want something with good viewing angles. TN panels are cheaper but tend to be lousy off-angle. IPS panels have much better viewing angles and color but are slower than TN, so if really fast gaming is important to you, I'd look for a fast IPS.
Some will be matte, some will be glossy. The latter have more vivid color but can be problematic depending on window or light placement.
If your primary use is as a monitor, I don't generally recommend going bigger than 27" - at least with my field of view it's hard to pay attention to much larger than that if you're sitting at a conventional desk distance from it.
None of the monitors I have personal experience with are in current production, but most that you find in the $150-200 range for a 27" will be competent but not amazing. I got an HP last year for about $150 that's unexciting but solid. I have several older Asus monitors that I'm quite happy with and I believe they provide a 3 year warranty with free shipping on most if not all of their models. LG specifically seems to have some models that get bad reviews in that price range.
Something with a few HDMI inputs is nice if you want to add a streaming device to it as is USB jacks with enough power for said devices.
posted by Candleman at 5:40 PM on April 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
If you're viewing things from a moderate distance (which I assume you are from the watching movies comment), you want something with good viewing angles. TN panels are cheaper but tend to be lousy off-angle. IPS panels have much better viewing angles and color but are slower than TN, so if really fast gaming is important to you, I'd look for a fast IPS.
Some will be matte, some will be glossy. The latter have more vivid color but can be problematic depending on window or light placement.
If your primary use is as a monitor, I don't generally recommend going bigger than 27" - at least with my field of view it's hard to pay attention to much larger than that if you're sitting at a conventional desk distance from it.
None of the monitors I have personal experience with are in current production, but most that you find in the $150-200 range for a 27" will be competent but not amazing. I got an HP last year for about $150 that's unexciting but solid. I have several older Asus monitors that I'm quite happy with and I believe they provide a 3 year warranty with free shipping on most if not all of their models. LG specifically seems to have some models that get bad reviews in that price range.
Something with a few HDMI inputs is nice if you want to add a streaming device to it as is USB jacks with enough power for said devices.
posted by Candleman at 5:40 PM on April 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
I got an "EQD Auria" 27" monitor for $160 shipped. The brand is sketchy as hell but it works perfectly fine and has higher resolution (which I really think is nice for work like stuff).
posted by miyabo at 6:37 PM on April 3, 2017
posted by miyabo at 6:37 PM on April 3, 2017
Best answer: If all you need is 1080p, buy used. You're in Seattle! Land of rich nerds that upgrade their monitors and then list all of the details on Craigslist for you to choose from! Just google all of the model numbers you see - you'll find a great one, I promise!
posted by oceanjesse at 9:20 PM on April 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by oceanjesse at 9:20 PM on April 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
« Older How can I reject a dinner date without it making... | How do I actually wear a high necked bra without... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fifthrider at 3:40 PM on April 3, 2017 [1 favorite]