new monitor

[fourtwentyfour]

I have used second hand Dell 4*3 19inch monitors for 20 years, (2 on one pc), and now think a new one or two could be justified.

Not sure what to get. First, many are 4k resolution, most are wide screen, not ideal for office work which is what is mostly done. I think I would also like to display high quality videos too. But the lack of height is a worry. Then there is build quality and screen type. I don't want to get cheap, nor do I want to overspend if I do not need to.

Any guidance wellcome please. (Writing question in a rush.. sorry!)

[AsleepInYorkshire]

I purchased an Iiyama 43" 4K Prolite X4373UHSU about two months ago. It was £535

It's very good and I would recommend the quality and price.

I did have to shop around though

AiY(D)

[mc2fool]

I have used second hand Dell 4*3 19inch monitors for 20 years, (2 on one pc), and now think a new one or two could be justified.

Not sure what to get. First, many are 4k resolution, most are wide screen, not ideal for office work which is what is mostly done.

Indeed, dual headed systems with 2 4*3 19inch monitors is what I've used for decades too, and as you say, wide screens aren't particularly ideal for office type work -- unless you can use them in portrait mode.

Anyway, the first thing to check is what your graphics system will support. Not much point in buying a 4k monitor if the most it'll handle is two 1280x1024 monitors.

[Infrasonic]

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=33824

[BobbyD]

A 31.5" 16:9 would give you roughly the same screen dimensions as 2 19" 4:3's. 3" less width, but no centre bezels.

http://www.displaywars.com/19-inch-4x3- ... -inch-16x9

[fourtwentyfour]

Thanks for the info.

I have been thinking, if I get a large single screen, with lots of pixels, is it realistic to work out the size in pixels/inches of the existing display, and fit two windows of similar size in the new big screen, and see the same things? Does this make sense?

I imagine that I will get the same size and quality of display 'windows', but on one physical device. Or better resolution?

[This might be what some have been saying already...]

[mc2fool]

I have been thinking, if I get a large single screen, with lots of pixels, is it realistic to work out the size in pixels/inches of the existing display, and fit two windows of similar size in the new big screen, and see the same things? Does this make sense?

Yes, although slim chance you'll get one exactly the same size, both in inches and in pixel WxH, as your two combined together.

If you are going to get a 2x19"5:4 worth large single screen you may want to look for curved ones. One of the advantages of two separate screens is that you can position them as you want, and in particular for me that means abutting, right next to each other, at the same height but at an angle to each other, so as I turn my head (and sometimes swivel my chair) to look at each of them I am always doing so straight on. If you do the same you can get the same result by getting a curved screen.

Another advantage of two screens is that, as most screens have two input ports, you can connect them to two systems and at a flick of the input selector menu you can have both screens on PC#1, both on PC#2, or one on PC#1 and the other on PC#2. Although I must admit I haven't powered up the Windows XP system that's on the second inputs of my two screens for quite a long while ...

[AsleepInYorkshire]

Thanks for the info.

I have been thinking, if I get a large single screen, with lots of pixels, is it realistic to work out the size in pixels/inches of the existing display, and fit two windows of similar size in the new big screen, and see the same things? Does this make sense?

I imagine that I will get the same size and quality of display 'windows', but on one physical device. Or better resolution?

[This might be what some have been saying already...]

Does this webpage answer your question?

https://iiyama.com/gb_en/products/prolite-x4373uhsu-b1/

Scroll down and look at the PBP feature

AiY(D)

[BobbyD]

Thanks for the info.

I have been thinking, if I get a large single screen, with lots of pixels, is it realistic to work out the size in pixels/inches of the existing display, and fit two windows of similar size in the new big screen, and see the same things? Does this make sense?

I imagine that I will get the same size and quality of display 'windows', but on one physical device. Or better resolution?

[This might be what some have been saying already...]

Basically.

Put resolution aside for a moment.

A 34" 21:9 display should be .8" wider and 2" higher than your current combined set up, but all on one screen with no ugly double bezel down the middle.

http://www.displaywars.com/19-inch-4x3-vs-34-inch-21x9

It also means less cables!

Then just arrange and resize your windows how you want them.

Also a lot better for watching movies.

Resolution just has to be sufficient. Not sure whether you need go as high as 3440x1440, but that resolution should be more than adequate.

Random example, not a recomendation: https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/mon ... 550wquxen/

[servodude]

A 34" 21:9 display should be .8" wider and 2" higher than your current combined set up, but all on one screen with no ugly double bezel down the middle.

I've tried it a few times and thus far have always gone back to multiple monitors because I find it easier to context switch when using VMs & remote access
I do need to try it again now that windows 11 has "window grouping" - that might be the difference (if I can live with menubars)

[BobbyD]

I've tried it a few times and thus far have always gone back to multiple monitors because I find it easier to context switch when using VMs & remote access
I do need to try it again now that windows 11 has "window grouping" - that might be the difference (if I can live with menubars)

Windows 11 is much better for this, but there are alternatives. I use Dell Display manager for input switching from a streamdeck but it has a large selection of screen templates available on a by (Dell) monitor basis, and I'm sure there are non-proprietary solutions.

My problem is currently the opposite. Having pulled the furniture out for another bash at cable management I can't for some reason get my tri-monitor setup to sit right. This thread has got me thinking about a 44" 21:9, mind you then I'd probably bolt 2 27" monitors on the wings in portrait...

[JessUK98]

I have two 27” 4K monitors on a dual monitor arm for my setup. I WFH and also use them for gaming & streaming e.g Netflix.
I’ve had to increase the scale to 150% but otherwise no issues. I do have an old laptop that I had to change the active signal resolution on though so depending on your hardware 4K might be overkill.
I have this as a second display:
https://www.currys.co.uk/products/phili ... 08173.html

And this as my main display:
https://www.currys.co.uk/products/lg-ul ... 20357.html

Which I think is probably overkill for you as I wanted HDMI 2.1 and at least 120 HZ and minimal input lag for my gaming.

I’d recommend getting 2 the same though as it’s easier to match the bezels up. Both monitors have quite minimal bezels, but the Philips as quite a big bezel at the bottom.

[JessUK98]

If you haven’t already got a monitor(s) @fourtwentyfour, and still need help let me know. I used to have two 24” 1080p monitors which were more than adequate for WFH and streaming, but being a gamer I wanted all the bells and whistles

[fourtwentyfour]

Thanks again.

I prefer Linux, I didn't mention that.

What is WFH?

I have a lot to consider, and will not be buying one fast...

[mc2fool]

What is WFH?

I have a lot to consider, and will not be buying one fast...

Working From Home.

[Infrasonic]

...I prefer Linux, I didn't mention that...

Definitely check out driver support in advance and look at linux specific reviews - it's unlikely you'll get a monitor that won't work at all but whether it works to its maximum potential without glitches is going to be very dependent on the OEM's commitment to Linux development.
This is my favourite linux hardware review site...https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=home