I've been programming on my laptop for years, usually preferring smaller models since I'm often on the move. Lately, I've faced some serious eye strain, and after trying a bigger monitor on a coworker's recommendation, I found it really helped. Now, I'm looking to buy my own monitor but am totally overwhelmed by the options available.
I was considering a 24 or 27-inch full HD monitor, but I keep hearing that those resolutions might not be ideal for those sizes. Some folks have suggested that a 4K or QHD monitor could significantly reduce eye strain, and I'm curious if there's truth to that.
Also, are features like HDMI and DisplayPort versions important? I primarily need a monitor for coding and maybe watching tutorial videos. I plan to connect it to my MacBook Pro with an M3 chip or a Surface Pro 9. So, should I invest in a pricier model, or can I get away with a cheaper 27-inch full HD monitor with slightly older specs?
3 Answers
It ultimately depends on what your laptop can handle. I have a standard 28" LED with HDMI and it works for my coding. If you’re looking to multitask, consider three cheaper monitors instead. Or check out local clearance sections; you might find a great deal!
If you can afford it, a 5K monitor makes a big difference in reducing eye strain. The Apple Studio Monitor is fantastic, but there are cheaper options if that's too pricey for you. Definitely worth considering!
Honestly, I'd say go for a quality monitor. Cheaper ones often have issues like color bleed and lower brightness, which can be a real pain, especially for dark IDEs. If you're finding a used Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q for around $200, that sounds like a solid deal for a higher-spec monitor!
What features should I really focus on when buying a used monitor? I'm tempted by that deal!