Largest practical monitor size...

deaglecat

deaglecat

deaglecat

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10 Mar 2007
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593
Serious question. I have a 23" which could do to be a bit bigger. I also have a 46" 1080p flat panel TV... which is just too big to sit up close to.

So... what is the biggest practical size ? The new imac looks ok... could go a little bigger ... 30 inches perhaps....

Anyone got other opinions...?
 
I use a 27" (1920x1200 res) at a desk. I upgraded from 24", and it was certainly worth it. Text is easier to read, plus games and movies are more immersive.

I imagine that 30" would be even better (with 2560x1600 resolution) but I haven't used one myself.

As well as the overall size - I think a big thing to consider is pixel size. A 1080p 46" would have MASSIVE pixels compared to a monitor - so using one up-close would look rather bad.
 
I'd say 28" at 1920x1200. The pixel density is a fair bit higher on a 30" at 2560x1600, and they cost a fortune anyway.

So glad I went for this Hannspree though!
 
I've tried various large single and dual screen setups and for a single screen 30" is fine in terms of viewable area, but the current resolutions of such screens (2560x1600) is too high for my liking due to the high DPI. With dual screens then 2 x 27" is bordering on too large (neck ache!) but 24 - 26 seems fine.

So there are two things to consider really - how large an area can you view comfortably and what DPI is good for your type of usage.
 
Ph4lanx said:
I'm considering the Hanns.G from OCUK at the moment. Is that the one you use Muel? The 27.5" one?
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I have the older version of it, be prepared to RMA it as a lot of people have had trouble with chronic backlight bleed on them, not heard anything about the new version yet though, and mine is one of the one's that were fine. (I've heard more complaints than people with good ones, but then you always do).

Just saying, it might be a bit of a risk, but the RMA on them is alright, I believe they arrange pickup and sort you out with a new one or mend it.
 
2 of my friends have 32" hd tv's as their monitors.. both think it is the perfect size, although one of them just for multitasking, wall mounted it and uses for gaming, whilst having another 3 22" screens underneath all in 1920x1200

I was going to go for a 32" but on the day was like 'stuff it' (just not using those words), as my money had been delayed for buying one i was a bit annoyed, I just went into the shop and thought I would risk a 37", I'm not complaining, but it could do with being a bit lower, or my chair higher.. but then the chair is limited by the keyboard slide out shelf. I think a 32" would also be good, I'm only about 3 feet away and use it as my primary monitor for about 4 hours a day or up to even 13 on a weekend, I find it better for my slightly bad eyesight than a smaller screen, and I am now used to it, and other people see it and are like WOE!, but I'm just used to it now, I could fit a bigger screen like 42" into my range of view but wouldn't really want to. I'm thinking 32" roughly is pretty damn nice for most people, but I am not personally regretting the extra 5 inches, even though the resolution is the same.. it's still not bad, and still awesome for gaming... but at first I got motion sickness from portal lol...

Most say 24" is perfect, but I think if you put a 28" infront of them for a few weeks then they would say that is perfect, and same for up to 32" unless it's way too close, and my 37" might be a bit overkill, although there are people with 40" and 42" setups on these forums, but they tend to find it a bit big as a main screen.. I don't think I could go under 32" now, unless I had multi monitors.. but I think I prefer 1 big one for games, any extras (which I will get) are for multitasking.
 
I tried with the 46... it was just too much head turning. Given the right pixel density then I think 30-32 is the max. It is all about field of view etc.
 
I think for single monitor I'd want more than 28", 32" would probably be about right, although really I prefer multiple monitors. I've just realised I can get a second hand one of these 22"s I already have for around £50-60, and a cheap nasty graphics card and then I'll have triple monitors, which might be a bit much but who knows, I guess we'll find out.
 
Having just got upgraded to a 30" Dell, I'd say it's a great size as long as you can set it up with the screen at least 2.5 feet from your eyes, for comfort of both neck and eyes (bear in mind the stand extends a further 9" behind the screen).
 
I'd say 24-26 inch is the best size.
I can't imagine using anything bigger, you would have to move your head around all the time just to be able to see everything.

I suppose it also depends how far away you sit from the screen though.
 
I've used everything from about 11 inches up to 60 inches. For a 'normal' desk arrangement sitting with the head around 40-70cm from the monitor I find 24 inches the most comfortable size. It is really down to personal preference and seating arrangements. I personally don't like the flicker of CCFL lamps, especially the powerful ones you find in 27 inch displays. This isn't something everyone find troublesome or noticeable, however.
 
Muel said:
I have the older version of it, be prepared to RMA it as a lot of people have had trouble with chronic backlight bleed on them, not heard anything about the new version yet though, and mine is one of the one's that were fine. (I've heard more complaints than people with good ones, but then you always do).

Just saying, it might be a bit of a risk, but the RMA on them is alright, I believe they arrange pickup and sort you out with a new one or mend it.
Click to expand...

I've got the old one and it had a problem with one of the buttons 'sticking', in practical terms the screen would go to 100% brightness on its own...Phoned Hans-G and got a new one within 24 hours! I was amazed at how good the service was, had no problems with the new one (I’ve had it over a year now) I’d recommend them, and as to the original question I’d say 28" is about right - I've got a HTPC hooked up to a 46" LCD, it’s great for films and I can use it as a PC but I sit about 5' away, any closer would be impractical (for me).
 
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