Monitor for Partially Sighted

beedee · 26 Feb 2011 at 21:25

Hi there

One of my relatives is partially sighted so am looking for a large monitor for her to use to browse the internet, read email etc. Need a large monitor because just magnifying on a small one leaves so little of the page viewable.

I was thinking of either the Hanns G HH281HP or the Iiyama ProLite E2607WS as they are both good size. Does anyone have experience of using either one for non-gaming purposes and if so which would you recommend....Alternatively any other similar priced/sized ideas.

Thanks in advance

bee

cmndr_andi · 26 Feb 2011 at 23:05

You may want to consider a 32in 1080p TV like the the LG 32LD350 which you can get for around £260.

This will give the user large pixels, high maximum brightness and a generally huge picture. Simply connect to the PC using the HDMI connection. If the PC doesn't have HDMI (or DVI using this cheap adapter), then the VGA port on the TV can be used instead.

The TV also includes a Freeview tuner - so when not using it as a PC monitor it can be used to watch freeview TV.

If you don't want to go down this route then the Hanns G is a solid monitor and many people on the forums have found it excellent to use.

beedee · 27 Feb 2011 at 08:47

Thanks for that thought - but I reckon 32in is just a bit too overpowering on a desk

niggyg · 27 Feb 2011 at 10:23

I think the 32" option is quite a good idea. You talk about your relative using magnifying software but by using a 32"@1080p the whole screen would be slightly magnified (in comparision to most monitors) as the DPI (dots per inch) would be low. Usally this is a bad thing but in your relatives instance it would prove helpful.

cmndr_andi · 27 Feb 2011 at 16:01

beedee said:
Thanks for that thought - but I reckon 32in is just a bit too overpowering on a desk

You would think so - but you get used to it very quickly.

Personally, I have a samsung 32in TV on my desk (set up as a secondary monitor next to my 27in Dell) and sit a couple of feet from it. It is only 720p, so not ideal for using as primary monitor - but it display web pages OK and is great for movies. If it were 1080p (double the pixels) then it would be great for general use as well, hence my recommendation.

beedee · 27 Feb 2011 at 19:01

thanks again for the responses - andi how do you find web pages, emails and Excel type spreadsheets on a screen that big...appreciate it's only 720....

bee

cmndr_andi · 27 Feb 2011 at 19:21

beedee said:
thanks again for the responses - andi how do you find web pages, emails and Excel type spreadsheets on a screen that big...appreciate it's only 720....

bee

It is actually pretty OK - the resolution is the thing that really drags down the usability, not the size. So if you go for a 1080p 32in - then you have just as much desktop real-estate as a standard size (22-24in) 1080p monitor - it just looks bigger.

I often view web pages on my 720p TV and they look great - just require a bit of scrolling down compared to my main monitor (1920x1200 res). I have also used it for excel (especially when working through sheets with other people) and it also works great.

The main reason why people don't usually recommend using a TV as a monitor is that the pixels are big (compared to standard monitors), high input lag and high response time/ghosting compared to standard monitors. The first point is actually a benefit in this situation and the two last points will not matter in this case since they are really only of concern when doing fast-paced gaming.

beedee · 27 Feb 2011 at 20:36

thanks for the comments......

d_brennen · 27 Feb 2011 at 20:40

Used one of those 28" Hanns.G screens a few times, a workmate uses one. Have to say it is very good for general use. Nice blacks, little backlight bleed and bright colours. No idea about gaming but it works a treat for watching HD Top Gear from iPlayer on a Monday morning

beedee · 27 Feb 2011 at 23:06

thanks db - am more concerned with how it is for surfing and general "office work"...