New Monitor Assistance

pthomas2013 · 31 Aug 2017 at 20:51

Hi,

I use a Dell Alienware 17 Laptop for gaming/movies and general use due to always on the go. I want an external monitor to connect to it when I am at home but unsure what will work well. I do game abit and watch lots of movies. Could I get away with a high refresh monitor or would this impact movie quality?

hornetstinger · 31 Aug 2017 at 20:54

You'll want VA or IPS screen.
No, high refresh doesn't impact movie quality.

If you watch movies, then I'd go ultra wide. 2:35 movies will use 100% of the screen. 2:35 is the most common ratio for movies.

pthomas2013 · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:02

How bout Acer X34a?

hornetstinger · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:04

Does your laptop offer g-sync?

pthomas2013 · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:06

No I don't think my laptop is GSync

hornetstinger · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:07

What screen size do you want?
For games, a 3440x1440p will be a huge demand on your laptop.
If you get a large screen 34" 2560x1080 it may look a bit poop for desktop.

4K movies option as well, a 1440p will have less downscaling.

So you have choices really. Then issues like IPS backlight bleed etc, which'll ruin movies like Star Wars.

pthomas2013 · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:08

I am looking for least 27inch monitor. My laptop does have NVIDEA 1080 in it.

hornetstinger · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:10

What about 29" Ultra Wide LG? A couple of those models are £250. Curved is about £350. The cheaper ones aren't 8 bit panels though, only the most expensive curved 29"

IPS bleed is a major concern though.

pthomas2013 · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:11

Would my laptop not run a larger screen well then? X34a not be suitable?

hornetstinger · 31 Aug 2017 at 21:13

It's not the screen size, it's the resolution. Mobile 1080 aren't as fast as desktop 1080, so look for benchmarks on your laptop for 3440x1440 and see if you'll find those framerates acceptable.