Small Monitors (Under 20")

When choosing a 20" or smaller monitor, first consider what you will use it for

Monitors for office or home use

If you know you will spend a lot of time using the monitor, choose a model with adjustable height and technologies that minimise eye fatigue (Flicker-free, Flicker-safe, etc.). Otherwise, a basic office monitor will be sufficient for your needs.

Gaming monitors

For gaming monitors, response times and refresh rates are critical criteria. Gaming enthusiasts often choose monitors with 4 ms response times and refresh rates of at least 60 Hz, which provide smooth and sharp images even during fast action scenes.

Commercial monitors

For advertising kiosks, self-service checkouts or monitor systems, touch screen monitors are suitable as they allow the computer to be controlled without the use of a keyboard and mouse.

What else should I consider when choosing a 20" or smaller monitor?

Resolution

panel type

• IPS / S-IPS monitors - excel in natural colours, low power consumption and wide viewing angles. The disadvantage is a higher purchase price.
• TN monitors - Often characterised by a low response times. Compared with IPS monitors they are cheaper, offer lower-quality colour reproduction and narrower viewing angles. While cheaper TN monitors are the sufficient for less demanding users, models with 4 ms response times are popular with gamers.
• MVA / PVA monitors - in terms of price and picture quality, These are somewhere between IPS / S-IPS and TN monitors. They provide more realistic colour reproduction and viewing angles wider than TN monitors and are cheaper than IPS monitors.

Screen surface

• Matte - reflects light from the surroundings; provides less-saturated colour reproduction.
• Glossy - Provides vibrant and realistic colours; conversely, more light is reflected light from the surroundings, so the display can be difficult to view in bright sunlight.
• Anti-glare (glossy display with Antiglare) - a compromise between glossy and matte screens; they are easier to view in direct sunlight than glossy screens but also offer lower quality colour reproduction.

Connectors

Before buying, make sure the monitor has at the least one same port as your computer. If not, you will not be able to connect the monitor to it.

Useful functions and features

• Technology That minimises eyestrain - Flicker-free, Flicker-safe, etc.
• Adjustable height - Allows you to adjust the monitor to a comfortable position.
• TV tuner - to watch television broadcasts.
• VESA mount - Allows your to mount the monitor on a bracket.
• USB Hub - play data from portable drives; connect a keyboard or mouse.
• Pivot - Allows the screen to rotate horizantally; suitable for office work and reading texts from your computer.