Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Tips on How to Choose the Best Monitor for Your Small Business

Finding the right monitor at the right price is just like finding the right computers for your employees. When you are tasked with buying monitors for a small business, you need to consider the basic functions, as well as the price. You also need to need to identify what size panel works best for each personnel, what features will help increase productivity, and also the kind of warranty that your business needs. Below are some guidelines to help you what to look for when hunting for the right desktop monitors for your small business.

Price
Since most small businesses operate on a strict budget, it's vital to spend your investment money wisely. You can get a basic 22-inch monitor around $150 to $250, while a 24-inch model costs anywhere from $200 to $300. For employees who need more screen real estate, a 27-inch screen monitor's price range is from $300 to $400.

For businesses that require high-end, high-resolution monitors, be prepared as you will also need to allot more budget on these. These monitors may include other features such as height adjustable stands, multiple digital inputs, USB ports, and webcams. Say for example, a 27-inch Wide, Quad High-Definition (WQHD) monitor will cost you from $500 and up. While a 30-inch Ultra High-Definition (UHD) screen can go for a whopping price range of $2000 to $3000.

Size
The size of the desktop monitor that you're going to buy depends on the needs of your company's employees. Though it's always great to work on a big screen, sometimes it is not practical or cost effective to have one. Typically, a 22-inch widescreen monitor is good for basic office work and fits easily on most desktops, while a 24-inch widescreen is perfect for users who need to work on more than one window. However, if you have ample space and budget, opting for a 27-inch screen is ideal for multitasking. If in case you need to have a dual-monitor setup, a 29-inch ultra-wide model provides a good space-saving alternative.

Resolution
Nowadays, almost all monitor models are capable of displaying content in High Definition (HD). Monitors that have sizes of 22-inches below usually have a maximum resolution of 1366 x 768, which means it can only go as high as 720p. The most common and ideal resolution for watching video is 1920 x 1080, giving you a Full High-Definition (FHD) at 1080p. If you need to buy a monitor for users who will be working with highly-detailed images or will be engaging in graphics design, a WQHD monitor offering 2560 x 1440 resolution at 27-inch screen is recommended. Topping the resolution chart is the Ultra High-Definition (UHD) monitor, which comes in 30- and 32-inch models, though there are few smaller models of it that you can also consider.

Features
As they say, the more you get, the more you'll pay. A monitor that features a highly adjustable ergonomic stand (height, tilt, swivel, and pivot) will surely cost a lost more than one that only has a tilt adjustment. This also applies to I/O ports -- if you need DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA connectivity, you'll pay a much higher price of course. But if your desktop computer doesn't have a DisplayPort output, then there's no reason why you should pay more for a monitor that has DisplayPort inputs, right? Try to go with at least one HDMI port if possible because it will enable you to connect to many different external devices.

If your small business requires frequent use of removable media such as thumb drives and other USB peripherals, it would be best to get a monitor with a USB hub. Look for those who have side-mounted ports, so that you don't need to bend down or reach around the back of the monitor to get access to the USB ports. For users that need to work with accurate colors, scout for a monitor that has extensive image settings menu. Some models have bundled calibration solution but there are several third-party solutions available as well.

Extras

If in case your management doesn't allow audio in the workplace, get a monitor without embedded speakers. This also applies for webcams, which can be useful to work-related activities such as conferencing during meetings, but can also be a distraction when used for non-work related stuff. Some manufacturers offer free wall mount installation of monitors that helps in minimizing desk space. It is also good to check for the monitor's warranty period before buying it since this can also help your computer save on unexpected expenses in case something went wrong with the unit. Look for monitors that have at least three years warranty that covers parts, labor, and backlighting.

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