Why does screen size matter?
There are many different features one should consider when choosing a monitor: ergonomics, display technologies, connectivity and much more. The first and most intuitive thing to check is the size of the display. Yet as obvious as this may seem, it sometimes still gets overlooked. While those with modest space may need to work with a 22”/24” monitor, those who could aim bigger often don’t know about the perks of upgrading to a larger screen.
To start with, here are the fundamental reasons that sizes matter:
- More screen real estate mimics our own natural view better and making the visualization more comfortable.
- Everything in one glance – no need to squint anymore, all the things can be displayed in one view. More documents, apps and media can be displayed at the same time, with less toggling through programs. This also means that you can perform side-by-side tasks easily!
- Excellent resolution – It is common that large monitors (> 27ich) are designed for the professionals that need good color reproduction and high pixel density, such as photographers, video editors and graphic designers. Most of these monitors support QHD resolution, which gets its name for offering four times the definition of standard HD and is noticeably sharper than Full HD (FHD).
Who can benefit?
Many researchers highlighted that seeing the “big picture” is not only important and more comfortable but can improve and fasten the productivity. Professionals know that having all of the needed applications spread out in front of them at all times is more comfortable, in addition to allowing them to control everything at a glance.
- Architects, graphic designers, video makers and programmers need a space that allows multiple apps to operate at the same time, supporting their creativity and boosting their productivity.
- Gamers and streamers are not excluded from the benefits that large monitors provide, at all. It’s been proved that for expert game players challenging each other on gaming monitors with the same features, the display size was an advantage and a tool to win. The players gained more insight on the game and, therefore, created better strategies[1]. That extra screen space also provides a whole new level of immersion, and facilitates streaming with more easily managed interaction.
- Businesses can include large screens in workstations planned for collaboration, equipping them with one monitor that offers great detail and wide viewing angles. Financial professionals already know that a large screen for their day-to-day work means less bother in data visualization.
- Home users, after a first moment of surprise, are certain to like it without hesitation.
An example for a professional setup would be the Philips 329P1H, designed for architects and graphic designers, as well as those who require high-performance monitors for precise, accurate, color-critical work. This monitor offers a built-in USB type-C docking station with power delivery and extremely brilliant picture quality thanks to an UltraClear 4K UHD display with IPS technology that enables extra-wide viewing angles of 178/178 degrees.
What can it do?
As said before, a larger screen size allows multiple apps to be perfectly displayed at the same time, without shifting between them. Think about it this way: your monitor is your desk, and your windows are each one a sheet of paper. Managing a lot of papers for 8 hours on a small desk is going to be draining, overwhelming and a big waste of time. Did you know that, according to a survey, 41% of surveyed think that a tidy desk is key in enhancing productivity?[2] If we don’t have to manage our windows, we’re “earning” a lot of time for the tasks that really matter.[3]
Human beings perceive their surroundings based on different sensory information, but human-computer interaction is mostly restricted on visual perception.[4] While home users can finally enjoy their free time chatting while watching videos or playing a pc game, video editors and programmers finally have space for their timelines, their previews and all their effect windows to comfortably work on. They may even find a bit of space for their chats in there. But there’s more a large screen monitor can do, for set-ups that are pretty complex – let’s have a look at two different models that sport some interesting features.
An UltraWide option could be the Philips 345E2AE, which gives an expansive panoramic view with its 21:9 panel. The CrystalClear WQHD display with Ultra Wide-Color and stable color gamut makes for optimal viewing and editing. Moreover, it enables active dual connect and view thanks to MultiView, allowing users to work with multiple devices like a PC and notebook simultaneously, for complex multitasking.
If you want even more space, you should check out the Philips 499P9H. This award-winning 49″ curved 32:9 SuperWide display is the equivalent of two full-size high-performance monitors in one. Productivity-enhancing features like USB-C and pop-up webcam with Windows Hello deliver optimal performance and convenience, while MultiView enables simultaneous dual connect and view.
Specific features to look for
We already mentioned MultiView, which enables active dual connect and view so that you can work with multiple devices like a PC and notebook simultaneously, for complex multitasking. It’s a great feature, but there’s even more. With the MultiClient Integrated KVM switch, you can control two separate PCs with one monitor-keyboard-mouse setup. A convenient button allows you to quickly switch between sources. Thanks to the PBP setting (Picture By Picture) in your OSD menu, you can split the screen in half in order to show both laptops at the same time.
We’ve seen that a large screen size helps a lot of professionals, but it can also support many other users at home, giving them extra space and thus added comfort for the eyes and for the mind.
Remember: it pays off to be a bit picky and cautious when buying your new monitor. After all, it’s an investment in better and more comfortable productivity!
[1] A. Sabri, R. Ball, S. Bhatia, A. Fabian, and C. North, “High-Resolution Gaming: Interfaces, Notifications, and the User Experience,” Interacting with Computers Journal, 19, no. 2 (March 2007)
[2] https://www.brother.co.uk/business-solutions/mobile-print-and-label/messy-desk-tidiness-genius-research-statistics
[3] Czerwinski, Mary & Smith, Greg & Regan, Tim & Meyers, Brian & Robertson, George & Starkweather, Gary. (2003). Toward Characterizing the Productivity Benefits of Very Large Displays..
[4] Stephanie Foehrenbach, Werner A. König, Jens Gerken & Harald Reiterer (2009) “Tactile feedback enhanced hand gesture interaction at large, high-resolution displays”