Working from home has become a necessity in our current pandemic-ridden world and with the surge of people investing in peripherals, many are now wondering if they can use their gaming monitor for office work. In short, the answer is yes, you can use a gaming monitor for office work. Below, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of taking this step and also outline some things you should ensure before making the switch.
The primary advantage of using a gaming monitor for office work is its response rate. Response rate is how quickly a pixel can change color and is measured in milliseconds. Regular office monitors typically have a response rate of between 8 and 12 milliseconds, while gaming monitors usually come with response rates ranging from 4 to 1 milliseconds, allowing for much smoother visuals and quicker action times. Furthermore, many gaming monitors come with more advanced display technology like HDR and 4K resolution capabilities, providing exceptional picture quality.
However, it is important to ensure your gaming monitor is relatively comfortable to use for office work. Remember that gaming monitors are typically optimized for gaming, meaning certain ergonomic adjustments you may be used to in an office setting may not be present. Adjustable tilt, swivel, and height settings are important for your physical comfort and should be checked for before purchasing a gaming monitor for office work.
Price is another factor to consider. Standard office monitors are often quite affordable but gaming monitors can cost significantly more. After considering the advantages and disadvantages, you will want to make sure the features you are getting justify the cost before investing. Also, when looking for a gaming monitor, read reviews, compare brands and make sure you are buying a product with a good warranty.
Overall, you can use gaming monitors for office work, however, it is important to remember to look out for features like adjustable tilt, swivel, and height settings. In addition, something like HDR and 4K resolution capabilities can help produce outstanding visuals and the lower response rate, combined with the faster refresh rate, could improve the effectiveness of your work. Above all, make sure the gaming monitor you purchase is priced fairly for its range of features.
What Features Should I Look for?
When purchasing a gaming monitor for office work, it is important to prioritize the type of features it should have. Firstly, adjustable tilt, swivel, and height settings should always be checked for, as this will ensure a comfortable experience. Additionally, anything from curved displays, which provide more immersive visuals, to picture-in-picture technology, which allows you to view two windows at once, could potentially improve productivity and efficiency.
Dual- or triple-monitor setups are also beneficial as they widen the screen space and enable better multitasking capabilities. If you typically find yourself working with multiple windows open, it would be beneficial to invest in a system with more displays. Also, make sure to check the stereo capabilities of your monitor, as some gaming monitors come with powerful built-in sound systems, while others may require external audio.
Finally, it is necessary to consider the various inputs of the monitor. HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB are the most common inputs for gaming monitors and can provide additional picture quality and faster connections than DVI. Additionally, certain items such as a built-in picture calibration tool could help to ensure a better setup.
What Brands Should I Consider?
When shopping for a gaming monitor for office work, it is important to compare and contrast the different brands and models available. ASUS and BenQ are popular amongst gamers as they often provide fantastic picture quality and performance, however, LG and Samsung are also great choices for gaming monitors. All of these brands produce quality monitors that could be beneficial for office work.
It is important to compare the various features these brands offer in terms of refresh rate, response time, and resolution capabilities. Furthermore, you should research the prices of not only the monitor itself but also the various sorts of cables and adapters you may need to purchase. Taking the time to assess the various differences is key in feeling satisfied with your purchase.
Do I Need Accessories?
When shopping for a gaming monitor for office use, it is important to decide whether or not you need accessories. Additional features such as extra cables, adapters, wall mounts, and even desks could improve the quality of your setup. Depending on the model, you may need to invest additional money in some accessories to ensure you can use the monitor the way you desire.
Generally, it is recommended that you purchase a monitor arm for ergonomic purposes, especially if you plan to use the monitor for long periods of time. A monitor arm will allow you to adjust the height and tilt of the monitor so that you can be more comfortable during your workday. Furthermore, it is also beneficial to invest in a quality HDMI cable, as these cords can be expensive and buying a cheaper one might reduce the quality of your setup.
What Should I Do Before Shopping?
Prior to shopping for a gaming monitor for office work, it is important to assess your individual needs and then create a budget. Knowing exactly what you need and how much you are willing to spend will ensure a smooth shopping process. Additionally, researching into specific models and brands can provide insight into the best choices for you.
It is also beneficial to compare different stores in order to find the best prices. Taking the time to investigate the various discounts, deals and return policies can save you a lot of money in the long run. Furthermore, it is important to look out for discounts and sales offered by various retailers as these could help you get the right monitor for your budget.
What Dimensions Should I Look For?
When selecting a gaming monitor for office work, it is important to choose the right dimensions. Consider where on the desk you want to use it and the distance the monitor should be from the eyes. If the monitor is too small, you may strain your eyes to try to read the text and images properly, whereas if it is too large it may take up unnecessary space on your desk.
Additionally, it is important to ensure the monitor you are investing in has the appropriate ratio for office work. Standard computer monitors typically have a 16:9 ratio, which is ideal for most office tasks. While gaming monitors might have a more cinematic ratio and more pixel resolution, it is not necessary for office use unless you require more precision for editing or design work.
Ultimately, measuring the physical space available and taking into account any specific needs is important for selecting the right monitor in terms of dimensions. Remember, less is often more and it is beneficial to purchase a monitor with an adequate size and ratio, as this will save you money and allow you to use the monitor efficiently.
