Whether you use your computer for work, gaming, creative projects or everyday browsing, the right computer monitor can make your setup more comfortable and enjoyable to use. digiDirect stocks monitors across a range of sizes, resolutions and display types for different desks and workloads.
Not sure what suits your space? Start with how you use your computer, then compare panel type, resolution, refresh rate and connectivity.
Compare Computer Monitor Panel Types
Panel type affects colour, contrast, viewing angles and how motion appears. Here is how the main options compare.
IPS Monitors
IPS panels offer strong colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. They are a good fit for office work, photography, video editing and general use.
VA Monitors
VA panels are known for strong contrast and deeper blacks. They suit entertainment, everyday computing and users who prefer richer dark scenes.
TN Monitors
TN panels favour fast response times, often at a lower price. They are commonly suited to fast-paced gaming where responsiveness takes priority over viewing angles.
OLED Monitors
OLED panels deliver deep blacks, high contrast and very fast pixel response. They suit gaming and creative work where display quality is a priority.
Understand Refresh Rate and Response Time
Refresh rate and response time affect how smoothly moving content appears. These specifications become particularly noticeable when gaming.
Refresh rate is measured in hertz. A 60Hz display is suitable for everyday tasks, while a 144Hz display provides smoother movement for gaming. A 240Hz monitor is aimed more at fast competitive play.
Response time is measured in milliseconds and describes how quickly pixels change. Slower response can create visible ghosting around moving objects. Adaptive sync technologies such as G-Sync and FreeSync can help reduce screen tearing by more closely matching the monitor to the graphics output.
Match Screen Size with Resolution
Screen size and resolution work together to determine how sharp your display looks. A higher resolution on a suitable screen size provides greater pixel density, while viewing distance also affects how much detail you notice.
Ultrawide 21:9 monitors provide extra horizontal workspace for timelines, games and multiple windows. A dual-monitor setup may be better if you prefer keeping applications on separate screens.
Check Your Monitor Ports and Connections
Check which ports your computer and monitor support before choosing a display. The connection can affect the available resolutions and refresh rates.
HDMI and DisplayPort are common with desktops, while USB-C and Thunderbolt can carry video, data and power on compatible equipment. The maximum resolution and refresh rate depend on the connection version and hardware.
USB-C with power delivery can also connect and charge a compatible laptop through one cable. Some monitors include built-in USB hubs or KVM switching, while hubs & docks can add more connections.
Pick a Monitor for What You Do
Different tasks put different demands on a monitor. Start with your main use rather than comparing specifications you may not need.
Office and Productivity
An IPS panel at 1080p or 1440p can provide a clear workspace for documents and multitasking. A 60Hz refresh rate is suitable for most office tasks.
Gaming
Look for a higher refresh rate, low response time and adaptive sync support. IPS, VA and OLED can all suit gaming depending on your budget and priorities.
Photo and Video Editing
IPS and OLED displays suit colour-focused creative work. Higher resolutions give you more room to inspect images and videos in detail. Browse monitor accessories for supporting equipment.
Home Study
An IPS or VA display at 60Hz can comfortably handle research, assignments and video calls. Browse computer accessories to complete your study setup.
Set Up Your Monitor for Comfortable Viewing
A monitor that adjusts to your desk is easier to position for longer sessions. Look for height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment where needed.
VESA-compatible monitors can also attach to suitable monitor arms or wall mounts. Aim to position the screen around eye level and at a comfortable distance for its size.
Shop Computer Monitors Online at digiDirect
Find a computer monitor for your home, office or creative setup at digiDirect. Choose from displays for everyday computing through to professional monitors built for demanding visual work. Buy now and have your monitor delivered to your door wherever you are in Australia, or opt for our Click and Collect service.
FAQ About Computer Monitors
What is the best monitor screen for me?
To determine the best monitor for you, consider factors such as your budget, intended use, preferred size, and resolution. Ultimately, the best monitor screen for you will depend on your personal preferences and requirements.
If you're planning to use your monitor for gaming, you may want to prioritise a high refresh rate and low input lag. For graphic design or photo editing, you might want a monitor with a wider colour gamut and more accurate colour reproduction.
In terms of size, it's best to choose a monitor that fits your desk and offers a comfortable viewing distance. For resolution, consider how much detail you need and whether you want a standard HD display or a higher resolution such as 4K.
What size computer monitor do I need?
The size of computer monitor you need depends on your intended use and personal preference. Generally, for office work or browsing the internet, a 24-inch monitor is a good size as it offers enough space to work comfortably without taking up too much desk space.
If you're a gamer, you may want a larger monitor for a more immersive experience. A 27-inch or 32-inch monitor can be a good option, as they offer a wider field of view.
For creative work such as graphic design or video editing, a larger monitor can be beneficial as it allows you to see more of your work at once. A 27-inch or even a 32-inch monitor may be suitable for this type of work.
Which is the best monitor resolution?
Generally, higher resolutions offer sharper and more detailed images, but require more processing power and can be more expensive.
For everyday office work or browsing the internet, a standard 1080p (1920x1080) resolution is sufficient. However, if you're into gaming or graphic design, you may want to consider a higher resolution such as 1440p (2560x1440) or even 4K (3840x2160).
How do I connect a monitor to my PC?
To connect a monitor to your PC, follow these steps:
- Make sure both your computer and monitor are turned off.
- Locate the video output port on your computer. This may be a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort port.
- Connect one end of the appropriate video cable to your computer's video output port.
- Connect the other end of the video cable to your monitor's video input port.
- Turn on your monitor and then your computer.
- Your computer should automatically detect the new monitor and display the desktop on it. If not, you may need to adjust your display settings in the Control Panel or System Preferences.
Note: If your computer has multiple video output ports, make sure to connect your monitor to the appropriate port that matches your cable and monitor input.
