[Kamares]

Hi PCM,
I have an old AOC monitor (10 yrs) that was good but now showing as “Washed out” which makes text very faint and hard to see so time to upgrade. As I write this, I have to squint … I bought it through your site and was very happy with it. Your recommendation then was spot on.
I spend 6 -7 hours /day writing and reading so text display is the most important thing.
As with others on the forum, too many choices. I read that VA panels are best for text but then MSI Pro (IPS) also claims good for text as well.
My requirement is fairly simple: Flicker free / best pixel density for sharp good contrast text / 24 or 27 inch / price totally no object (My eyes are priority).
Some casual gaming and the need to change resolution for some old games. I shall assume that all new models display acceptable colours, at least for me.
I am on Win10 Pro with an Nvidia card installed.
I am not an expert in monitor abilities, so, without getting into a deep analysis of the specs, which models would you suggest? Cost not relevant. I need the best.
Thanks

[PCM2]

Hi Kamares,

It’s quite subjective as to which panel type is best for text, but I certainly don’t agree with people generalising that VA models are strongest in this respect. It’s often touted due to their relatively strong contrast, but they’re also prone to odd subpixel abnormalities which soften the appearance of text and the screen surface is often somewhat ‘less light’ (more apparent layering) compared to their IPS counterparts. Because of the vertical orientation of their subpixels, they also give a mild ‘3D’ effect for some content which some may find uncomfortable. But viewing comfort in general is a very subjective thing.

With all this said I’d advise taking a look at the productivity recommendations, as they’re designed with this sort of usage (including comfortable text viewing) in mind. The IPS gaming monitors recommended in the segment would also be suitable to consider, but purely looking at text clarity no better in that respect than the Dell S2722QC . Either way, I’d recommend one of the ‘4K’ UHD options with strong pixel density in mind- and if you were to opt for VA and wanted to limit yourself to 27″ you’d find your choices very restrictive in that respect anyway.

[Kamares]

Hi PCM2,
Thanks for the recommendation – 27 inch Dell S2722QC
– I saw read your review and I will buy it through your link this week.
3 Queries, however:
– This is a 2021 model. May I assume that it is as updated as much as the others in your Productivity list. For example, MSI PRO MP273QP E2.
– I shall be buying from Amazon in Germany. Euro 347. I assume you will still earn from there. I shall buy anyway but just checking.
– Do you have any suggestions for Dell S2722QC setup. I think I have understood most of it from your review, but anything else to know?
–
Preset Mode: Standard
Dynamic contrast: Off
Contrast: 75%
Sharpness: 50%
Colour format: sRGB
Gamma: 2.2
Colour Temp: Custom colour
RGB Settings:
Red: 99%
Green: 99%
Blue: – 100%
Smart HDR: Off

Thanks – Kamares

[PCM2]

– The updates of note in this segment have been more towards higher refresh rates, wider colour gamuts and enhanced HDR support. So more for entertainment tasks than productivity. For productivity tasks and in particular text clarity newer alternatives to than the S2722QC wouldn’t really offer much benefit. You can get enhanced contrast IPS models like the Dell U2723QE, though they sacrifice pixel responsiveness to an extent that can annoy some people even for productivity tasks (like scrolling documents).

– Purchases from Amazon Germany (if the link points there) will indeed help – thanks for checking.

– That’s exactly how I’d set up the monitor I tested, nothing else you should have to worry about there. But as noted in the review you need to set it up according to your own unit and preferences, so don’t be afraid to make your own adjustments. 🙂

[Kamares]

Hi again,
Had to set VPN to Switzerland to get your link to jump to Amazon Germany but Dell S2722QC now purchased. £357 (equivalent) delivered. 6-16 day delivery to me elsewhere in Europe.
Job done.
Thanks,
Regards – Kamares

[PCM2]

I appreciate your support and I hope you get on well with the monitor. 🙂

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