[Pipster]

Thanks a lot for all your help.
I’ll take a look at the recommendations but also do a bit of digging to see if I can find any a little smaller (around the 22″ – 24″ range). Looks like Amazon aren’t delivering until after the Easter weekend now, so I’ve a bit of leeway to find the right one. I’ll let you know when I get my shortlist together 😎

[PCM2]

Also worth considering the Dell S2415H. 🙂 Be careful with the smaller HP models (like the 23Xi) as they tend to have matte screens.

[Pipster]

Got to admit, it’s tough finding something appropriate!
It’s not just the low-haze screen that’s important. My initial severe problems were with IPS PWM monitors – changing to VA flicker free has improved things a great deal. (I’m not sure how much of this is changing from IPS to VA and how much from PWM to flicker free).
Ideally I’d like a monitor with a low-haze screen that is flicker free, preferably up to 24 inches as I’m sitting quite close to the monitor (although I’d certainly try larger if needed).

The HP monitors you mentioned above are no longer on Amazon – other ones there appear to be matte, while the Dell doesn’t mention flicker-free.

Sorry to be a pest, but any further advice would be appreciated.

[PCM2]

You don’t need to apologise – you’re not being a pest, you’re just asking questions which is what the forum is for. 🙂

The HP models are available (the HP 25Xw has low stock though, at this very moment only one left from Amazon themselves with ‘more on the way’). I can appreciate you were after a smaller model, ideally. The good news is that the Dell S2415H is indeed flicker-free, as per our review. The screen is a bit more glossy (more reflective, I should say) than the HP models though.

[Pipster]

I’ve gone for the Dell (through your link).
I’ll let you know how it is – thanks again for all the help.

[PCM2]

I really hope it does the trick. The sale didn’t register for some reason, but don’t worry about that.

[Pipster]

Feedback after a couple of days use of the dell.
It doesn’t cause the extreme eye strain of the original monitors I tried, but I do get similar feelings of tired / dry eyes and mild strain to the more recent BenQ and Viewsonic. So I guess matte / glossy isn’t the issue here (I actually really like the look of the glossy screen).
One good thing: it rules out IPS as being the cause of the more serious issue (it looks pretty clear that that was caused by PWM so flicker-free is definitely essential).
I do notice the strain more when web-browsing or working with text compared to playing games.

In earlier tests with the Viewsonic, which can run at 75Hz at lower resolutions, that was slightly easier on the eyes than 60Hz at the same resolution. So I’m considering a 24″ flicker-free monitor with maybe 144Hz to see if that makes any difference.

Not sure why the sale didn’t register for you – I do have the odd issue with Google Chrome on my PC (scripts occasionally not running) so I’m guessing that may be the issue here. If / when I try another monitor I’ll use IE.

[PCM2]

Interesting observations, thanks for sharing that. So it does indeed seem that screen surface isn’t the issue, but perhaps you do have a sensitivity to motion which causes eye strain to build up. And that is something a higher refresh rate would alleviate. I can’t think of much else that’s left to try other than that, aside from alternative backlight type. Of course that wouldn’t really explain why you find the AIO fine, but it could be that various triggers can set this off. Don’t worry about the sale not registering, it could’ve been a Chrome issue or equally just Amazon having an issue on their side.

[David]

Hi there,

Thank you for publishing such an excellent forum. The information is vast and informative (and interesting, too!).

My goal is a monitor that is comfortable for lots of text reading, spreadsheets, emailing and light gaming. At the moment my 21.5inch monitor isn’t height adjustable, I find it difficult to read all the Windows text as it feels too small and generally don’t enjoy the experience.

From reading you forum I’ve gathered I need the following:

– IPS
– A ‘good’ native resolution as this relates to the small text/text pitching issue
– A good out-of-the-box/auto colour callibbration
– Low levels of flickering
– No Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
– A Pixel Density around 96

(For the above reasons I understand that the ‘best’ montiors may not be best for me. For example, I’ve read some articles that say Dell’s P range is better for text than their more expensive U range).

I also have a few of my own requirements to add to this:

– Height adjutable
– Ability to turn 180 degrees to read in portait mode
– Some kind of particular reading mode (unless you feel this is just a gimmick?!)

Other info:
– I’m UK based
– My head is between 60 & 70cms from the screen
– Max budget is £800
– On current screen I find I have bad posture as I’m leaning in to see everything more clearly!

Thank you for anything any suggestions you can make,
David

[PCM2]

Hi David and welcome,

I’ve merged your thread with this one as it’s a suitable place. Thanks for being so specific with your requirements, it certainly helps and shows that you’ve done good research. I’m not sure where you’ve read that the Dell ‘P’ models would be better than ‘U’ models. That makes no sense whatsoever and is far too generalist. Some models in both series share exactly the same pixel density, screen surface and various other traits. If you mean ease of reading text in your case then there are models from both series that would be suitable.

Before continuing, could I ask what resolution your current monitor is and also what the actual model is? Do you wear appropriate correction for your eyesight, if applicable? The reason I ask is that you’ve stipulated a pixel density of 96 PPI, which is relatively low (especially given your budget). If it’s just a general preference then that’s fine, you’ll be able to save a fair bit of money as well as you won’t be considering 2560 x 1440 or higher resolutions.

[David]

Hi there,

Thank you for your help and apologies for my slow reply (I had difficultly logging in).

To answer your questions:

Unfortunately, I don’t know the exactly model of the monitor as I’ve now given it to a friend. However, it was a 21.5 Samsung SyncMaster. I can’t remember the resolution I’m afraid.

I don’t wear glasses/contacts, so I technically don’t have any eye-issues, I just find small text hard to read. I got the number 96 from this article: http://ditchwalk.com/2015/05/10/the-best-monitor-display-for-text/

However, I’ve no real concept of having a preference for 96, I’m just keen that the monitor is strong for displaying text. If I could, I’d buy a screen that was the same as my Kindle’s e-ink screen!

I jest because as much as I read a lot on the PC, I do engage in the odd bit of gaming.

I’m more than happy to be led by you as purchasing a Dell P, Dell U or indeed any other type of screen that you recommend.

Thanks again for any help you can offer,
David

[PCM2]

Hi again,

Sorry that you had issues logging in, but glad you sorted it now! If it was a 21.5″ Samsung it is likely that it has a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It does sound like you have preferences for larger text, which is fine – everybody has their own preferences for that. With consideration to this preference and your uses my main recommendation would be the Dell U2415 (which is also featured in the ‘recommendations’ section). I feel the 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1200 resolution will deliver good real-estate advantages for your uses, without creeping into 2560 x 1440 territory where the text would be smaller than you’d like.

[David]

Hello,

Thanks for that. This looks excellent.

Is it the case that if I were to move all the way up to, say, a 27 inch monitor that I would have issues in regards to getting nice, large text?

Also, although I don’t want ot spend moeny for the sake of it, this appears to be cheap in comparison with some monitors. Is that an indicator that it won’t be “as good” as a monotior twice the price? I spend 8 hours in-front of the thing so I’m happy to pay extra if I will get a superior product!

Thanks agian,
David

[David]

p.s

Are you also able to tell me the difference between the two U2415 listings on Amazon please?

They appear to be the same but there is a price difference!

[PCM2]

Potential advantages only really come from 27* models with a higher resolution than what you’re considering. And with that comes a tighter pixel density, which is something you were specifically trying to avoid. There is therefore no reason to pay extra in your case.

As for the listings, one is sold by Amazon and one is sold by a third party ‘fulfilled by Amazon’ seller. Sometimes they spread out to multiple listings to increase visibility, which can be a bit confusing. But they are both the same product. Please use the links provided on our website, which should point to the correct and cheaper product as well.

[David]

Ah, brilliant.

I have now purchased that through the approved link – please let me know that it has gone through, otherwise I can cancel and re-order to ensure it goes through as a pcmonitors.info buy.

Finally, I notice that you can now buy sound bars to fit monitors. I am in the market for new speakers anyway so I was wondering whether you have any experience with these?

[PCM2]

Yeah, it did go through. Thanks for your support, much appreciated.

Other than brief demonstrations at Trade Shows, I don’t have any experience with sound bars. From this and what users have said to me in the past about the likes of the Dell AC511, though, is that they provide a richer sound output to most integrated solutions. If you’re wanting to economise on space then I think they’re a good idea, they work well for their intended purpose.

[Emperor]

Hi Friends,

Previously I was using DELL ST2220L and one fine morning suddenly it’s panel gone bad.

Now looking for new Monitor should be equal to my Previous monitor DELL ST2220L as I found it’s very good for text and low on eye strain.

Please suggest me best one within INR Rs.9000/- (Indian Currency)

Thank you for your time to read this,

Regards

[PCM2]

Hi Emperor,

I’m not too hot on pricing or availability on the Indian market I’m afraid, but the Dell S2415H would be a good one to look our for that should offer you a similar level of visual comfort to the ST2220L. Obviously it lacks the touch screen functionality, but I assume you didn’t require this? I have a strange feeling that would be way beyond your budget though, so perhaps focus on something like the S2216H instead. Be aware that unlike the S2415H and I believe the ST2220L, the S2216H is not ‘purely glossy’. It actually has a mild haze treatment to the screen surface. It should still offer largely comparable viewing comfort to the ST2220L, though, and the mild matte treatment shouldn’t interefere with your enjoyment or viewing comfort I would hope.

Edit: Disregard, was thinking of the S2240T which is a glossy touch-screen model.

[Emperor]

Hi PCM2,

Any other Brand will also ok, what must is pleasant to eye while Reading Text… sorry I forget to mention same in my fist post.

Thanks for prompt suggestion… 🙂

[Author]

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