Computer Monitors for Work, Gaming & Display

A computer monitor is an important piece of home or office technology, so it’s important to get the right size, style, resolution and features for how your monitor will most often be used. Will you be using your monitor primarily for business or a home office? Or are you looking for a monitor that’s best suited for gaming or general everyday home use? Staples carries computer monitors suited for every possible home or office workstation.

Gaming monitors, for instance, tend to offer fast refresh rates and low response times so there are no glitches in your gameplay. These monitors also provide excellent desktop computer screen resolution, making virtual worlds feel almost real.

There are also computer monitors designed for business use or offices, including monitors that are equipped with anti-glare properties and low blue light emission to make your workday easier and reduce strain on your eyes during long hours in front of the computer. There are vertical monitors for those in roles like web design and development that make work more efficient, as well as monitors with high color accuracy for graphic designers and other benefiting roles.

Monitors that are great for general home use make browsing and media viewing easier and more enjoyable. Adjustable viewing for added comfort and reliable connectivity with other devices help you never miss a beat.

Again, consider how you’ll most often be using your computer monitor to determine the best screen size for you. If you spend long hours on your computer or do a lot of reading on your monitor, a larger size will enhance visibility and be easier on the eyes. When it comes to monitors, what’s measured is actually the dimensions of the screen, not the entire monitor. The size of the desktop computer screen is measured by the length of its diagonal, which is the distance between opposite corners, usually in inches.

The most common sizes range between 19 to 43 inches, with a 32-inch screen being quite popular among those who use their computer frequently.

In addition to size, resolution is also important for quality visibility. A monitor’s resolution tells you how many pixels a monitor has in width-by-height format. High resolution provides greater detail, though do keep in mind that high-resolution monitors also require faster graphics cards for gaming purposes. Resolution can range from 720p, 1080p, or 1440p to 4K monitors and even up to 5K. The larger the monitor screen is physically, the higher you will want your resolution to ensure good image quality. If you opt for a screen size of 27 inches or more, it’s suggested to get a high-resolution monitor.

There are two types of computer monitors: LCD (liquid crystal display) and LED (light-emitting diodes). Each type of monitor comes with pros and cons.

LCD computer monitors have been available longer, and are therefore often available at a lower price. However, their lifespan isn’t as long as LED monitors, and they’re a bit bulkier due to different backlighting. LCD monitors do consume a lot of power and often can’t support higher resolutions.

LED computer monitors have an average lifespan of 15 years of usage at 10 hours per day. They provide sharper images and are more energy efficient. The downside is the higher price point, as well as the risk of image retention, also known as screen-burn, which is a common issue among gamers.