curved monitors vs. flat monitors - AutoCAD Forum

Author: becky

May. 20, 2024

curved monitors vs. flat monitors - AutoCAD Forum

It's quite possible that technology has advanced significantly since I last looked into monitors over a year ago. Adjusting the curvature on a curved display might make a notable difference. When I was in the market for a new monitor for my home office last year, I embarked on an extensive research journey, delving into countless reviews. My habit of over-researching, although excessive, is something I take pride in. For instance, while a typical individual might spend a few hours deciding on a pair of headphones, I might spend upwards of 75 hours over a few weeks. I admit that my findings are largely based on extensive reading, forming opinions rather than concrete facts.

During my research, a recurring theme among professionals using curved monitors for CAD, graphic arts, and design work emerged. Many mentioned an adjustment period due to the perception of straight lines appearing curved. Almost everyone with a comprehensive review of curved displays mentioned a preference for flat screens if given a chance for a do-over, primarily to save on the additional costs. My opinions stem from extensive Googling, and I recognize the abundance of misleading information online. Unfortunately, local stores didn't offer a proper setup for hands-on testing. Still, a year later, it might be more feasible to find stores with better setups. My focus was on ultrawide 34" monitors, where the curvature effect might be more pronounced compared to a standard 25" screen.

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I'd love to hear back if you manage to test a curved monitor at a store or if you end up purchasing one. It would be interesting to compare your experience with CAD work on a curved screen versus a flat one.

Nick DiPietro
Cad Manager/Monkey

Are Curved Computer Monitors Worth the Investment? Advantages and Drawbacks

When setting up your home office or workspace, you need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various technologies. Some innovations like standing desks or ergonomic chairs can significantly enhance health and productivity, whereas trends like motivational posters might not be as beneficial.

One of the initial choices you’ll face when customizing your workspace involves selecting a computer monitor. Curved monitors have surged in popularity since their debut in 2014, replacing the previously cutting-edge flat screen monitors. For instance, Samsung sold seven million curved computer monitors in 2018 alone. Data from Statista shows that global shipments of curved monitors were about 10.4 million in 2019 and are projected to be around 12.9 million by 2020.

Despite the increase in sales, curved screens remain more expensive than their flat counterparts, often costing 40%-65% more for similar specifications. The central question remains: Are these curved screens worth the investment, or are they merely a tech fad?

There are several advantages of curved monitors, but not all are applicable to everyone. Conducting thorough research will help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

Advantage: Enhanced Immersion with Curved Monitors

The primary draw of curved monitors is their ability to offer a more immersive viewing experience compared to flat screens. The curvature envelops more of your peripheral vision, allowing for increased focus on the task at hand, whether working, watching a movie, or gaming.

Curved screen technology leverages "ocular perception" concepts to create a more seamless integration into your peripheral vision, particularly enticing for gaming, entertainment, and creative work.

Drawback: Increased Glare Leading to Eye Strain

One significant downside of curved monitors is that their larger, curved display can catch light from more angles, leading to increased glare. Glare can obscure parts of the screen and cause eye strain, potentially resulting in headaches and blurred vision.

While flat monitors can also suffer from glare if placed incorrectly, they are generally easier to reposition to avoid light sources. Whether using a flat or curved monitor, reducing ambient light and careful screen placement can mitigate glare issues.

Advantage: Reduced Distortion

Curved monitors offer a slight edge in reducing distortion, especially for large or wide images. This is due to the physics of light projection; flat monitors project images straight on, sometimes missing parts of your peripheral view, whereas curved monitors direct the entire image towards your eyes for a less distorted experience.

Drawback: Limited Wall Space Compatibility

Curved monitors, typically featuring a 21:9 aspect ratio, are significantly wider than their flat counterparts. While this can be beneficial for display space, it can also dominate your desk area and require specific mounts for wall placement.

The unique shape of curved screens demands specialized brackets and adjustable mounts if you intend to affix them to a wall or desk stand.

Advantage: Greater Comfort

Curved monitors are often touted for reducing eye strain. The screen's curvature matches the natural shape of our eyes, making for a more comfortable and natural viewing experience, thereby minimizing eye fatigue.

Drawback: Performance Limitations for Gaming and Streaming

As a newer technology, curved screens haven't quite caught up with flat screens in terms of performance metrics like refresh rates, response times, and color accuracy. Gamers and video editors may find flat screens offer better performance at a lower cost.

Advantage: Lighter Weight

One of the unexpected benefits of curved monitors is their lighter weight compared to flat screens. This can be particularly helpful if you need to frequently adjust or reposition your monitor.

Drawback: Potential Neck Strain

While the curved design reduces eye strain, the wider horizontal space can result in more frequent neck movements to view different parts of the screen, potentially leading to neck strain and discomfort.

Advantage: Improved Multitasking

Curved monitors excel in providing expansive screen real estate, making multitasking across several documents, tabs, or programs more manageable. Their wider aspect ratio can replace a dual-monitor setup quite effectively.

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Drawback: Limited Accessory Options

Given their relatively new introduction to the market, curved monitors don't yet have as wide a variety of office accessories available as flat screens do. This can make finding compatible stands, mounts, and other accessories more challenging and expensive.

Curved vs. Flat Monitors: Key Differences

Flat monitors have been the industry stalwart for years, but curved monitors have gained traction, particularly in gaming. Each type has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Immersive Viewing

Curved monitors create a more immersive experience due to their design, which better aligns with human ocular perception.

Reduced Distortion

Curved monitors excel at minimizing image distortions, a common issue with flat screens unless you invest in premium models.

Eye Comfort

Curved monitors are easier on the eyes, allowing for a more natural viewing experience and reducing the risk of eye strain.

Field of View

The widescreen format of curved monitors provides an enhanced field of view, making it ideal for activities requiring broad visual coverage, such as gaming or trading.

Mounting Options

Mounting curved monitors can be tricky due to their shape, requiring specific mounts. Flat screens offer more flexible and easier mounting solutions.

Glare Issues

Curved monitors can experience glare problems at certain angles, which can be mitigated by strategic placement away from light sources.

Top 5 Curved Monitors on the Market

1. Samsung 32-inch Curved LED Monitor

Ideal for both office and gaming, this ultra-slim monitor boasts a 60Hz refresh rate and energy-saving features that maintain optimal brightness while conserving power.

2. Pixio PXC325 Gaming Monitor

The Pixio PXC325 offers a 31.5-inch screen with HDR and G-Sync compatibility, along with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it a top choice for immersive gaming experiences.

3. AOC C24G1 Curved Monitor

This budget-friendly option with a 24-inch screen provides ample clarity and is perfect for small workspaces, offering great value for its price.

4. Pixio PXC327 Gaming Screen

With a 32-inch display, this monitor offers WQHD resolution and compatibility with HDR, G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium, ideal for high-quality media consumption.

5. Dell S2721HGF Curved Monitor

A budget-friendly curved monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and standard HD resolution, perfect for those new to curved screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are curved monitors good for work?

Yes, they offer ergonomic benefits by allowing you to view the screen more naturally, which can improve comfort and productivity.

Do professionals use curved monitors?

Many professionals have started using curved monitors for their broadened field of view and ergonomic advantages. Now is a great time to consider adding one to your setup.

Are curved monitors outdated?

Not at all. Curved monitors feature advanced technology, making them a cutting-edge choice for various applications.

Is a curved monitor better than a flat one?

While flat monitors remain the industry standard, curved monitors offer a compelling alternative with a unique visual experience. Both have their own sets of advantages and drawbacks.

Do curved monitors reduce eye strain?

Yes, the curved design allows for a more natural viewing experience, reducing eye strain and fatigue.

Final Thoughts

Both curved and flat monitors offer high resolutions, vivid imaging, and compatibility with other computer elements. Your choice should depend on your room size, lighting conditions, and primary use—whether for gaming, editing, or general tasks.

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