Having a smart monitor isn’t something I considered, given that I left a desk station almost a decade ago. I was liberated from the usual office setup, tugging along my laptop wherever I go.
However, the recent circumstances surrounding our working setup changed the way I think about investing in a do-it-all monitor. Now, we’re torn between committing to on-site work, fully work-from-home, or staying in a hybrid setup. I’m certain it’s not just me thinking heavily about investing in one.
To ensure we get the value of the monitors we’re purchasing, here are some things to consider before buying one.
Clear and vibrant display
Frankly, a device’s screen is the most important part. You spend a lot of time looking at the information provided on the display. This is why you need to consider the screen first and foremost before buying a smart monitor.
MacBook Air connected to Huawei MateView, working as a secondary display
An enthralling screen is extremely important, especially if you’re a creative professional. For instance, my Huawei MateView delivers 4K+ resolution, a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut offering 1 billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, and HDR capability. In other words, it has a high-resolution, color-accurate display that’s capable of displaying high dynamic range content.
It certainly helped me in my graphic design, photo retouching, and video editing endeavors.
Adjustable design
We’re not getting any younger — I think we’ve all heard everyone say that. That said, back and neck pain are something you’ll deal with especially when you spend hours looking down on your laptop. It’s inherently bad for your body and posture in the long run.
Experts recommend that you look straight, which is why having an adjustable monitor is important. Forget monitor stands or stacked books, an adjustable monitor will allow you to adjust its tilt and the height of the display to maintain eye level.
Taller screen for better productivity
If you’re more focused on being productive and getting things done, having a monitor with a taller aspect ratio is much better than the usual 16:9 widescreen monitors.
For example, the MateView has a 3:2 aspect ratio which makes it reasonably wide, but still tall enough to fit what you’re working on. In my case, it’s easier to post-process hundreds of photos we took of the devices we’re working on.
Seamless wireless connection
Huawei P50 Pocket
Most manufacturers are heavily investing in ecosystems nowadays. Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and even the likes of Xiaomi are starting to integrate their devices and connect seamlessly through smart features.
My Huawei MateView, for example, quickly connected to the Huawei P50 Pocket which I tapped on the monitor’s base imprinted with Huawei Share or OneHop icon.
It automatically connected to the monitor and allowed me to choose to display what was on my phone. There’s a Desktop Mode which resembled more of a computer OS than a smartphone interface.
You can also connect through Wireless Connection and you don’t have to worry. The monitor is designed in such a way that latency — or lag — isn’t noticeable.
Go wired and keep it tethered
Some people still prefer to use different options for connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, and Mini Display. Personally, I still use the USB-C cable whether for my MacBook Air or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra since it charges the device at the same time.
Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra while connected to Huawei MateView via USB-C
The Huawei MateView can charge any laptop that requires 65W and under. Also, I like how it works smoothly with non-Huawei devices.
Moreover, there’s a headphone jack if you don’t want to use the front-firing speakers. The port also doubles as a mic input, perfect for important calls.
Aesthetically pleasing to your eyes
We spend time working on our desks for 8 hours or more. Sometimes, it goes beyond 18 hours when you work in a fast-paced environment like an advertising agency or production house.
If you’re going to look at your devices for a long time, make sure you like what you see. It’s easy to stay productive when you have a pleasant setup. It’s not always limited to decorating your desks with fancy accessories and color-matching everything.
Sometimes, you just need a smart monitor that’s pretty to look at, so you get excited to hop on your work and get things done. Of course, it shouldn’t be just beautiful. It needs to be functional too.
As for me, the Huawei MateView delivers exactly what I need. From aesthetics, connectivity, display, and ergonomics — I’m happy to use this for the next few months or maybe, even a year.
The post 6 things to consider before buying a smart monitor appeared first on GadgetMatch.
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