You’ve seen these sleek, curved displays in the stores, online, and maybe even have one at home as a part of your teens gaming setup, but are they for the office environment? Read on to find out, tangibly, what makes them special, and what the pros and cons are for using them in the workplace.

What makes curved monitors special?

Curved monitors create a more immersive experience by reducing the distortions at the edges of the display, directing all the light towards the viewer’s eye, creating a larger field of view. This also allows the human eye to view more with less strain, since our peripheral vision is in the shape of an arc. As a result, your eyes will not feel as tired at the end of the workday.

Flat panel monitors project light in a straight line which may cause part of the image to not be perceived by your eyes. So, your eyes will be moving around more to view everything which can create eye strain.

Other benefits of using a curved monitor

Aside from feeling less exhausted after a day on the computer, there are other benefits of using a curved monitor. The benefits of having one include:

Curved monitors are wider than your standard monitor. The current aspect ratio for a computer monitor is 16:9, whereas ultra-wide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio. This gives you about 33% more screen to work with, so you won’t need multiple monitors

Because you’re able to view more on these monitors, everything will look and feel bigger on screen. You will see everything clearly, allowing you to view more detail in your documents, spreadsheets, etc.

Studies have shown that eye strain is 60% less common on curved monitors than on flat monitors. This increases your productivity because it allows you to sit in front of your screen for longer periods of time without feeling tired.

Varying Curvatures

When you start shopping for a curved monitor you may see that some have a curvature rating listed in the description. These ratings will look something like this:

• 1800R
• 2300R
• 3000R
• 4000R
  
  

The ‘R’ stands for radius, and the number represents the distance (in millimeters) you should be sitting away from the display. This is to ensure you get the best possible viewing experience.

This rating is important because you need to think about where your current monitor sits, and if you could sit the recommended millimeters away from a curved screen with your existing desk layout.

The Cons

Naturally, there will be drawbacks to using a curved monitor. I’ve listed the ones that, in my opinion, are most likely to be mentioned.

Because this technology is new, curved monitors are going to cost more than your typical flat monitor. It is also recommended to not get a curved monitor smaller than 30 inches because there won’t be any improvement visually. If you compare a flat monitor, that is the same size to a curved one, you will see roughly a $150+ difference in price (this also varies on brand).

When you are sitting right in front of the screen, the picture will be clear and crisp. But if you lean towards the left or right, you will have to work around the glare caught from your office lights. If others are trying to view what you’re seeing, let’s say over your shoulder, they may struggle to see the image properly.

When mounting a curved screen, the sides will jut out from the wall, so you want to be certain you accommodate that in your space. You will also need to purchase a specific mounting kit designed for curved monitors. The kit will add to the cost of the total installation.

My Personal Use

Earlier this year I purchased a curved monitor. While my focus was geared towards gaming, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed using one for work. I noticed less glare while looking at my screens, and I could see more without moving my eyes as much

My curved monitor practically eliminated eye strain because they weren’t exhausted from a flat panel, even with the brighter colors. I still get tired and still need breaks, but I have fewer headaches (which is always great) and I can process information faster. Here is a link to the curved monitor I purchased.

As time progresses, curved monitors will get more affordable and less restrictive in an office space. I recommend going to a local computer store and experience one for yourself.

Want to make the most of your tech budget?

Not every staff member is going to need a curved screen to meet company goals, but it may help with their productivity for some workers. By evaluating the needs of your employees, you value the dedicated effort they put towards your company, while making the best use of your budget.

Whether it is the latest in tech equipment, or getting the most out of your IT Support, CoreTech will collaborate with your SMB to roadmap your technology strategy to success! If you are looking for a tech partner who will add value and help you meet your company goals, please reach out to us!