Upgrading your computer’s hardware isn’t the only way to feel like you have a new machine. A new monitor can go a long way towards making your computer more fun to use and more functional. At the same time, there are hundreds of displays out there by dozens of companies at all different price points. Still, we’re only interested in the best, and here’s a look at the top five, based on your nominations.
Earlier in the week we asked you to nominate the computer monitors you thought were the best. You came up with dozens of great monitor suggestions, but we only have room for the top five.
Dell UltraSharp U3011 30″ Display ($1049)
Dell’s flagship 30″ U3011 display is a gorgeous IPS panel that leads Dell’s UltraSharp performance line if monitors. It sports a 2560px by 1600px 16:10 display, and comes packed with inputs, including 2 HDMI, 2 DVI-D (with HDCP), 1 DisplayPort, 1 VGA port, and Component connectors, making it ideal for use with multiple devices at the same time. Dell’s UltraSharp displays have always been popular with people looking to connect multiple computers or game consoles to one or two large monitors at a workspace, and the U3011 is no different. It also packs a USB hub and a 7-in-1 card reader mounted on the side, just as an added bonus. It’s a pricey panel, but Dell is well known for giving out coupon codes like candy and hosting online sales and discounts that would bring the cost well under the $1000 mark, so keep your eyes peeled if this is on your wishlist.
Yamakasi Catleap (and Variants, approx $400)
Yamakasi is a Korean company, and the Catleap is a display that’s earned the love and devotion of many monitor enthusiasts, mostly because they’re the same LG IPS panels that Apple uses in the 27″ iMac. They’re $700-$1000 displays that are easily available for half the price, and to get them all you have to do is be patient and give up some of the features you may get from other monitor manufacturers. Yamakasi’s displays don’t come with bells and whistles, but they do come with stellar panels. The Catleap is a 2560px x 1440px 16:9 display, and you get a single DVI-D (with HDCP) input (Some models have a VGA input as well.) It’s not available through traditional retail channels in the US, it is available easily via eBay, and the people who have taken the jump and ordered one absolutely love them. If you have trouble finding one of these, there are plenty of variants to look for, including the Achieva Shimian 27″ (which earned high marks from PC Perspective) and the Auria EQ276W 27″. They’re all variants and use similar (if not the exact same) glass, all at amazing prices.
Read more: Lifehacker
