lcd monitors capable of drawing in stock
Computer-aided design or computer-aided drafting software, commonly known as CAD, is used by architects, game designers, engineers, and industrial designers to produce detailed 3D models that can serve as design documents for everything from cars to buildings to zombie dragons. There are many CAD programs out there, they have enough in common that anyone using them would benefit from using the right kind of monitor—one that’s capable of showing your design with as much detail as possible. There are a lot of monitor options that make sense for CAD users, including high- and low-budget displays, curved screens, and ultrawide. We’ve selected the best monitors for CAD for everyone, including all kinds of specific needs.
It turns out that the best CAD monitors are often gaming monitors. According to Martin Murphy—endowed department head of virtual reality development at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla.—many developers who use CAD to make virtual models also use game engines.
“For many clients, it is becoming more common to pre-visualize the end product or space in a game engine in order to solicit early feedback or to secure a contract,” Murphy says. “You can import CAD and BIM (building information modeling) data to create stunningly realistic 3D renders of an environment that you can interact with in real-time.”
“Using the largest possible monitor when designing is important when detailing complex structures,” says Peter Jalbert, scale modeling expert in Floating Offshore Wind at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. “The more real estate you have to work with, the better for seeing as much of the subject as possible when designing the interface of multiple components of the overall structure.”
Robert Hurlston, EngD—principal and chief engineer at Fidelis Engineering Associates in New Boston, Mich., which provides custom CAE solutions—concurs, noting that ultrawide monitors may be particularly useful. “I think the size—or rather width—of the display is really important and often the very wide monitors can be useful when reading or generating engineering drawings.”
Hurlston and Jalbert also agreed that a dual- or even triple-monitor setup (with an appropriate desk and stand) can also help, since it would allow CAD users to look at both their model and their reference materials. “Whenever possible,” Jalbert says, “supporting dual monitors is useful to have reference material on one screen and the CAD program on another to drastically increase productivity. … I have two external, 4K monitors for my day-to-day design work to provide that real estate and support efficiency.”
“There’s a need for really good resolutionfor accurate manipulation of parts and assemblies,” Hurlston says, “and precise color rendition, particularly when utilizing high-end CAD tools that allow photorealistic rendering.”
We generally recommend scaling up resolution when you buy larger monitors. Since you want to go as large as possible, it also makes sense to get a 4K display if possible. We’ll take it a step further than usual, and add that it may make sense to go for a 27-inch 4K display so you see the sharpest, most detailed version of your model.
The type of screen panel used in your monitor can also impact its color accuracy. There are three core types of LCD display: In-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), and twisted nematic (TN). Each panel type has its own benefits and drawbacks, but Murphy suggests that IPS panels, which are often preferred for color precision, are the best fit for designers.
The monitor that our experts described for using CAD—a 32-inch, 4K gaming monitor with great color accuracy—is truly top-of-the-line, which means you should expect it to cost a lot. If you’re buying this monitor for personal use, we can’t recommend breaking the bank purely to optimize for some niche software. If you have a tight budget, get the best CAD monitor that you can afford. It may not be 4K and may not be ultrawide, but you can always upgrade later.
Based on our testing and advice from our experts, we’ve selected the best monitors for CAD for many different use-cases. While most of our options follow our experts’ guidelines, we also made sure to include a couple of recommendations for users on a budget, or who may not have room for a giant display.
The BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U is the perfect picture of what you should look for in a CAD monitor. The 32-inch IPS panel runs software in sharp, bright 4K UHD at a smooth 144Hz with a snappy 1ms response time for minimal input lag.
It also offers plenty of non-essential quality-of-life features, including internal speakers and a noise-canceling microphone, giving you an easy built-in audio solution. It also features FreeSync Premium Pro variable refresh rate support.
As a rule, we recommend large monitors for CAD use. However, if you have limited space and you’re working on a limited budget, the 25-inch MSI Oculux NXG253R delivers rich, vibrant colors and has many of the other features you’d want and need. This 25-inch rapid IPS panel offers a ridiculously quick 360Hz refresh rate—the fastest you can get right now—along with 1ms response time and Nvidia G-Sync support. It’s made for esports but would work well as a monitor for designers if a larger screen isn’t an option.
The ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM is sharp and sharp-looking. The stylish 27-inch, 1440p display isn’t the largest or most pixel-dense option, but it offers incredible color accuracy—97 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut and 150 percent sRGB color space coverage—offering bright, vibrant colors and precision in your designs. With an esports-grade 240Hz refresh rate, games and models will animate smoothly. The monitor is also designed to be easy on the eyes. It uses flicker-free technology and has four different filter settings to control blue light reduction levels.
It’s also one of the very few monitors with a fully adjustable stand—allowing you to tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust its height to get the perfect viewing position. It also rotates vertically, making it great for reviewing code or simply allowing you to save even more space in a pinch.
If you prefer the idea of using one super ultrawide monitor over two separate monitors, Samsung’s largest ultrawide gaming monitor, the Odyssey Neo G9 pulls out all the stops. The curved, 49-inch panel provides almost double the screen real estate of a 27-inch display. With a QLED panel and 2,048 local dimming zones, it offers one of the brightest displays you’ll find—2,000 NITs of bold projection. It’s also highly accurate, showing 125 percent sRGB and 95 percent DCI color coverage. It’s fast, too, topping out at 240Hz and a 1ms response time. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is bigger than big, and has a price tag to match: It’s a spectacular display, though, if you’re willing to pay for the privilege.
The LG 34GL750-B is another great curved ultrawide monitor that, at 34 inches, might feel a little more reasonable for folks who balk at the idea of clearing off their desks for a 49-inch display. The 21:9 curved IPS display still gives you plenty of real estate and the curvature provides an immersive experience that helps you focus on what you’re doing and avoid distractions. With a 144Hz refresh rate, G-Sync compatibility, and a 1ms response time, your models should animate smoothly.
The ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD offers the biggest bargain you’re likely to find on a 32-inch, 4K monitor. It tops off at a 60Hz refresh rate, the bare minimum these days, and has a less-than-stellar response time. Despite all that, it’s a good buy. The monitor uses flicker-free and blue light technology to help reduce eye strain and is VESA compatible. It can tilt forward 4 degrees and tilt backward 15 degrees.
Our experts recommend using multiple monitors or an ultrawide display that provides extra room for multiple windows for CAD projects. The number of displays that work best for you comes down to personal preference and budget, but using two or three displays is definitely not a bad idea.
Gaming monitors tend to have specs and features that also make them a good fit for CAD software. For example, Martin Murphy notes that variable refresh rate support helps virtual models look sharp:
“If you get a monitor with G-Sync Ultimate certification, this will eliminate any chance of screen tearing, stuttering, or lag,” he says. “Screen tearing is a graphical artifact that is most notable in imagery with high contrast, such as a building in partial shadow against a clear blue sky.”
If you use CAD software, your monitor can make or break your designs. The right CAD monitor provides plenty of screen real estate, sharp resolution, high maximum refresh rate, and a low response time. All of these components are important to create professional designs with true-to-life colors, and smooth images that resist stuttering and tearing. Since CAD experts recommend using gaming monitors, there’s a wide range of options to choose from, though, with options to meet any budget.
Science fiction has always served as a window into a potential future, namely in the way of technology. But what was once regulated to episodes of Star Trek is quickly becoming the stuff of reality. Many fixtures of these kinds of shows and books have begun to inspire real-life counterparts, including - but not limited to - touchscreen technology.
One only has to look at how far cell phones have come since their inception. Physical keyboards, like those from BlackBerry, gave people about as much of a solution as is possible for those who found themselves doing more on the devices as they became more advanced. Where tactile options came up short, touchscreens graciously stepped up to bat, providing a much fuller experience. This kind of functionality then spread to tablets, which are considered by many to be rivals of laptops and even standard PCs.
While there are still some things that are best done on a desktop computer, that does not change the fact that many users find themselves longing for the same abilities on their PCs afforded by many of their mobile devices. This is what helped breed the touchscreen monitor market, which has many viable options for people seeking the best of both worlds. With stronger computing power and a finer ability to control actions occurring in the screen, users can get more work done in new and exciting ways.
Traditionally, computer mice are what have allowed us to "touch" in a virtual context, but touchscreen monitors are changing all that. It might be said that the reason that mice were used in the first place was because the technology had not evolved to a responsive enough level to enable that natural solution. Now that people have the touchscreen technology, they want it everywhere.
If one thing is for certain, it is that the burgeoning adoption of touchscreen technology is no fad. Proliferation has already come too far to turn back now, and computer manufacturers are taking notice. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the action, including ELO Touch Solutions, Laiputuo Electronics, Planar, HP, 3M, Touch Systems, ViewSonic, Dell and ACER as well. Getting into the touchscreen monitor game is a no-brainer for the companies involved in this generation of computing. With so many different applications made for touchscreen monitors, options exist for all sorts of interested parties.
Touchscreen monitors are becoming the new standard in both private and enterprise settings. Here are some of the ways they can be leveraged effectively for business: touchscreen monitors for workstations, touchscreen monitors for hospitals, and touchscreen monitors for POS systems.
Newegg offers a large selection of touchscreen monitors which vary according to the type from 5-wire Resistive touchscreen monitors, and Accu Touch touchscreen monitors, to Capacitive touchscreen monitors, and more. Newegg’s wide selections will definitely meet your needs.
Advanced LED video wall with MicroLED models in 0.6, 0.7 and 0.9mm pixel pitches, and 1.2mm pixel pitch standard LED; with powerful processing, proprietary alignment technology and off-board electronics.
Planar® CarbonLight™ VX Series is comprised of carbon fiber-framed indoor LED video wall and floor displays with exceptional on-camera visual properties and deployment versatility, available in 1.9 and 2.6mm pixel pitch (wall) and 2.6mm (floor).
From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe MicroLED Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. HDR support and superior dynamic range create vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge MicroLED technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior décor.
From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. These professional-grade displays provide vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior decor.
LED video wall solution with advanced video wall processing, off-board electronics, front serviceable cabinets and outstanding image quality available in 0.9mm pixel pitch
Advanced LED video wall with MicroLED models in 0.6, 0.7 and 0.9mm pixel pitches, and 1.2mm pixel pitch standard LED; with powerful processing, proprietary alignment technology and off-board electronics.
From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe MicroLED Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. HDR support and superior dynamic range create vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge MicroLED technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior décor.
Advanced LED video wall with MicroLED models in 0.6, 0.7 and 0.9mm pixel pitches, and 1.2mm pixel pitch standard LED; with powerful processing, proprietary alignment technology and off-board electronics.
LED video wall solution with advanced video wall processing, off-board electronics, front serviceable cabinets and outstanding image quality available in 0.9mm pixel pitch
Planar® CarbonLight™ VX Series is comprised of carbon fiber-framed indoor LED video wall and floor displays with exceptional on-camera visual properties and deployment versatility, available in 1.9 and 2.6mm pixel pitch (wall) and 2.6mm (floor).
a line of extreme and ultra-narrow bezel LCD displays that provides a video wall solution for demanding requirements of 24x7 mission-critical applications and high ambient light environments
Since 1983, Planar display solutions have benefitted countless organizations in every application. Planar displays are usually front and center, dutifully delivering the visual experiences and critical information customers need, with proven technology that is built to withstand the rigors of constant use.
LCD Monitor Course II, which kicks off this session, will address certain points one must know to choose the LCD monitor best-suited to one"s needs from the various models available. Part 1 will focus on color gamut. While wide color gamuts are the latest trend in LCD monitors, color gamut is a term that lends itself to misunderstanding. Our hope is that this session will help users better understand the color gamut of LCD monitors and better select, use, and adjust the products.
Note: Below is the translation from the Japanese of the ITmedia article "IT Media LCD Monitor Course II, Part 1" published on November 11, 2008. Copyright 2011 ITmedia Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A color gamut defines a more specific range of colors from the range of colors identifiable by the human eye (i.e., the visible spectrum). While color imaging devices include a wide range of devices, such as digital cameras, scanners, monitors, and printers, since the range of colors they can reproduce varies, the color gamut is established to make these differences clear and to reconcile the colors that can be used in common between devices.
Various methods are used to express (diagram) the color gamut, but the common method used for display products is the xy chromaticity diagram of the XYZ color system established by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). In an xy chromaticity diagram, the colors of the visible range are represented using numerical figures and graphed as color coordinates. In the following xy chromaticity diagram, the area shaped like an upside-down "U" surrounded by dotted lines indicates the range of colors visible to human beings with the naked eye.
Various standards govern color gamuts. The three standards frequently cited in relation to personal computers are sRGB, Adobe RGB, and NTSC. The color gamut defined by each standard is depicted as a triangle on the xy chromaticity diagram. These triangles show the peak RGB coordinates connected by straight lines. A larger area inside a triangle is regarded to represent a standard capable of displaying more colors. For LCD monitors, this means that a product compatible with a color gamut associated with a larger triangle can reproduce a wider range of colors on screen.
This is a CIE XYZ color system xy chromaticity diagram. The areas enclosed in dotted lines represent the range of colors human beings can see with the naked eye. The ranges corresponding to the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and NTSC standards defining color gamuts appear as triangles connecting their RGB peak coordinates. The color gamut of an LCD monitor"s hardware can be indicated using similar triangles. An LCD monitor is not capable of reproduction (display) of colors outside its color gamut.
The standard color gamut for personal computers is the international sRGB standard prepared in 1998 by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). sRGB has established a firm position as the standard in Windows environments. In most cases, products like LCD monitors, printers, digital cameras, and various applications are configured to reproduce the sRGB color gamut as accurately as possible. By ensuring that the devices and applications used in the input and output of image data are sRGB compatible, we can reduce discrepancies in color between input and output.
However, a look at the xy chromaticity diagram shows that the range of colors that can be expressed using sRGB is narrow. In particular, sRGB excludes the range of highly saturated colors. For this reason, as well as the fact that advances in devices such as digital cameras and printers have led to widespread use of devices capable of reproducing colors more vivid than those allowed under the sRGB standard, the Adobe RGB standard and its wider color gamut have recently drawn interest. Adobe RGB is characterized by a broader range than sRGB, particularly in the G domain—that is, by its ability to express more vivid greens.
Adobe RGB was defined in 1998 by Adobe Systems, maker of the well-known Photoshop series of photo-retouching software products. While not an international standard like sRGB, it has become— backed by the high market share of Adobe"s graphics applications—the de facto standard in professional color imaging environments and in the print and publishing industries. Growing numbers of LCD monitors can reproduce most of the Adobe RGB color gamut.
NTSC, the color-gamut standard for analog television, is a color gamut developed by the National Television Standards Committee of the United States. While the range of colors that can be depicted under the NTSC standard is close to that of Adobe RGB, its R and B values differ slightly. The sRGB color gamut covers about 72% of the NTSC gamut. While monitors capable of reproducing the NTSC color gamut are required in places like video production sites, this is less important for individual users or for applications involving still images. sRGB compatibility and the capacity to reproduce the Adobe RGB color gamut are key points of LCD monitors that handle still images.
The visual differences between Adobe RGB (photo at left) and sRGB (photo at right). Converting a photograph in the Adobe RGB color gamut to the sRGB domain results in the loss of highly saturated color data and loss of tonal subtleties (i.e., a susceptibility to color saturation and tone jumping). The Adobe RGB color gamut can reproduce more highly saturated colors than sRGB color. (Note that the actual colors displayed will vary with factors such as the monitor used to view them and the software environment. The sample photographs should be used for reference only.)
In general, the LCD monitors currently available for use with PCs have color gamuts capable of displaying nearly the entire sRGB gamut, thanks to the specifications for their LCD panels (and panel controls). However, given the rising demand mentioned above for reproducing color gamuts broader than sRGB, recent models have expanded the color gamuts of LCD monitors, with Adobe RGB serving as one target. But how is such expansion of LCD monitor color gamuts taking place?
Improvements in backlights account for a significant proportion of the technologies expanding the color gamuts of LCD monitors. There are two major approaches to doing this: one involves expanding the color gamut of cold cathodes, the mainstream backlight technology; the other involves RGB LED backlights.
On the subject of color-gamut expansion using cold cathodes, while strengthening the LCD panel"s color filter is a quick fix, this also lowers screen luminance by decreasing light transmissivity. Increasing the luminance of the cold cathode to counter this effect tends to shorten the life of the device and often results in lighting irregularities. Efforts to date have overcome these drawbacks to a large extent; many LCD monitors feature cold cathodes with wide color gamuts resulting from modification of their phosphors. This generates cost benefits as well, since it makes it possible to expand the color gamut without major changes in the existing structure.
Use of RGB LED backlights has increased relatively recently. These backlights make it possible to achieve higher levels of luminance and purity of color than cold cathodes. Despite certain disadvantages, including lower color stability (i.e., radiant-heat problems) than a cold cathode and difficulty in attaining a uniform white color across the entire screen, since it involves a mixture of RGB LEDs, these weaknesses have been resolved for the most part. RGB LED backlights cost more than cold-cathode backlights and are currently used in a fairly small proportion of LCD monitors. However, based on their efficacy in expanding color gamuts, the number of LCD monitors incorporating the technology will likely increase. This is also true for LCD televisions.
In passing, many LCD monitors that extol wide color gamuts promote the area ratios of specific color gamuts (i.e., triangles on the xy chromaticity diagram). Many of us have probably have seen indications of attributes such as Adobe RGB rates and NTSC rates in product catalogs.
However, these are only area ratios. Very few products include the entire Adobe RGB and NTSC color gamuts. Even if a monitor featured a 120% Adobe RGB ratio, it would remain impossible to determine the extent of the difference in RGB values between the LCD monitor"s color gamut and the Adobe RGB color gamut. Since such statements lend themselves to misinterpretation, it is important to avoid being confused by product specifications.
To eliminate problems involving labeled specifications, some manufacturers use the expression "coverage" in place of "area." Clearly, for example, an LCD monitor labeled as having Adobe RGB coverage of 95% can reproduce 95% of the Adobe RGB color gamut.
From the user"s perspective, coverage is a more user-friendly, easier-to-understand type of labeling than surface ratio. While switching all labeling to coverage presents difficulties, showing in xy chromaticity diagrams the color gamuts of LCD monitors to be used in color management will certainly make it easier for users to form their own judgments.
With regard to the difference between area labeling and coverage labeling as gauges of an LCD monitor"s color gamut, to use Adobe RGB as an example, in many cases, even a monitor with an Adobe RGB ratio of 100% in terms of area will feature coverage of less than 100 percent. Since coverage impacts practical use, one must avoid the mistake of seeing a higher figure as automatically better.
When we check the color gamut of an LCD monitor, it"s also important to remember that a wide color gamut is not necessarily equivalent to high image quality. This point may generate misunderstanding among many people.
Color gamut is one spec used to measure the image quality of an LCD monitor, but color gamut alone does not determine image quality. The quality of the controls used to realize the full capabilities of an LCD panel having a wide color gamut is crucial. In essence, the capacity to generate accurate colors suited to one"s own purposes outweighs a wide color gamut.
When considering an LCD monitor with a wide color gamut, we need to determine if it has a color-gamut conversion function. Such functions control the LCD monitor"s color gamut based on the target color gamut, such as Adobe RGB or sRGB. For example, by selecting sRGB mode from a menu option, we can adjust even an LCD monitor with a wide color gamut and high Adobe RGB coverage so that the colors displayed on screen fall within the sRGB color gamut.
Few current LCD monitors offer color-gamut conversion functions (i.e., feature compatibility with both Adobe RGB and sRGB color gamuts). However, a color-gamut conversion function is essential for applications demanding accurate color generation in the Adobe RGB and sRGB color gamuts, such as photo retouching and Web production.
For purposes requiring accurate color generation, an LCD color monitor lacking any color-gamut conversion function but having a wide color gamut can actually be a disadvantage in some cases. These LCD monitors display each RGB color mapped to the color gamut inherent to the LCD panel in eight bits at full color. As a result, the colors generated are often too vivid for displaying images in the sRGB color gamut (i.e., the sRGB color gamut cannot be reproduced accurately).
Shown here are examples of an sRGB color gamut photograph displayed on an sRGB-compatible LCD monitor (photo at left) and on an LCD monitor with a wide color gamut but incompatible with sRGB and with no color-gamut conversion function (photo at right). While the photograph at right appears vivid, saturation is unnaturally high in parts of the photo. We also see a significant departure from the colors envisioned by the photographer, as well as so-called memory colors.
In more than a few cases, as expanding LCD monitor color gamuts result in the capacity to reproduce a wider range of colors and more opportunities to check colors or adjusting images on monitor screens, problems such as breakdowns in tonal gradations, variations in chromaticity caused by narrow viewing angles, and screen display irregularities, less conspicuous at color gamuts in the sRGB range, have become more pronounced. As mentioned earlier, the mere fact of incorporating an LCD panel with a wide color gamut does not ensure that an LCD monitor offers high image quality. On this subject, let"s take a close look at various technologies for putting a wide color gamut to use.
First we look at technologies to increase gradation. Key here is the internal gamma-correction function for multi-level gradation. This function displays eight-bit input signals on screen in each RGB color from the PC side after first subjecting them to multi-level gradation to 10 or more bits in each RGB color inside the LCD monitor, then assigning these to each RGB eight-bit color deemed optimal. This improves tonal gradations and gaps in hue by improving the gamma curve.
On the subject of the viewing angle of an LCD panel, while larger screen sizes generally make it easier to see differences, particularly with products with wide color gamuts, variations in chromaticity can be an issue. For the most part, chromaticity variation due to viewing angle is determined by the technology of the LCD panel, with superior ones showing no variation in color even when viewed from a moderate angle. Setting aside the various particulars of LCD panel technologies, these generally include in-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), and twisted nematic (TN) panels, listed from smaller to larger chromaticity variation. While TN technology has advanced to the point at which viewing angle characteristics are much improved from several years back, a significant gap remains between this technology and VA and IPS technologies. If color performance and chromaticity variation are important, VA or IPS technology remains the better choice.
A uniformity-correction function is a technology for reducing display irregularities. The uniformity referred to here refers to colors and brightness (luminance) on screen. An LCD monitor with superior uniformity has low levels of screen luminance irregularities or color irregularities. High-performance LCD monitors feature systems that measure luminance and chromaticity at each position on screen and correct them internally.
This is a comparison of monitors with and without uniformity correction. An LCD monitor with uniformity correction (photo at left) has more uniform luminance and color on screen than one lacking uniformity correction (photo at right). The two photographs above have been adjusted to equalize levels to emphasize display irregularities. Actual irregularities would be less conspicuous.
To make full use of an LCD monitor with a wide color gamut and to display colors as the user intended, one needs to consider adopting a calibration environment. LCD monitor calibration is a system for measuring colors on screen using a special-purpose calibrator and reflecting the characteristics of the colors in the ICC profile (a file defining device color characteristics) used by the operating system. Going through an ICC profile ensures uniformity between the color information handled by graphics software or other software and the colors generated by the LCD monitor to a high degree of precision.
Software calibration refers to following the instructions of specialized calibration software to adjust parameters such as luminance, contrast, and color temperature (RGB balance) using the LCD monitor"s adjustment menu, approaching the intended color through manual adjustments. Graphics driver colors are manipulated in some cases in place of the LCD monitor"s adjustment menu. Software calibration features low cost and can be used to calibrate any LCD monitor.
However, variations in precision can arise since software calibration involves manual adjustment. Internally, RGB gradation can suffer because display balance is matched by thinning RGB output levels using software processing. Even so, use of software calibration will likely make it easier to reproduce colors as intended than using no calibration at all.
In contrast, hardware calibration is clearly more precise than software calibration. It also requires less effort, although it can be used only with compatible LCD monitors and entails certain setup costs. In general, it involves the following steps: calibration software controls the calibrator; matching color characteristics on screen with target color characteristics and directly adjusting the LCD monitor"s luminance, contrast, and gamma-correction table (look-up table) at the hardware level. Another aspect of hardware calibration that cannot be overlooked is its ease of use. All tasks through the preparation of an ICC profile for the results of adjustment and registering this to the OS are done automatically.
The EIZO LCD monitors currently compatible with hardware calibration include models in the ColorEdge series. The FlexScan series uses software calibration. (Note: As of January 2011, FlexScan monitors compatible with EasyPIX ver. 2 offer hardware calibration functionality.)
By combining a ColorEdge-series monitor with a calibrator and ColorNavigator special-purpose color-calibration software, one can achieve easy, precise hardware calibration.
In the next session, we will examine LCD monitor interfaces and a number of video interfaces for LCD monitors, including the latest generation of interfaces such as HDMI and DisplayPort.
The best touch screen monitors allow you to interact with your desktop computer via tap, swipe and pinch-to-zoom. Alternatively, you can install it as a secondary monitor to use with an office-based laptop.
In this article, we"ve gathered together the best touch screen monitors available today – in a range of sizes from 21 inches to a special ultrawide monitor(opens in new tab) that"s 49 inches. If you"re after a smaller secondary monitor that can be carried with your laptop for use on the go, see our list of the best portable monitors(opens in new tab). (Portable monitors can also be had with touch sensitivity, but they"re smaller and are powered by your laptop"s battery, so they don"t need their own power supply.)
If you"ve already researched the best monitors for photo editing(opens in new tab) or the best video editing monitors(opens in new tab), you may have realized that none of them are touch screen monitors. But why not? Why would you consider choosing a new monitor without touch sensitivity?
After all, the best touch screen monitor will add an extra, more ergonomic form of user input, so must be better, right? Well, it"s not quite that simple. At the bottom of this page, you"ll find tips on what to look for when buying a touch screen monitor, including connectivity, size, and that all-important image quality.
Its special articulating stand transitions the display from a standard desktop monitor to a downward 60-degree angle touch orientation. It also supports extended tilt and swivel capabilities, so you can adjust the screen to your task or a more comfortable position. Plus, a protective cushion at the base of the screen offers a buffer against bumps when the stand is fully compressed.
The ViewSonic TD2230 boasts upmarket image quality thanks to its IPS LCD display that provides better color and contrast consistency, regardless of your viewing position, while the 1920 x 1080 screen res is high enough for crisp image clarity when spread across the 21.5-inch panel size. 250 cd/m2 max brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio are pretty typical, while HDMI, DisplayPort and analog VGA connectors ensure you"ll be able to hook this monitor to pretty much any computer running Windows 10, Android or Linux.
Want a larger than average touch screen monitor? This 27-inch offering is our pick, as it"s based around an IPS LED-backlit display. That translates more dependable color accuracy and contrast that won"t shift depending on whether you"re viewing the centre of the screen or the corners.
The Full HD resolution is spread a little thin across a 27-inch display, so images will look slightly pixelated, but this is an unavoidable compromise you have to make if you want a touch screen monitor larger than 24 inches. The PCT2785 does score well in terms of versatility though, as you get a built-in HD webcam and microphone, making it great for homeworking(opens in new tab) and video conferencing.
The T272HL boasts a slightly above-average 300cd/m2 brightness, along with 10-point capacitive multi-touch. There are also a pair of 2w internal speakers, and the stand allows a large 10-60 degrees of tilt to enhance touch ergonomics.
If you can get past the uninspiring black plastic design of the Philips 242B9T, this touch screen monitor has a lot to offer. It should be easy to connect to pretty much any computer, thanks to its full array of HDMI, DVI, VGA and DisplayPort connectivity and included cables for all but DVI. It"s even got its own built-in 2W stereo speakers, while the clever Z-hinge stand allows a huge -5 to 90 degrees of tilt adjustment, making it extra-ergonomic when using the 10-point capacitive multi-touch display.
At 21.5 inches, the Asus VT229H is one of the smaller touch screen monitors on this list, but it still sports the same Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution as larger 24 and even 27-inch touch screen displays, meaning you get more pixels per inch and slightly crisper image quality. This is also an IPS LCD, with wide 178 x 178-degree viewing angles and reliably consistent color and contrast, regardless of your viewing angle.
Most touch screen monitors are just that: a monitor, with a touch interface. But this 21.5-inch display also adds a pair of 2W stereo speakers for sound output, along with dual-array microphones and a built-in webcam for video conferencing. The IPS LCD display panel ensures decent color and contrast uniformity, while the Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution is easily enough to for crisp image quality on a screen this size.
The square black exterior is typical of Lenovo"s business-orientated products and may not be to everyone"s taste. Plus you"ll need to connect via DisplayPort only, as there"s no HDMI input. But otherwise this touch screen monitor offers a lot for a very reasonable price.
The obvious drawback with a touch screen monitor is the aforementioned size restrictions because if you want one larger than 27 inches, you"re out of luck. The next step up in size for touch screen monitors are 50+ inch displays designed for corporate presentations rather than home computing.
Even most 27-inch touch screen monitors have the same Full HD 1920 x 1020 resolution as their smaller 21-24-inch stablemates. So you"re not actually getting more pixels, only bigger ones. This can make your images just look more blocky unless you sit further away from the screen.
It"s not just outright screen resolution where touch screen monitors can fall short of their non-touch alternatives. Top-end screens designed for image and video editing are often factory color calibrated: they use LCD displays that can display a huge range of colors, or feature fast refresh rates for smoother video playback and gaming. However, touch screen monitors aren"t intended for color-critical image or video work: they tend to be all-purpose displays designed for more general applications like web browsing and basic image viewing.
Connectivity also tends to be compromised on touch screen monitors. You can forget about USB-C hubs(opens in new tab) with Power Delivery, and even DisplayPort connections can be a rarity.
These are the two primary forms of touch input. Resistive touch requires you to physically press the screen (which itself is slightly spongy) for it to register an input. It"s a cheaper form of touch input, and a resistive touch screen is also tougher than a capacitive equivalent, so they"re popular for use in ATMs and retail checkouts.
However, resistive technology doesn"t support multi-touch and won"t give the same fluid sensitivity as the touch screens we"re now accustomed to on phones and tablets. Consequently, most modern touch screen monitors use capacitive touch screens supporting 10-point multi-touch. These operate exactly like a phone or tablet"s touch screen, requiring only a light tap, swipe, or pinch to register inputs. All the monitors on this list use 10-point capacitive touch screens.
Put simply, even the best iMacs(opens in new tab) and MacBooks(opens in new tab) don"t support touch screen monitors. Consequently, all the touch screen monitors on this list will only work with Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and some Linux and Android operating systems.
Not all LCD monitors are created equal. LCD displays use three types of construction - IPS (In-Plane Switching), VA (Vertical Alignment), and TN (Twisted Nematic). Each one of these three LCD types exhibits noticeably different image quality characteristics, clearly visible to the average user.
For image and video editing, TN-based monitors should really be avoided. These are the cheapest to manufacture and deliver compromised image quality thanks to their restrictive viewing angles. This results in highly uneven color and contrast across the screen, effectively hiding shadow and highlight detail in your images. IPS-based monitorsare the gold standard for image quality. These produce color and contrast that doesn"t shift depending on which part of the screen you look at, making image editing much more precise. Most of the touch screen monitors on this list are IPS-based, and the rest are VA-based monitors. These can"t quite match the image quality of an IPS monitor but are much more color-accurate than a TN screen.Round up of today"s best deals
Line weight will fluctuate depending on personal preference, but we recommend the “light and thin” option to start. You can always adjust this later. You can also adjust your drawing weight and line thickness by adding a pen cover or a small weight to the pen stylus.
For more on pen tablet and monitor sizes, refer to the “Match your hand movements with the movements on the screen” section in the article“Must-Know Tips to Improve Your Tablet Drawing Experience!”
Wacom’s Intuos series is a high-quality line of pen tablets that covers a wide range from beginners to advanced users. The pen is about the same thickness as a mechanical pencil or ballpoint pen, so it fits comfortably in your hand. Additionally, there is no need to insert batteries into the pen, making it light and easy to handle.
The benefit of the Wacom brand is that large electronic retailers often have samples displayed in stores that you can try out before purchasing them. After you do buy one, you can then download the drawing software you prefer,such asPainter Essentials 8orClip Studio Paint PRO. In the case of the Wacom Intuos S, which does not support Bluetooth, the drawing software that can be downloaded is limited, but the purchase cost of the pen tablet is cheaper. If you have already purchased drawing software, we recommend choosing this pen tablet option.
It has drawing capabilities as well as pen pressure sensitivity. The pen tablet’s drawing surface is very smooth, and the pen tip sinks into the pen as you apply pressure. The depression in the tablet’s surface results in a strong pen pressure deflection.
The Intuos Pro pen tablet model has 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity. This is double the level of the standard Intuos model and allows for smoother drawing. Its high-precision allows for nuanced line work, such as calligraphy or comic book inking. With an Intuos Pro pen tablet, you can adjust line strength and depth using pen pressure. It also supports pen tilt, so you can sketch using the side of the pen stylus in drawing programs that also support this. This is a tablet that an artist of any level would feel confident in purchasing.
The surface of the tablet has a moderate amount of friction, mimicking how it feels when you draw on paper. This model also has wireless Bluetooth capabilities, which helps keep the area around your desk less cluttered, even if the tablet itself is large.
This tablet supports pen tilt which is very rare for a tablet of this price. This pen tilt is a bit trickier than the Apple Pencil and other stylus, so it might take you some time to get used to it. You might not notice it when doing normal pen strokes.
The stylus pen comes with two side buttons and the tablet itself features 8 buttons, which you can use to set your own shortcuts. Download the driver to customize and optimize your workflow. When you install the driver and set it, you can also change the orientation of the tablet to work best with you, whether you are right-handed or left-handed.
It has a low price point without sacrificing the drawing comfort and quality of a Wacom pen tablet. The parallax between the pen tip and the cursor is minimal, which allows for accurate drawing. The pen slides with ease, producing long natural pen strokes. It has 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity and supports pen tilt so you can draw intuitively. The pen itself is also durable, so you don’t have to worry about applying force to it when drawing. Its cables are bundled into a single cable, with the end of the cable split into multiple plugs, which helps to reduce desk clutter. Overall, its structure is very solid and durable.
However, it may be necessary to additionally customize it. For example, there is no button on the main unit to register shortcuts. If you want to access these buttons, you need the optional ExpressKey Remote or other handheld device to do so. Furthermore, it does have a stand but is attached to the body of the tablet, and the angle is fixed at 19 degrees. If you purchase the optional stand, you can change the angle anywhere from 19 to 68 degrees. So, if you are particular about your drawing set-up, you may need to make additional investments.
The screen color accuracy isn’t as good as Wacom’s top models, but it is still more than enough for hobbyists. If you want to draw color illustrations professionally, however, we recommend the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 model.
The Wacom One is a monitor tablet developed and sold by Wacom. Price-wise, it is one of the more affordable of its type, even for first-time digital artists.
While this affordability comes at the cost of slightly lower image quality and color accuracy, a slight delay in strokes and 4096 levels of pen pressure, the tilt detection and pressure are very accurate, allowing for linework comparable to high-end models.
The tablet can be connected to Android devices as well, and with a smartphone and drawing app that supports pen pressure, you can start drawing with a monitor tablet even if you don’t own a PC.
While high-end stylus pens such as the pro pen are unavailable, the pre-packaged Wacom One Pen is exceptionally lightweight, easy to use, and doesn’t need recharging. In addition to the Wacom One Pen, stylus pens with EMR technology from renowned art supply manufacturers suchasStaedlercan be used, allowing you to experiment with a variety of pens.
This tablet doesn’t cost a lot but has everything you need to create at a professional level and even has full lamination on the screen. However, the cable is located on the right side (on the side opposite from the shortcut keys) so it might be hard using a mouse together with this tablet.
It feels good when you draw on this tablet and it responds in the way you want. The smooth line drawing is nice, but when you try to make more varied strokes you can see how the tapering might leave something to be desired. You can customize the 8 shortcut key buttons and the roller wheel. The keys respond to even light touch and the wheel has a satisfying feeling when you rotate it.
The pen has two side buttons, similar to a Wacom stylus but does not have anything on the back end. This will be important for people who are used to being able to use the back of the pen as an eraser.
Included with this display tablet is a stand that you place the tablet on top of and it did not budge while we were testing it. Also included with this tablet are a glove and screen cloth. This might be the tablet for you if you are looking for a display tablet with the right specs while on a budget.
This is Wacom’s tablet PC. Drawing software is not included, so you need to purchase it separately. It runs Windows, so you can use graphic software such as Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and SAI. It sports 8192 levels of pen pressure and has excellent responsivity. This tablet PC is highly recommended for those transitioning from paper to digital as it also supports pen tilt, so if you sketch with a program that also supports this feature, such as Clip Studio Paint, you can draw digitally using the side of the pen as if you were drawing traditionally with pencil and paper. Drawing with Clip Studio Paint’s watercolor brush also makes it easy to create shades that match pen pressure, making drawing incredibly intuitive.
Getting a high-end model like this allows you to draw illustrations with a lot of layers or comics with many pages without worrying if your PC can handle the workload. The 15.6-inch model weighs about 2.10 kg or 4.6 lbs, which is a bit heavier than other tablet PCs, but still a good choice if you want to carry it outside and draw.
The Surface Pro isn’t a tablet PC solely for drawing. Rather, it is a tablet PC that you can also draw with. By purchasing optional peripherals, you can tailor it according to your needs.
Word and Excel come with this product so if you get the keyboard as an add-on, then you can also use this device for business to create documents and reports. On the other hand, you can also download drawing software and get the Surface Slim Pen 2 as an option to take advantage of the pen pressure functionality and get to drawing.
Surface Pro works well as a drawing tablet because combined with the Surface Slim Pen 2, you can enjoy 4096 levels of pen pressure as well as tilt to get an experience not that different from traditional drawing.
The original kickstand attached to the device is well made and helpful for artists because it allows you to angle your device as needed without having to purchase any additional peripherals. Microsoft also took into consideration those who draw while at a desk when designing the Surface series.TheSurface GO, for example, has a 10 inch display, which is a good size for drawing on the go. The specifications for it aren’t as high end as the Surface Pro, but if you want to keep your start-up costs low, it is a good option to consider.
This powerful tablet comes with the S-Pen, which boasts 4,096 levels of pen pressure sensitivity. Take advantage of this LCD pen tablet for amazing variations in your brushstrokes. The S-Pen is a slim stylus, much like a pencil, making it easy to grip.
The main difference between this tablet and the iPad with Apple pencil is that you can use the cursor to hover over elements on screen to bring up menus. This means changing brush size, shape, and more will be easier while you are drawing.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series uses the same digital pen technology (EMR) as Wacom. Response speed has been improved 30% compared to the Galaxy Tab S7. This tablet is great for drawing lines smoothly and quickly. It is compatible with Wacom’s Electro Magnetic Resonance (EMR) technology so you can even use other styluses like the Hi-uni DIGITAL for Wacom, sold separately.
There is a storage area on the back of the tablet to safely place your S-Pen. It will stay in place because the storage compartment is magnetic and will also charge the pen. The S-Pen allows you to perform “air actions” that are customizable gestures with your pen. Press down the S-Pen button while doing the action to perform these shortcuts.
Clip Studio Paint comes pre-installed on the Galaxy Tab and you can use it for free for six months. Try it out if you are curious about transitioning to a tablet for drawing or just want to try out Clip Studio Paint.
Take advantage of Companion mode in Clip Studio Paint and use your smartphone as a handheld shortcut remote when you connect it to your Galaxy Tab via Wi-Fi. Take advantage of having your controls offscreen to make full use of the 12.4 inch canvas the screen provides.
The color gamut and parallax aren’t as good as the iPad Air, but this doesn’t interfere with drawing, and overall, its cost-performance ratio is high. The same Apple Pencil can be used on either model, so both devices feel the same when drawing on them. It also supports the Smart Keyboard.
The cheapest model will have the least amount of storage capacity, but if you use a drawing software like Clip Studio Paint that offers cloud storage, you can draw without worrying about space. Also, please be aware that there is a risk that OS upgrades might eventually be phased out.
The Apple Pencil has excellent line tracking and draws smoothly on the 10.9-inch iPad Air. It also supports pen tilt, so if you sketch with a program that also supports pen tilt, such as Clip Studio Paint, you can draw digitally using the side of the pencil as if you were drawing traditionally with pencil and paper. Apple Pencil pairing can be set up by Bluetooth and the stylus charges from the magnet on the side of the tablet, making it extremely simple to use. The Apple Pencil produces lines that are the thickness of a pencil, and despite being heavier than one, it is still easy to use. There are no variations of the pen body and nib (as of April 2022).
The combination of the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil is extremely smooth, and it is now even simpler than ever to use. It can now be attached to the iPad Pro via magnet, which allows it to both pair and charge. However, this makes grip customization tricky as it might prevent it from being paired or charged. Because of this, there are now some grips that leave the area that connects to the iPad unobstructed, so we recommend looking into those if you want a customized grip for your Apple Pencil.
The iPad Pro is bigger than the iPad Air, but still a good portable size for using it around the house or in a cafe. It has a large screen for a tablet that gives a nice, big drawing surface. The specs of the iPad Pro are good enough to be used in professional settings. There are professional illustrators and manga artists who create works only with iPad Pro.
Although the price point for a Wacom tablet is higher compared to many other manufacturer’s tablets, pen refills and stylus replacements are readily available and easy to buy. It is also safe in terms of maintenance, allowing the tablet to be used for a long time before it needs replacing. It’s hard not to go with a top brand and leader in drawing tablets!
The Surface Pro and the iPad Pro are also available to try at many consumer electronics retailers. However, they may be located in different sections of the store, as apple and windows products are usually separated. At some stores, you can even draw with software such as Clip Studio Paint. However, unlike a drawing tablet, it is not a device developed exclusively for drawing, so even if you can use a pen with it, some stores may not offer this option.
Unlike drawing with a pencil on paper, a monitor tablet is made up of multiple panel layers. These layers cause a gap between the physical pen tip position and the digital line input location. This is the most common cause of the inability to draw lines when drawing with a pen monitor for the first time. You may be able to improve the situation by getting used to your monitor tablets particular parallax or by calibrating your pen’s position.
Whether you’re just starting in digital creation, want to add a twist to your visual thinking or looking to improve your digital expression, Wacom One delivers a great experience. It comes with all the essentials to spice up your digital life. There’s the natural pen feel on the 13.3” screen, the included creative software – even the ability to connect to certain Android devices. And it’s compatible with leading pen brands too. Open up new possibilities with Wacom One.
Sketch, draw and paint directly on screen and enjoy natural surface friction with minimal reflection. Imagine a pen that uses software to make it the tool you want it to be: paintbrush, pen, marker, pencil, chalk or eraser. The only limit is your imagination.
With the familiar feeling of pen on paper, Wacom One lets you capture ideas, create mind-maps, draw diagrams and more, before sharing them easily with friends and colleagues.
With Wacom One, you get more than just a creative pen display. You have everything you need to get off to a flying start. Our included Bonus Pack is ready and waiting for you. And conveniently, Wacom One is compatible with your computer, as well as certain Android tablets and phones.
This product works with devices capable of running the latest version of Chrome OS. Google is not responsible for the operation of this product or its compliance with safety requirements. Chromebook is a trademark of Google LLC.
With Collaboard people collaborate in real-time by drawing on the whiteboard, adding sticky notes, documents, images, videos and much more. People visualize their ideas, brainstorm, create mind maps and much more on a shared board.
Whether you need to create a presentation or explainer video, guide or task others, explain any topic or design a project, this one’s for you. You can quickly share the results of your thinking with others or collaborate on a project with a group.
Kami transforms any existing document into canvas for expression or an interactive learning experience. Work collaboratively in real-time and ignite creativity with an array of annotation tools accessible with your Wacom pen display and Wacom pen tablet.
Limnu offers a full-featured online whiteboard with the best collaborative drawing surface on the market. People know how to use it because it looks and feels like a physical whiteboard and yet it is fast and fluid with remote participants.
Founded by educators, Pear Deck makes it easy for teachers to build and launch interactive presentations within Google and Microsoft classroom tools, helping students engage with their teacher, classmates, and new ideas, every day.
Get ready to create, convert, edit, sign, and draw on any PDF across desktop, mobile, and web. People everywhere are taking charge of their document solutions with Foxit PDF Editor, and now you can too. Use Foxit with your Wacom device to quickly customize, mark up, sign, and manage your PDF documents. Subscription length
Used to working with pen and paper? Well, there"s a new digital world waiting for you. When working on a pen display, your pen can act as different pencils and brushes in a whole range of colors – bundled software ensures you can easily change color or brush size, all with the same pen. And the fact you can easily edit and update work makes Wacom One the ideal product for budding creatives and keen note takers.
Add Wacom One to your Android smartphone* and you basically add an extra digital canvas to your favorite tool. Ideal for working on your notes, editing your latest images, or whatever other use you need more space for. Plus, the pens of Wacom One and your Android can be used on both devices.
There are more than 35 years of learning and innovation behind Wacom One, each one working towards the vision of enabling digital creativity. It’s here, and it’s for everyone. Switch on.
Eliminate smudges and reduce friction between screen and hand. The drawing experience never felt so good with the Wacom Drawing Glove. Simply draw with confidence.
Designed with eco-friendly recycled materials, the Wacom Drawing Glove allows you to draw with the freedom of knowing you are helping the world we live in. Recycled Polyester and Spandex offer breathability, stretch and durability for a comfortable fit. Feel comfortable drawing anything, and know that you’re contributing to a better environment.
Use the Wacom Drawing Glove and enjoy a natural drawing experience. Say goodbye to unnecessary smudges, fingerprints and minimize friction from hand to screen or pen tablet. And with everything clearly visible on screen, nothing comes between you and your creation. Now, you’re free to draw comfortably for hours.
Wacom Drawing Glove’s unique fingerless design and seamless edge allows for a natural working experience. Focus on your drawing and access touch functionality on screen as well as the keyboard. Designed to work perfectly whether you"re left or right-handed. Sound good? You’ll find it feels good too.
Humidity: 30 to 90% RH (non-condensing) (Maximum storage humidity is 90% at a temperature of 45 deg. C, and maximum storage temperature is 60 deg. C at a humidity of 30%)
Specifically designed nibs for use with Wacom One Pen (CP91300B2Z). These Standard Nibs come in a set of 5, and can be easily attached to the tip of your Wacom One Pen to replace worn nibs.
The Wacom One replacement pen is designed for use Wacom One creative pen display (DTC133). The pen is cordless, battery-free with 4096 levels of pressure and a programmable side-switch to put shortcuts at your fingertips.
Copyright © 2018-2022 Wacom. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used with their permission.
These products work with devices capable of running the latest version of Chrome OS and have been certified to meet Google"s compatibility standards. Google is not responsible for the operation of these products or their compliance with safety requirements. Chromebook and the Works With Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC. Pen must be used with the tablet to function with Chrome OS.
There are plenty of new and confusing terms facing TV shoppers today, but when it comes down to the screen technology itself, there are only two: Nearly every TV sold today is either LCD or OLED.
The biggest between the two is in how they work. With OLED, each pixel provides its own illumination so there"s no separate backlight. With an LCD TV, all of the pixels are illuminated by an LED backlight. That difference leads to all kinds of picture quality effects, some of which favor LCD, but most of which benefit OLED.
LCDs are made by a number of companies across Asia. All current OLED TVs are built by LG Display, though companies like Sony and Vizio buy OLED panels from LG and then use their own electronics and aesthetic design.
So which one is better? Read on for their strengths and weaknesses. In general we"ll be comparing OLED to the best (read: most expensive) LCD has to offer, mainly because there"s no such thing as a cheap OLED TV (yet).
Take this category with a grain of salt. Both TV types are very bright and can look good in even a sunny room, let alone more moderate indoor lighting situations or the dark rooms that make TV images look their best. When it comes down to it, no modern TV could ever be considered "dim."
At the other side of light output is black level, or how dark the TV can get. OLED wins here because of its ability to turn off individual pixels completely. It can