Readable Text Size - 1920x1680 (23") Vs. 2560x1440 (27") Vs. 2650x1600 (30")

Collider

Senior member
Jan 20, 2008
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Thinking of replacing my current Acer 23" with something larger mostly because I find myself zooming in a lot during web surfing so larger text would make it easier to read, that and I can use more pixels on the screen.

I'm considering a few models 27" @ 2560x1440 and 30" @ 2650x1600 and trying to figure out if increased screen size combined with above listed resolutions will increase or decrease "actual" size on the screen.

So for example if I was to view the same 100x100px image would it appear larger or smaller on these screens? Or if there's any reference available online for "actual" size across monitor models?

Thanks.
 

Throckmorton

Lifer
Aug 23, 2007
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Look at the dot pitches of each monitor.

Also, if you're using Windows 7 or Vista you can adjust font size and the OS will scale pretty well.
 

toyota

Lifer
Apr 15, 2001
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press and hold down the “ctrl” button while you briefly press the “+” key and there you go...
 
Mar 10, 2005
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with a 24" 1920x1080, i set windows text at 125% and i zoom browsers to 150%. i would expect 150% windows and at least 150% browser with 2650x1600.
 

zuffy

Senior member
Feb 28, 2000
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Assuming what you typed is a typo, you are running 1920 x 1080 in a 23". That has a pixel pitch of 265 and you want a 27" running @ 2560 x 1440 that has a much smaller pixel pitch of 233? You will be zooming in more if you go that route. Just get a 27" running at 1920 x 1080.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_pitch
 

crisium

Platinum Member
Aug 19, 2001
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Aye, Zuffy be right. Get a 27" at 1920 for the big pixels. 27' at 2560 would be even worse dpi than your current.

Even 30" at 2560 would probably be barely worse than your current. But at least you get more pixels, so that is an option if you don't mind continued zoom in. But yeah, 27" 1920 is what you want.
 

ocre

Golden Member
Dec 26, 2008
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i got a 25 inch 1920 x 1080 and the extra inch really seems to make a big difference to me. It is for sure my sweet spot. I know the 1 inch doesnt seem like much but it really does seem like a perfect fit compared to the other 1080s i have been around. its a good balance for my taste
 

Collider

Senior member
Jan 20, 2008
522
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Thanks for the replies, after all the feedback I think I may go for a larger size 1920x1080.

Perhaps this de-branded HP found it on NewEgg under $200 seems like a great deal http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824228033

The only argument that I still have left for 2560x1440 or 2650x1600 is that I would benefit from IPS panel, I do some occasional design work and IPS would be great but still quite pricey.
 

Imp

Lifer
Feb 8, 2000
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I always thought 27" 1920x1200 would be perfect. My 24" 1920x1200 is really pushing it - I need to override font sizes in Explorer, and have boosted text in Win 7 to the larger size.

The new 27" or even 30" 2560x.... monitors look and sound cool, but wow the text must be small.
 

zuffy

Senior member
Feb 28, 2000
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The sweet spot for me is a 25.5" @ 1920 x 1200. I love my 27" @ 2560 x 1440 though. I thought the DPI would be too small in my 15.6" laptop running @ 1920 x 1080 but it's not so bad.
 

Throckmorton

Lifer
Aug 23, 2007
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My 24" 1920x1200 LCD was perfect, but when it died I started using my 32" 1920x1080 TV. I placed it about 2x the distance from my eyes. Somehow that's perfect too.
 

Collider

Senior member
Jan 20, 2008
522
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The sweet spot for me is a 25.5" @ 1920 x 1200. I love my 27" @ 2560 x 1440 though. I thought the DPI would be too small in my 15.6" laptop running @ 1920 x 1080 but it's not so bad.

Do you find with 27" any difficulty reading and need to zoom? Also how far away are your eyes from the monitor, I sit about 24-28" away..
 

toyota

Lifer
Apr 15, 2001
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Do you find with 27" any difficulty reading and need to zoom? Also how far away are your eyes from the monitor, I sit about 24-28" away..
have you paid attention to the other comments? a 27 inch 2560x1440 screen would have MUCH SMALLER text than your 23 inch 1920x1080. plus its a physically larger screen that you would sit further away from which would compound the smaller text issue. its really just simple math and common sense.
 
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WMD

Senior member
Apr 13, 2011
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If you just want something larger go with the 27" 1920x1080 Samsung S27A950D. The color reproduction on that is as good or better as an IPS. Zooming isn't the ideal solution as it makes images lose sharpness.
 

zuffy

Senior member
Feb 28, 2000
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Do you find with 27" any difficulty reading and need to zoom? Also how far away are your eyes from the monitor, I sit about 24-28" away..

I am normally 24" away from the screen and have no problem reading text without zoom. Once in awhile I will come across a website where I have to zoom in but that is rare. Obviously, the higher dpi will be easier for the eyes. My main priority is real estate so the higher the resolution the better. Just make sure your eyes can deal with the smaller dpi.